San Antonio Itinerary

#San Antonio  #Amtrak  #Southwest Airlines 

Itinerary for September San Antonio

Travel Itinerary: St. Louis → Chicago → San Antonio → Atlanta → St. Louis

Dates: September 2nd – September 4th, 2025

Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025

Early Morning: Departure from St. Louis

Brentwood I-64 Metrolink

  • 4:00am – Meet at Brentwood I-64 Metrolink Station Parking Garage
    Address: 8398 Eager Rd, Brentwood, MO 63144
    Tip: Arrive early to park, gather, and ensure no one is late!

  • 4:15am – Board Metrolink (Red Line) toward downtown
    Destination: Gateway Station (Amtrak), 430 S 15th St, St. Louis, MO 63103

STL Gateway Station

  • 5:00am – Arrive at Gateway Station
    Tip: Be at the station at least 1 hour before train departure.

  • 6:30am – Amtrak Lincoln Service #302 departs St. Louis
    Destination: Chicago Union Station
    Duration: ~5 hours 10 minutes

Late Morning: Arrival in Chicago

Chicago - Union Station
  • 11:40am – Arrive at Chicago Union Station
    Address: 225 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606
    Tip: Stretch, freshen up, and keep your bags with you.

Midday: Layover in Chicago

  • 11:45am – 12:30pm – Free time
    Suggestions: Stay close to Union Station. Grab a coffee, quick bite, or explore the station.
    Metropolitan Lounge: Access with sleeping car ticket! Free snacks, drinks, comfy seats, charging stations.

  • 12:30pm – Start heading back to Union Station

  • 12:45pm – Arrive at Union Station, check in for Texas Eagle
    Tip: Don’t wander too far; boarding announcements can come early.

  • 1:30pm (est.) – Boarding call for sleeping car passengers
    Tip: Have tickets and ID ready.

Afternoon: Depart Chicago for San Antonio

The Texas Eagle
  • 1:52pm – Amtrak Texas Eagle #21 departs Chicago
    Route: Springfield, Alton, St. Louis, Poplar Bluff, Little Rock, and more.
    Overnight train: Quiet hours 10pm–7am.
    Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner (plus 1 complimentary alcoholic beverage per meal for 21+).

Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025

Evening: Arrival in San Antonio

San Antonio Amtrak

  • 10:30pm – Arrive at San Antonio Amtrak Station
    Address: 350 Hoefgen Ave, San Antonio, TX 78205

  • 11:15pm – Uber pickup (pre-scheduled) to hotel
    Hotel: LaQuinta Inn & Suites San Antonio Airport, 850 Halm Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78216

  • 11:30pm – Check in to hotel, rest after long journey

San Antonio - La Quinta Inn & Suites

Thursday, September 4th, 2025

Morning: Hotel Checkout

  • 10:00am – Be packed and ready

  • 11:00am – Hotel checkout
    Tip: Double-check for all belongings.

Afternoon: To the Airport

  • 12:15pm – Uber pickup (pre-scheduled) to San Antonio International Airport
    Terminal: Southwest Airlines, Terminal A

  • 12:20pm – Arrive at airport, check in for flight
    Tip: Allow time for security and lunch.

San Antonio Intl Airport

Flight Details

  • 2:25pm – Southwest Flight 1777 departs San Antonio (SAT)

  • 5:45pm (EST) – Arrive Atlanta (ATL)
    Note: Atlanta is 1 hour ahead of San Antonio (CST).

  • Layover: ~1 hour 35 minutes

  • 7:20pm (EST) – Southwest Flight 1887 departs Atlanta

  • 8:05pm (CST) – Arrive St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL), Terminal 2

Lamber STL Intl Airport

Evening: Return Home

  • 8:20pm – Uber pickup from STL Terminal 2 Arrivals (Ride Share Pickup Area)

  • 8:40pm – Arrive at Brentwood I-64 Metrolink Station Parking Garage

  • End of Journey: Drive home, rest, and enjoy the memories!

Quick Reference Checklist

  • Tickets/Confirmations: Amtrak, hotel, flights, Uber
  • Photo ID
  • Snacks/Water
  • Chargers/Power banks
  • Comfortable travel clothes
  • Medications/Essentials
  • Entertainment (books, headphones, etc.)
  • Masks/Hand sanitizer (if desired)

TSA Do’s and Do not’s for a smooth experience!

