Lois Larson
Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is a public airport in Kansas City, Missouri, located 15 miles (24 km) northwest of Downtown Kansas City in Platte County, Missouri. The airport opened in 1972 and serves the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, including western Missouri and eastern Kansas. It is primarily a domestic airport with just a few international routes, including Mexico and Canada. The airport has a single terminal and 2 concourses with modern amenities, including dining, shopping, and comfortable seating areas. The airport offers a range of transportation options, including rental cars, ride-sharing services, shuttles, and the MetroBus. Kansas City International Airport provides facilities for customs and immigration checks for international arrivals, and it is recommended that passengers on international flights arrive at least three hours before their scheduled departure time to accommodate these additional procedures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Kansas City International Airport |
| Airport Code | MCI |
| Location | Kansas City, Missouri, Platte County, USA |
| Distance from Downtown Kansas City | 15 miles (24 km) |
| Year of Opening | 1972 |
| Total Area | 10,680 acres |
| Number of Runways | 3 |
| Type of Airport | Public, Civilian |
| Ownership | City of Kansas City |
| Primary Users | Kansas City Metropolitan Area, Western Missouri, Eastern Kansas |
| Number of Passengers (2023) | 11.5 million |
| Security | VMD Corp, TSA, FAA, Airport Police Division |
| Immigration | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) |
| Customs | U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) |
| Facilities | Car Rental, Parking, Dining, Shopping, Seating Areas |
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What You'll Learn
Kansas City International Airport's history and renovations
Kansas City International Airport (IATA: MCI, ICAO: KMCI, FAA LID: MCI) is located in Platte County, Missouri, 15 miles (24 km) northwest of downtown Kansas City. The airport was originally known as the Mid-Continent International Airport, named after Mid-Continent Airlines, which served the Mid-continent Oil Field. The name Mid-Continent dates back to 1938 when Hanover Airlines moved its headquarters to Kansas City from Sioux City, Iowa.
The Great Flood of 1951 destroyed the facilities of both of Kansas City's airlines, Mid-Continent and TWA, at Fairfax Municipal Airport. In the wake of this disaster, the city decided to build a new airport with sufficient land for a 10,000-foot runway. Construction began in September 1954, and the first runway was completed in 1956. Kansas City International Airport opened in 1972, replacing Kansas City Municipal Airport (MKC) as the primary passenger airport for Kansas City.
In 1966, Kansas City raised a $150 million bond to build an airport with TWA's help, envisioning it as a hub for global travel connecting the Midwest to the world. However, security concerns in the 1970s led to the need for a security checkpoint at each gate, which proved costly. When the city denied TWA's request for a new terminal, the airline moved its operations to St. Louis.
Kansas City International Airport has undergone significant upgrades and renovations over the years. In 2004, it completed a $258 million terminal restoration, and in 2019, Terminal A was demolished to make way for a new $1.5 billion terminal designed by SOM Architects. This new terminal, featuring 40 gates with room for expansion, opened on February 28, 2023, marking a total transformation of the passenger experience in Kansas City. The terminal boasts modern amenities, upgraded technology, convenient gate access, and a wide range of local food and beverage options. It is also the largest all-glass facility in the United States, with glass passenger boarding bridges at every gate.
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Immigration and Customs Information
Kansas City International Airport (MCI) uses Simplified Arrival, an enhanced international arrival process that uses facial biometrics to automate the manual document checks that are already required for admission into the United States. Facial biometrics provide travellers with a touchless process that further secures and streamlines international arrivals while fulfilling a longstanding congressional mandate to biometrically record the entry and exit of non-U.S. citizens.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security. It is charged with the management, control, and protection of the nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is responsible for securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel. Almost a million times each day, CBP officers welcome international travellers into the United States, screening both foreign visitors and returning U.S. citizens using a variety of techniques to ensure global tourism remains safe and strong.
The CLEAR program is available at Kansas City International Airport and is a verified PreCheck provider. Travellers can enrol onsite at MCI with no appointment needed. CLEAR is located on the Departures level and is open Monday through Sunday, 6 am to 6 pm. To enrol, bring your passport.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) is the government agency that oversees lawful immigration to the United States and administers the nation's lawful immigration system. CIS has 21,000 government employees and contractors working at more than 200 offices across the world.
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Transportation and parking options
Kansas City International Airport offers a variety of transportation and parking options for travellers and those picking them up. For those driving to the airport to pick someone up, it is recommended to park at the airport and wait inside. There is a free cell phone waiting lot at 680 Brasilia Ave, which is just a few minutes away from the airport. This lot has restrooms and parking stalls for various types of vehicles, including buses, limos/vans, taxis, and ride-share services like Uber and Lyft. The lot has a maximum wait time of 45 minutes, and unattended vehicles will be towed.
