Are MCI and KCI airports the same?

Kansas City International Airport is referred to as both MCI and KCI. The official IATA code for the airport is MCI as the airport was originally called Mid-Continent International Airport.

Is MCI in Kansas or Missouri?

Kansas City International Airport is located in the state of Missouri. The airport is located 15 miles northeast of downtown Kansas City, MO.

What airlines fly out of Kansas City Airport?

The following airlines operate out of Kansas City International Airport: Air Canada Alaska Airlines American Airlines Allegiant Air Apple Vacations Delta Air Lines Frontier JetBlue Airways Spirit Airlines Southwest Airlines Sun Country Airlines United Airlines Vacation Express Viva Aerobus

Does Southwest fly to Kansas City?

Southwest Airlines operates out of Kansas City International Airport from gates B54 to B69.

How early should I get to the Kansas City airport?

Kansas City International Airport recommends completing check-in 2 hours before your scheduled flight. Contact the airline to see how busy check-in can be so that you can allow the necessary time for queues.

Is MCI open 24 hours?

MCI is open 24 hours. However, the security checkpoints, check-in counters, shops, and restaurants are only open during specific hours.

Kansas City International Airport [MCI]

Q: Is Kansas City building a new airport?

In early 2023, MCI consolidated all flight operations into a brand new spacious terminal, improving gate access, modernizing facilities, and integrating local businesses for dining and shopping opportunities.

Kansas City International Airport (MCI), or KCI, as it’s commonly known, served 11.7 million passengers pre-pandemic in 2019, making it the second-busiest year in the airport’s history.

In early 2023, MCI consolidated all flight operations into a brand-new spacious terminal, improving gate access, modernizing facilities, and integrating local businesses for dining and shopping opportunities.

MCI is primarily a domestic airport with just a few international routes, including Mexico and Canada.

Here’s what you need to know about getting around MCI.

Quick Information

Airport: Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
Terminal: 1 terminal and 2 concourses — A and B
Airport Address: 1 International Sq., Kansas City, MO 64153
Distance From Downtown Kansas City: 15 miles (24 km)
Websites: flykci.com
Phone Number: 816-243-5237
Passengers Served: 11.7 million (pre-pandemic)
Destinations Served: 44 domestic and 2 international destinations
Flight Information: Departures and arrivals info can be found online

MCI Terminal Map

Kansas City International Airport map. Image Credit: Kansas City International Airport

Airlines Operating From MCI

Air Canada
Alaska Airlines
American Airlines
Allegiant Air
Apple Vacations
Delta Air Lines
Frontier
JetBlue Airways
Spirit Airlines
Southwest Airlines
Sun Country Airlines
United Airlines
Vacation Express
Viva Aerobus

MCI Airport Terminal

The new terminal is situated northwest of the old Terminals B and C, which will eventually be demolished. Access roads run along the front of the terminal with 2 levels for departures and arrivals, and a new parking garage sits directly opposite the terminal with over 6,000 spaces.

Level 1 — Arrivals

Kansas City International Airport Arrivals — Kansas City International Airport arrivals. Image Credit: Kansas City International Airport

Baggage claim is located on level 1 along with Customs and Immigration for international arrivals. There are a few cafes and shops in the arrivals hall, and passengers can access ground transportation and the parking garage outside the terminal.

Level 2 — Check-in

Check-in is located on level 2, with the airline desks at either end of the terminal and the security checkpoints in the middle. Passengers can be dropped off at the arrivals curb outside or cross over from the parking garage. There’s a café in the check-in area, but all other restaurants and shops are inside the secure area.

Level 2 — Departures

Once clearing security, passengers will arrive at Concourse A, where there are 13 gates on the same level. Gates A1 to A6, A8, and A10 are to the right and A12, A14, A16, A18, and A20 are to the left. Many shops and restaurants are in the central area and down either end of the concourse.

To reach Concourse B, passengers must continue forward from the security checkpoint along the corridor with moving walkways. Concourse B has 27 gates, with gates B40 to B49 to the right and gates B54 and B56 to B68 to the left. There’s a good selection of shops and restaurants in the concourse and a Delta Sky Club near the concourse entrance.