#Traveling  #TSA  #Security Tips 

Carry-On Packing Guidelines (TSA & Airline Compliant)

1. Know Your Bag Size Limits

  • Southwest Airlines Carry-On:
    • Carry-on bag: Max 24” (L) x 16” (W) x 10” (H) including wheels/handles.
    • Personal item: Max 16.25” (L) x 13.5” (W) x 8” (H) (e.g., backpack, tote, laptop bag).
  • Amtrak:
    • 2 free bags per person, up to 28” x 22” x 14” each, but stick to airline carry-on size for simplicity.

2. TSA Rules for Security

  • Liquids Rule (3-1-1):
    • All liquids, gels, aerosols must be in containers 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less.
    • All containers must fit in one clear, quart-sized zip-top bag.
    • One bag per passenger.
  • Prohibited Items:
    • No sharp objects (scissors >4”, knives, box cutters).
    • No firearms, pepper spray, or self-defense items.
    • No flammable items (lighters, matches, aerosols not for personal care).
    • No tools longer than 7 inches.
  • Electronics:
    • Laptops, tablets, and large electronics must be removed from your bag at security.
    • Power banks must be in carry-on, not checked (but you’re not checking bags anyway).

3. Packing List: What to Bring

Clothing (for 2 nights/3 days)

  • 2 tops (shirts/blouses)
  • 1-2 bottoms (pants/shorts/skirts)
  • 1 set of pajamas
  • 3 sets of underwear & socks
  • 1 light sweater or jacket
  • 1 pair of comfortable shoes (wear your bulkiest pair)
  • Optional: 1 extra pair of sandals/flip-flops (if needed)
  • Minimal accessories (hat, belt, jewelry)

Toiletries (TSA 3-1-1 compliant)

  • Toothbrush, travel-size toothpaste
  • Travel-size deodorant
  • Travel-size shampoo/conditioner/body wash (or use hotel/host’s)
  • Comb/brush
  • Razor (disposable or electric only)
  • Makeup (minimal, travel sizes)
  • Medications (in original containers, in your personal item)

Electronics

  • Phone & charger
  • Headphones/earbuds
  • Tablet/e-reader (optional)
  • Laptop (if needed for work/school)
  • Power bank (must be in carry-on)

Other Essentials

  • Travel documents (ID, boarding pass, tickets)
  • Wallet (cash, cards)
  • Sunglasses
  • Reusable water bottle (empty through security)
  • Snacks (solid only, no yogurt, soup, or spreads over 3.4 oz)
  • Book/magazine

4. What NOT to Pack

  • Liquids over 3.4 oz (full-size shampoo, water bottles, etc.)
  • Large scissors, knives, or tools
  • Full-size aerosol cans (hairspray, deodorant, etc.)
  • Food that is liquid or gel (yogurt, soup, peanut butter over 3.4 oz)
  • Multiple pairs of shoes (limit to 1-2 max)
  • Bulky jackets or sweaters (wear your heaviest on the plane/train)
  • Unnecessary electronics or valuables

5. Packing Tips

  • Roll, don’t fold clothes to save space and reduce wrinkles.
  • Use packing cubes or zip-top bags to organize.
  • Wear your bulkiest items (jacket, sneakers) while traveling.
  • Layer clothing for versatility.
  • Leave room for souvenirs if you plan to bring any back.

6. Personal Item Tips

  • Use a backpack or tote that fits under the seat.
  • Pack valuables, electronics, medications, and anything you’ll want in-flight/train.
  • Keep your liquids bag easily accessible for TSA screening.

Quick Reference: What Will Get You Stopped at TSA

  • Liquids over 3.4 oz (even water bottles!)
  • Sharp objects (knives, scissors >4”)
  • Large electronics not removed from bag
  • Unlabeled medications or suspicious items
  • Prohibited items (weapons, flammables, etc.)

Summary

  • Pack light: Only what you need for 2 nights/3 days.
  • Follow TSA 3-1-1 rule for liquids.
  • Stick to carry-on size limits.
  • No prohibited items.
  • Organize for easy security screening.

If it doesn’t fit in your carry-on or personal item, it’s not coming!