Airport Security Guide

St. Louis (STL) Security Tips

STL has 2 security checkpoints with TSA PreCheck lanes and CLEAR biometric lanes. Security is busiest 5:30–8:30 AM and 3–6 PM. Use the Leave-By Time calculator to fold the modeled STL wait forecast, your drive, and gate-walk into one exact departure time.

How many security checkpoints does STL have?

STL has 2 security checkpoints across 2 terminals (1, 2). TSA PreCheck dedicated lanes are available, giving members a faster, bin-free screening experience. PreCheck is open at the main checkpoints during regular screening hours, though an individual lane can close off-peak. CLEAR biometric kiosks are also deployed at STL, letting enrolled members skip the ID-verification queue entirely. See CLEAR at STL for details.

When is STL security busiest?

STL security lines are typically longest during 5:30–8:30 AM and 3–6 PM. Outside those windows, wait times drop substantially — check the STL wait forecast for the current picture before you head out. General guidance:

• Domestic flights: arrive at least 2 hours before departure; 2.5 hours during peak periods.
• International flights: arrive at least 3 hours before departure to cover check-in, security, and any customs pre-clearance.

Not sure when to leave? The Leave-By Time calculator uses the modeled STL wait forecast, real-time traffic, and your gate-walk distance to give you an exact departure time. Also see how early to arrive at the airport for a full breakdown by flight type.

Which STL security checkpoint is fastest?

Terminal 1 (East) checkpoint is usually faster than Terminal 2 (West) on peak weekday mornings.

CLEAR is available at STL and can be stacked with TSA PreCheck for the fastest path through security: CLEAR handles the biometric ID verification, PreCheck handles the bin-free lane. If you frequently travel through STL during peak windows, combining both programs is the most effective approach. See CLEAR at STL for kiosk locations and current status.

What are the top STL airport security tips?

These tips are specific to St. Louis (STL) and verified against current airport configuration:

• STL was right-sized after its peak hub era and now primarily handles origin-destination traffic; the current terminal has two concourse groups fed by two checkpoints.
• Baseline queues at STL are shorter than comparable-size airports — the airport is notably less congested than it appears on the map.
• CLEAR and PreCheck are both available; given short baseline waits, CLEAR provides the most relative benefit during the occasional peak surge.
• Southwest is one of the largest carriers at STL; Terminal 2 (West) serves Southwest and can see leisure-travel backups on Friday evenings.
• The MetroLink light rail connects STL Airport to downtown St. Louis in about 38 minutes — an economical, traffic-proof alternative to parking.

Does STL have TSA PreCheck?

Yes — STL has TSA PreCheck lanes at its security checkpoints. PreCheck members keep shoes, belts, light jackets, laptops, and 3-1-1 liquids packed, and pass through a dedicated screening lane. Membership costs $85–$100 for five years and includes a Known Traveler Number (KTN) you add to every booking.

See live PreCheck wait times and current lane status on the STL TSA PreCheck page. That page also covers which terminals have a PreCheck lane, enrollment locations, and how PreCheck compares to CLEAR and Global Entry at STL.

Global Entry interviews can be completed at STL itself — via an on-site enrollment center or Enrollment on Arrival after an international flight — and membership includes TSA PreCheck. See Global Entry at STL for locations and hours.

STL security at a glance

See also: Live STL TSA wait times · TSA PreCheck at STL · CLEAR at STL · How early to arrive at the airport