Inter-terminal Transport

Now that MCI only has 1 terminal, getting around the airport is pretty easy without moving between multiple buildings. The light and spacious walkway to Concourse B is 635 feet (193 meters) and there are moving walkways to help travel the distance.

As there is only 1 security checkpoint for both concourses, passengers can move freely between all airside areas for flight connections, provided they don’t need to collect luggage between flights.

Security and Customs at MCI

MCI has 1 security checkpoint with 16 lanes. The opening hours vary according to the flight schedule. Usually, this is at least 2 hours before the first flight departure, but if you plan to arrive earlier, check with your airline.

TSA PreCheck

MCI has TSA PreCheck lanes at the security checkpoint. Opening hours vary, so input your day of travel and arrival time into the TSA website for the schedule.

MCI does not have a TSA Enrollment Center, with the nearest located 4.5 miles away inside Staples at 8450 NW Prairie View Rd.

Global Entry

MCI has Global Entry kiosks for expedited clearance of pre-approved passengers.

The airport has a Global Entry Enrollment Center in the international arrivals area of the terminal on level 1.

CLEAR

MCI participates in CLEAR, a program for expedited security clearance using eye and fingerprint scanning instead of showing an ID at the security checkpoint. The CLEAR lanes are available from 4 a.m. to 1 a.m.

MCI Airport Lounges

Delta Sky Club MCI Seating with Bar — Image Credit: Delta Air Lines

An 11,000-square-foot Delta Sky Club is now open for eligible passengers.

Lounge	Location	Opening Hours	Day Pass Fee per Person**
Delta Sky Club	Concourse B, at the concourse entrance	Daily: 4:15 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.	N/A

Airport Dining and Drinks at MCI

MCI has around 30 restaurants, cafes, and grab-and-go food counters, with most located inside the secure area.

MCI Airport Wi-Fi and Charging Points

MCI provides free Wi-Fi for passengers and visitors. To connect, select “KCI_FREE_WiFi” from the available connections.

Charging Stations: Some charging points are around the terminal and at the departure gates.

MCI Airport Lost and Found

If you lose an item at Kansas City International Airport, contact the relevant department depending on where you misplaced the item:

General Areas Such as Restaurants, Shops, Toilets, and Any Areas Outside the Security Checkpoints: Call 816-243-5237
Parking Lots or Red and Blue Buses: Call 816-243-5201
Security Checkpoints: Submit an online inquiry to VMD Corp
Ticketing Counters, Departures Lounges, and Onboard an Aircraft: Contact your airline
Rental Car Facility or in a Rental Car: Contact the rental company

Additional Airport Information

Information Services

Airport Ambassadors can be found throughout the airport to provide directions and assistance with inquiries. Ambassadors are recognizable by their red blazers.

Baby Facilities

MSI has 9 nursing rooms located across the terminal and concourses. These are located:

In the southern area of the baggage claim
In the international arrivals baggage claim area
At the far ends of both the north and south check-in desks
Concourse A:
- After the security checkpoint
- At the south end of the concourse, near Urban Café
Concourse B:
- Near gate B49
- Near gate B57
- Near gate B61

Pet Relief Areas

MSI has 3 pet relief areas located at:

Concourse A:
- At the south end of the concourse, near Urban Café
- Near gate A8
Concourse B: Opposite gate B54

Duty-free

There are no duty-free shops at MCI.

Smoking Areas

There are no smoking lounges at MCI. Smoking is only permitted in designated areas outside of the terminal.

Money

ATMs are at the far ends of the north and south check-in desks.

There are no currency exchange services at MCI.

Medical Center

There is no dedicated medical center at MCI.

Luggage

MCI does not have any luggage storage facilities.

Important MCI Phone Numbers

Customer Service: 816-243-5237

Lost and Found: 816-243-5237

Travel To and From MCI

Transportation Options

Kansas City International Airport Commercial Curb — Kansas City International Airport commercial curb. Image Credit: Kansas City International Airport

Public transport, ride shares, and shuttles are available from the commercial curb (second roadway) on level 1. Passengers must cross over the first roadway and look for the color-coded signs for their desired transportation.

