MCI

Kansas City Airport (MCI) Flights & Information

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Kansas City Airport (MCI) Flight Information

Find helpful information about Kansas City Airport (MCI) to aid in your flight search on Cheapflights.

Airport code

MCI

Daily departures

1,693

Daily arrivals

1,579

Most popular destination

ORD (Chicago)

Cheapest destination

PIE (Tampa)

Average flight price

$399
Average number of daily flights departing from MCI
Average number of daily flights to MCI
Average for round-trip flights in April 2025

Kansas City Airport Guide

Matt Meltzer
October 8, 2024

Kansas City is known for a lot of things – blues, barbecue, championship football with celebrity fans. And, for years, an oddly designed, uncomfortable airport. That changed in 2023 when Kansas City International Airport (MCI) opened its new terminal, beginning the process of creating one of the most convenient and amenity-filled airports in America.

It is, in essence, a brand-new airport on the same grounds, and has instituted upgrades like public art, streamlined security and immigration, and local food to become one of my favorite airport experiences. While KC isn’t a major hub, it’s still a 2-terminal airport with flights all over the country and to Mexico.

If you find yourself visiting, you might consider taking some extra time to explore all the new airport has to offer. Here’s a look at the best ways of getting around Kansas City International Airport (MCI), and where to go once you get there.

Arriving into the airport

You wouldn’t necessarily think of Kansas City as a place that revolutionizes international air travel, but the MCI Bags First system for international arrivals does wonders to streamline the arrivals process.

Rather than lining up for passport checks straight off the plane, Kansas City has passengers retrieve their bags at baggage claim, which is about 250 steps from the plane exit. This spreads out the number of people arriving at immigration, so those without checked bags go first. Then, the rest of the plane trickles in as their bags arrive.

KC is also delightfully quick with bag delivery, and I’ve never had more than 25 minutes elapse from exiting the plane to exiting the airport, even with a checked bag. Without a checked bag and with Global Entry, you can be out in under 10 minutes.

Domestic arrivals are even simpler. If you arrive in Terminal B, you’ll walk down a long corridor, then downstairs to baggage claim. Stop for a second and take a picture of Molton Swing, a music-inspired sculpture over the escalator made of steel and acrylic. If you’re in Terminal A, you’re already in the same terminal as baggage claim, so just follow the signs downstairs.

Getting to and from MCI by public transportation

Like a lot of American cities, Kansas City isn’t huge on public transportation and it’s not something I’ve ever used to get to the airport. That said, if you’re planning to stay downtown and won’t need a car during your stay, you can take the RideKC bus to downtown, which departs from the Commercial Curb in ground transportation.

Walk outside and turn left, then go all the way to the end of the terminal to post 2A. The bus arrives every hour at about 40 after the hour and takes an hour to get downtown. The bus is free.

You’ll also find a collection of shuttle vans and other ride services on the first curb across from the exit. These are far more efficient if you’re going somewhere other than downtown or don’t have time to take the public bus.

Uber and Lyft leave from the second curb across from the exit. If I’m not renting a car, this is by far the easiest way to get to my destination in KC, and rides aren’t terribly expensive.

Driving to and from the airport

MCI is about 20 minutes from downtown KC via Interstate 29. It’s the most direct route, and even with rush hour traffic will never take you more than 45 minutes. The main parking garage is across 4 lanes of traffic from the terminal and is the best place to park if you’re leaving your own car there.

The walk is less than 5 minutes, so I never need to budget extra time if I’m parking at the airport. The garage has a cost per day, so if that’s too expensive try the economy lots. They are much cheaper and have a free shuttle bus to the terminal – it takes about 10 minutes.

Interstate 435 – the highway loop around the city – also runs right by the airport and intersects with I-29 near the entrance. If you’re somewhere other than downtown that’s the easiest way to arrive. Rental cars are all in one, convenient rental car facility, about a 5-minute shuttle ride from the main terminal. The shuttle runs continuously and picks up right in front of the exit.

Security lines at MCI

The new security system at Kansas City International Airport is convenient with a central security checkpoint for all gates. The checkpoint has 16 lanes, with 6 in a designated TSA PreCheck section. Rarely are all 16 open, save for maybe the Monday after a big Chiefs game or during the holidays.

Still, the airport manages the lanes well, and I’ve rarely waited more than 2 minutes from the time I got in line to putting my bags on the x-ray belt. Without TSA PreCheck, that wait usually won’t be more than 5 minutes.

Souvenir shopping

Kansas City put a huge focus on having local businesses and makers in its new airport and the souvenir shopping reflects that.

My favorite place to find KC-centric merch is Made in Kansas City, filled with everything from sauces to sports memorabilia that’s a little more unique than what you’ll find at Hudson News. Made in KC is right after security, too, so if I want to bring some BBQ sauce or something liquid back as a souvenir, I’ll buy it here so I don’t have to check a bag.

Sports are huge in Kansas City, and if your little niece wants a “I’m rooting for Taylor Swift’s Boyfriend” shirt, this is definitely the place to get it. For more-general shopping, there’s an InMotion right across the walkway from Made in Kansas City.