The airport also offers a full-service parking facility with a 24/7/365 valet service. The valet drop-off area is located inside the parking garage across from the check-in hall. As you arrive at the departures roadway, you can follow the signs to veer left into Valet Drive. Your valet will greet you, assist with luggage, perform a visual inspection of your vehicle, collect your phone number, and scan your return itinerary. When you return, you can call ahead, and your vehicle will be waiting for you.
Other parking options include the Surface Lot, Economy Lot, and Park Air Express. The Parking Spot MCI offers both short-term and long-term parking near the airport, with secure and well-lit locations.
In terms of transportation, the airport provides several shuttle bus services. The Economy Bus arrives every 15-20 minutes, and the Gray Rental Car Bus arrives every 5-10 minutes. These buses are free and wheelchair-accessible, offering 24/7 transportation between the parking lots and the terminal. The "Blue Buses" also provide free transportation between the Economy Parking Lots and the terminal.
Additionally, travellers can utilise limousine or taxi services to and from the airport. It is recommended to research these services carefully, as the Kansas City Aviation Department does not endorse any specific company.
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Amenities and dining options
Kansas City International Airport has a wide range of amenities and dining options for travellers to enjoy. For those looking for a quick bite to eat, the airport offers a variety of grab-and-go options, including a Dunkin' in Ticketing, vending machines in Baggage Claim, and four locations that are open 24 hours: &Go at Gate B58, Aeguna, Mother Earth Coffee, and &Go, all in Baggage Claim.
For travellers seeking a more substantial meal, the airport boasts nearly 50 eateries, bars, and stores, many of them local. Notable dining options include Bloom Baking Co., which serves fresh-baked pastries, breakfast sandwiches, cookies, and coffee drinks; Hearth Locavore Kitchen, a dine-in restaurant featuring ingredients from local farms, ranches, and producers; and Meat Mitch, a local favourite known for its barbecue dishes. Other options include Auntie Anne's for pretzel snacks and drinks, and Made of KC Food Hall, which offers a variety of local specialties.
For those interested in shopping, the airport offers a range of options, including The Market at 18th & Vine, which sells hats, apparel, craft sodas, and popcorn; Old World Spices & Seasonings, featuring barbecue rubs, seasonings, spices, and sauces; and Turn the Page KC by WH Smith, offering travel essentials, books, and souvenirs.
In addition to dining and shopping, Kansas City International Airport also provides other amenities such as a food hall and various services. The specific details of these services are not mentioned, but they are likely to include common airport offerings such as lounges, restrooms, and possibly even spas or similar wellness offerings.
The airport also has a range of dining options located nearby, such as Smokehouse BBQ, Whiskey River Pizza & Pub, and Burger Theory at the Holiday Inn Kansas City Airport. For those seeking Italian cuisine, Bravo Zona Rosa and Granite City Food & Brewery are excellent choices, with the latter offering award-winning hand-crafted microbrews and an on-site brewery.
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Security and protection services
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ensures the airport system is safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible, meeting the needs of travellers. The FAA also provides information on packing safely for aircraft.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for security screening at the airport, with VMD Corp as its contractor. The TSA works with the FAA and airport police to ensure a safe and efficient passenger screening experience. The TSA PreCheck program allows members to enjoy a smoother screening process, with no need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets. TSA PreCheck is available at MCI Concourses B and C checkpoints from 2 pm to 10 pm daily.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security. CBP officers facilitate lawful trade and travel, enforcing laws and screening foreign visitors and returning U.S. citizens to ensure global tourism remains safe. The Global Entry program allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk international travellers upon arrival in the U.S.
The CLEAR program, available at the airport, offers faster security clearance and shorter wait times through biometric authentication and advanced technology. It is located on the Departures level and operates from 6 am to 6 pm daily.
The airport also has a Terminal Improvement Project (TIP) that began in April 2001, which included upgrades to security measures, such as new video security cameras, access control components, and audio messaging equipment. The Field Maintenance Division of the Aviation Department is responsible for maintenance and repairs to security infrastructure.
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Frequently asked questions
MCI stands for Mid-Continent International Airport.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) is the government agency that oversees lawful immigration to the United States and administers the nation's lawful immigration system.
Kansas City International Airport (MCI) has modern amenities, including dining, shopping, and comfortable seating areas. It also has a baggage claim on level 1, along with Customs and Immigration for international arrivals.
