STL Lambert was my home airport for years, but I now live in SAN. I departed earlier today after visiting family for Thanksgiving, and I hate to say that it is very depressing, despite the terminal upgrades. The checkin area was virtually empty, the temporary AC is a very poor offering, and the terminal overall just feels bare.

On the plus side, this seems to be the only airport where I'm able to clear TSA precheck.

I don't suppose Lambert will ever be what it used to be, but I just wish the energy level were a bit higher there -- part of why I enjoy traveling is the airport hustle-and-bustle. ORD was jumping this evening -- while I'm sure those departing from Chicago didn't enjoy the somewhat longer security lines, at least it feels like a real airport.