Best places to eat and drink at MCI

In a lot of cities, the last place you want to try the signature local food is at the airport. Not the case in Kansas City. The airport has 2 commercial smokers onsite, and while it unfortunately doesn’t make the entire terminal smell like brisket, it does afford the airport some fantastic barbecue. The recipes don’t come from some centralized corporate kitchen, either.

The airport holds a barbecue competition among local pitmasters, and the winner has their barbecue served inside the airport. The menu is pretty much the same whether you stop at Meat Mitch right after security or the BBQ spot in Terminal B. You literally can’t go wrong with anything at either spot, and if I need one more fix of smoked meat before leaving KC this scratches that itch.

The City Market Food Hall in Terminal B also has some great options, like Buffalo State Pizza, Taste of Brazil and the Boulevard Brewing Beer Hall. The beer is just as good as at its main KC taproom, though if you don’t want to walk to Terminal B you can hit Martin City Brewing in Terminal A.

Two other experiences I absolutely love at this airport are Jay ‘Hootie’ McShanns Blue Bar – not live music but a cool blues soundtrack to accompany your meal – and the Director’s Cut Take 2 Barbershop. I’m not usually one to get my haircut at the airport, but the place has a full bar and super friendly barbers. If you just need a touch up before a big business trip, wait and get it here.

Lounges at the airport

Right now, the Delta Sky Club is the only lounge at Kansas City International Airport and it’s located in Terminal B. It’s 11,500 square feet and a delightful respite from the terminal if you happen to be flying Delta. It has an open bar, full buffet and more seating than it could ever fill. That said, if you’re not flying Delta you have no lounge options at MCI.

Pet relief areas

Another big bonus of being one of the newest airport terminals in the country is an abundance of pet relief areas. MCI has 2 post-security pet relief areas, so you won’t have any “where can my pet go” anxiety once you get through TSA. They’re both indoors, near Gates A8 and B54, convenient from pretty much any gate in either terminal.

If you arrive off an international flight and relieving your pet is the first order of business, MCI has a convenient relief area within customs and immigration right outside Gate A18. You’ll also find the airport’s lone outdoor pet relief area on the north end of the terminal, right outside baggage claim.

This Cheapflights-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.

Find flight deals to Kansas City

Cheapest flights to Kansas City
Explore the most affordable flight options available to Kansas City. Find the lowest fares based on data from user searches, with prices last updated on April 1, 2025.

Sat 4/265:05 pmDEN - MCI
Nonstop1h 45mFrontier
Mon 4/288:40 pmMCI - DEN
Nonstop2h 05mFrontier
Deal found 3/31$96
Mon 4/286:10 amDEN - MCI
Nonstop1h 35mSouthwest
Mon 5/56:45 pmMCI - DEN
1 stop5h 10mSouthwest
Deal found 3/31$149
Tue 4/299:05 pmDEN - MCI
Nonstop1h 39mUnited Airlines
Tue 5/611:34 amMCI - DEN
1 stop5h 56mUnited Airlines
Deal found 3/31$167
Sat 5/107:35 amEWR - MCI
1 stop11h 10mSpirit Airlines
Mon 5/1211:43 amMCI - EWR
1 stop22h 21mSpirit Airlines
Deal found 3/31$174
Tue 4/292:45 pmDEN - MCI
1 stop7h 11mAmerican Airlines
Tue 5/612:20 pmMCI - DEN
1 stop5h 47mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 3/31$177
Fri 4/255:05 pmDEN - MCI
Nonstop1h 45mMultiple Airlines
Sun 4/2710:25 amMCI - DEN
1 stop7h 50mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/31$193
Fri 4/251:00 pmDCA - MCI
1 stop7h 50mFrontier
Sun 4/278:40 pmMCI - DCA
1 stop24h 19mFrontier
Deal found 3/31$200
Fri 4/254:15 pmDEN - MCI
1 stop6h 00mDelta
Mon 4/285:44 pmMCI - DEN
1 stop6h 25mDelta
Deal found 3/31$205
Sat 5/102:30 pmLGA - MCI
1 stop19h 45mSpirit Airlines
Mon 5/1211:43 amMCI - LGA
2 stops30h 21mSpirit Airlines
Deal found 3/31$206
Sat 4/197:10 amDFW - MCI
Nonstop1h 56mAmerican Airlines
Wed 4/239:36 amMCI - DFW
Nonstop1h 51mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 3/31$224
Tue 5/611:02 pmDFW - MCI
1 stop18h 43mSpirit Airlines
Sun 5/119:07 pmMCI - DFW
1 stop13h 31mSpirit Airlines
Deal found 3/30$225
Mon 6/21:12 pmDFW - MCI
1 stop5h 54mFrontier
Fri 6/272:19 pmMCI - DFW
1 stop7h 19mFrontier
Deal found 3/31$229

Search for flights from Kansas City

Cheapest flights from Kansas City
Explore the most affordable flight options available from Kansas City. Find the lowest fares based on data from user searches, with prices last updated on April 1, 2025.

