If you're flying with Delta Air Lines through St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), knowing what to expect from the Delta Airlines STL Terminal can help make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. While Delta is not the dominant carrier at STL, it maintains a steady and reliable presence for domestic travelers. In this honest review, we’ll walk through the Delta terminal experience at STL, covering everything from check-in to boarding, amenities, and more—giving you a realistic picture based on current operations.

Terminal Overview

Delta Airlines STL Terminal operates out of Terminal 1 at St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL). This terminal is one of two main terminals at STL and serves several major carriers, including American Airlines and United. Delta’s operations are mainly centered around Concourse A, which houses its gates, check-in counters, and baggage claim.

At first glance, Terminal 1 at STL may feel a bit dated compared to newer or recently renovated airports. However, it’s generally clean, functional, and fairly easy to navigate. The signage is clear, and the terminal is compact, so there’s not a lot of walking required between check-in and your gate—which is a plus for families and elderly passengers.

Check-in and Baggage Drop

Check-in for Delta Airlines STL Terminal is located on the upper level of Terminal 1. Delta offers several check-in options including staffed counters, user-friendly kiosks, and app-based mobile check-in. The process is usually efficient and moves relatively quickly unless you’re traveling during peak morning or afternoon hours.

The staff at the check-in counters are generally courteous and professional, although service levels can vary depending on how busy the area is. Delta does a good job providing adequate signage and support for passengers checking bags or needing special assistance. For frequent flyers or those with Medallion Status, the Sky Priority lanes help expedite the check-in process and minimize waiting times.

Security and TSA Screening

Security screening at Terminal 1 is handled by the TSA and, depending on the time of day, lines can range from short to moderate. Fortunately, Delta’s gates in Concourse A are easily accessible post-security, and the wait time is usually less than 20 minutes for standard screening. If you’re enrolled in TSA PreCheck, you’ll benefit from much faster access.

The TSA staff at STL are known for being reasonably professional and efficient. The security area itself isn’t particularly modern, but it gets the job done without major inconvenience.

Gate Area and Boarding Process

Once you’re past security, Delta’s gates in Concourse A are well marked and close together. Seating at the gate areas is generally sufficient, although it can get crowded during high-volume travel times. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the concourse, and there are adequate charging stations—though not as many as you might find in newer terminals.

Delta’s boarding process is structured and usually on time. The gate agents are informative and keep passengers updated on flight status. Priority boarding is offered to those in First Class, Medallion members, and families traveling with young children.

Food, Shopping, and Amenities

The Delta Airlines STL Terminal offers a modest range of food and shopping options. Terminal 1 features a few well-known eateries including Starbucks, Chili’s, and The Great American Bagel. While the options aren’t extensive, they do cover the basics and are good enough for a quick bite before your flight.

Retail outlets include Hudson News, tech stores, and small souvenir shops. Don’t expect luxury shopping or gourmet dining—STL’s offerings are more functional than fancy. That said, everything is easy to access and rarely overcrowded.

Unfortunately, one area where STL falls short is lounge access. Delta does not operate a Sky Club at STL, so premium travelers will need to wait at the gate or explore public dining areas. This is a noticeable gap, especially for business travelers used to lounge access in larger hub airports.

Baggage Claim and Ground Transportation

Baggage claim is located on the lower level of Terminal 1 and is usually prompt and orderly. Delta’s baggage handling at STL is generally reliable, with few reports of major delays or lost luggage. Car rental desks and ground transportation—including rideshare, taxi, and public transit—are all easy to access directly outside the terminal.

Final Verdict

In summary, the Delta Airlines STL Terminal experience is functional, efficient, and relatively stress-free, though not luxurious. The terminal itself could benefit from modernization, but it remains a solid option for domestic travelers. Check-in and security are reasonably fast, boarding is well organized, and the gate areas are user-friendly. The main downsides are the lack of a Sky Club lounge and limited dining options—but for most travelers, those are minor issues in the context of a smooth overall experience.