Southwest Airlines plans $25 million renovation for St. Louis baggage claim area

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Southwest Airlines plans $25 million renovation for St. Louis baggage claim area

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By Sky Industry News

Dec 8, 2024

Southwest Airlines is set to begin a $25 million renovation of the baggage claim area at Lambert Airport in St. Louis. The project, which has been planned since 2018, faced delays due to airport privatization efforts and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Originally, Southwest intended to add a third baggage carousel at Terminal 2 of St. Louis Lambert International Airport. However, this plan was scrapped in favor of a scaled-down version aimed at reducing baggage congestion and improving efficiency. The St. Louis Airport Commission approved this revised plan on December 4th.

Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge explained that Southwest will fund the entire project while the city of St. Louis retains ownership of the terminal and its upgrades. The changes are expected to expedite checked baggage handling for departing passengers.

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Initially, Southwest had planned a $60 million upgrade involving new restrooms and a baggage service office, with funding through bonds sold by the city. This was altered when it became clear that Terminal 2 would eventually be phased out as part of long-term plans to consolidate terminals into one larger facility.

Construction on the current project is slated to start mid-next year and last for 18 months. Although some were disappointed about not adding another carousel, many understand why Southwest decided against investing in a short-lived system.

Southwest remains the largest airline at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, operating most flights from Terminal 2 where this project will occur.