Mon 4/288:40 pmMCI - DEN
Nonstop2h 05mFrontier
Mon 5/55:05 pmDEN - MCI
Nonstop1h 46mFrontier
Deal found 3/31$77
Fri 5/27:55 pmMCI - DEN
Nonstop1h 50mSouthwest
Mon 5/510:15 amDEN - MCI
Nonstop1h 45mSouthwest
Deal found 3/30$119
Mon 4/286:45 pmMCI - DEN
1 stop5h 25mUnited Airlines
Mon 5/55:55 pmDEN - MCI
Nonstop1h 39mUnited Airlines
Deal found 3/31$157
Fri 5/28:41 pmMCI - DEN
Nonstop2h 07mMultiple Airlines
Sun 5/48:30 amDEN - MCI
1 stop10h 00mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/29$163
Thu 5/157:58 pmMCI - LAS
Nonstop3h 00mSpirit Airlines
Thu 5/222:15 pmLAS - MCI
Nonstop2h 48mSpirit Airlines
Deal found 3/31$168
Mon 4/282:04 pmMCI - LAS
Nonstop3h 03mMultiple Airlines
Wed 4/302:00 pmLAS - MCI
1 stop7h 59mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 3/31$172
Tue 5/135:46 amMCI - EWR
1 stop6h 13mSpirit Airlines
Thu 5/154:31 pmEWR - MCI
1 stop7h 10mSpirit Airlines
Deal found 3/31$184
Tue 4/2910:28 amMCI - DEN
1 stop6h 23mAmerican Airlines
Tue 5/63:49 pmDEN - MCI
1 stop7h 05mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 3/30$195
Fri 4/255:44 pmMCI - DEN
1 stop6h 25mDelta
Fri 5/23:10 pmDEN - MCI
1 stop7h 05mDelta
Deal found 3/29$197
Mon 4/218:35 pmMCI - LAS
1 stop5h 14mFrontier
Fri 4/259:19 amLAS - MCI
1 stop8h 31mFrontier
Deal found 3/31$198
Thu 5/810:15 amMCI - LGA
1 stop10h 45mSpirit Airlines
Sat 5/102:30 pmLGA - MCI
1 stop19h 45mSpirit Airlines
Deal found 3/31$201
Thu 5/157:58 pmMCI - SEA
1 stop6h 12mSpirit Airlines
Tue 6/36:00 amSEA - MCI
1 stop9h 45mSpirit Airlines
Deal found 3/30$206

Kansas City Airport (MCI) flight status

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Thu 4/3
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Reviews of airlines servicing Kansas City Airport (MCI)

Read reviews of airlines servicing Kansas City Airport (MCI). Use this information to make informed decisions when choosing an airline for your flight to or from Kansas City Airport (MCI). Reviews last updated April 1, 2025.
8.0
Very good
9,818 reviews

Comfort

7.9

Boarding

8.2

Entertainment

7.1

Crew

8.5

Overall

8.0

Food

7.1

Reviews

1 / 10
Very friendly. I really liked that they had water for us in cartons not plastic. Impressed with Alaska Airlines, First time I had flown them
8.0
Very good
9,818 reviews
8.0
Very good
9,818 reviews

Comfort

7.9

Boarding

8.2

Entertainment

7.1

Crew

8.5

Overall

8.0

Food

7.1

Reviews

1 / 10
Very friendly. I really liked that they had water for us in cartons not plastic. Impressed with Alaska Airlines, First time I had flown them
8.0
Very good
4,277 reviews
8.0
Very good
9,818 reviews

Comfort

7.9

Boarding

8.2

Entertainment

7.1

Crew

8.5

Overall

8.0

Food

7.1

Reviews

1 / 10
Very friendly. I really liked that they had water for us in cartons not plastic. Impressed with Alaska Airlines, First time I had flown them
8.0
Very good
7,899 reviews
8.0
Very good
9,818 reviews

Comfort

7.9

Boarding

8.2

Entertainment

7.1

Crew

8.5

Overall

8.0

Food

7.1

Reviews

1 / 10
Very friendly. I really liked that they had water for us in cartons not plastic. Impressed with Alaska Airlines, First time I had flown them
7.9
Good
2,344 reviews
8.0
Very good
9,818 reviews

Comfort

7.9

Boarding

8.2

Entertainment

7.1

Crew

8.5

Overall

8.0

Food

7.1

Reviews

1 / 10
Very friendly. I really liked that they had water for us in cartons not plastic. Impressed with Alaska Airlines, First time I had flown them
7.4
Good
8,614 reviews
8.0
Very good
9,818 reviews

Comfort

7.9

Boarding

8.2

Entertainment

7.1

Crew

8.5

Overall

8.0

Food

7.1

Reviews

1 / 10
Very friendly. I really liked that they had water for us in cartons not plastic. Impressed with Alaska Airlines, First time I had flown them

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