MetroBus

RideKC bus route 229 operates between MCI and downtown Kansas City daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Information on maps and schedules can be found online. RideKC buses pick up from the light blue area signposted 2A.

Shuttles and Limousines

Shuttles can be arranged in advance or on arrival at MCI. Check out these shuttle companies that operate from the airport or visit the information counter in arrivals for more information. Limousine services are also available. Shuttles pick-up from the red area signposted 3J to 3N.

Rideshare

Rideshare operators, including Lyft and Uber, operate from Kansas City International Airport and pick up from the purple area signposted 2K to 2N.

Taxis

Courtesy telephones are located in the baggage claim areas to arrange a taxi. You can also get in touch with the operator by calling 816-243-2345. Taxis pick up from the yellow area signposted 3A to 3D and charge $2.50 plus $2.10 per mile with a trip to downtown Kansas City costing around $53, excluding tip.

Driving to MCI

Arriving From Downtown Kansas City

Take US-169 N and use the left lane to merge onto I-29 N/US-71 N toward KCI Airport/St. Joseph. Keep right to continue on I-29 N and take exit 13 towards KCI Airport. Keep left and merge onto N. 120th St. and continue onto Cookingham Drive for access to the terminal.

Arriving From Overland Park

Take Metcalf Avenue to I-635 N in Mission and follow I-635 N and I-29 N/US-71 N. Take exit 13 towards KCI Airport. Keep left and merge onto N. 120th St. and continue onto Cookingham Drive for access to the terminal.

MCI Airport Parking Information

Kansas City International Airport Parking — Kansas City International Airport parking. Image Credit: Kansas City International Airport

MCI offers a range of covered, uncovered, short- and long-term parking options to suit your travel plans.

Short-term Parking

Garage Parking

The garage parking lot is outside the new terminal and offers the quickest and most convenient parking. The maximum clearance for the garage is 8 feet 2 inches and there are 52 EV and 4 EV ADA charging spots on level 4, row E.

Duration	Cost
First 30 minutes	$1
30 to 60 minutes	$3
1 to 8	$3 per additional hour
8 to 24 hours	$25 total

Long-term Parking

Surface Lot Parking

The surface lot offers uncovered parking closer to the terminal than the economy parking lot. Passengers can walk through the terminal parking lot to reach the surface lot.

Duration	Cost
First 30 minutes	$1
30 to 60 minutes	$3
1 to 8	$3 per additional hour
8 to 24 hours	$18 total

Economy Parking Lot

The economy parking lots are located on the outskirts of the airport property near I-29, and blue shuttle buses transport passengers to and from the terminal, as walking is impossible. Electric vehicle charging points are available in the economy lots. Economy parking charges a flat fee of $7.50 per 24-hour period.

Valet Parking

Valet parking is in the terminal garage lot and is signposted as you drive in.

Duration	Cost
0 to 4 hours	$12
4 to 8 hours	$3 per additional hour
8 to 24 hours	$32 total

Pick-up or Drop-off Parking

MCI has a cell phone waiting lot at 680 Brasilia Ave., Kansas City, MO 64153. Visitors may wait for free for up to 45 minutes until they receive a call for curbside pick up.

Off-site and Hotel Parking

Parking at Kansas City International Airport is not the most expensive we’ve seen, but booking something a little cheaper is possible.

Daily parking is available from $4 per day when you book with airportparkingreservations.com. These hotels and off-site parking lots operate courtesy buses to and from the airport to provide a great affordable option.

Parking for Passengers With Disabilities

Parking for passengers with disabilities is available in all airport-operated parking lots and all airport buses are accessible with wheelchair lifts and kneeling capabilities.

Parking Contact Number

General parking inquiries: 816-243-5870

Car Rental at MCI Airport

The rental car center is near the terminal at 1 Nassau Cir., Kansas City, MO 64153. Passengers must ride the grey shuttle bus to the rental center that departs from the commercial curb outside the terminal.

These companies are available at the rental car facility:

Alamo: 816-243-5770
Avis: 816-464-6200
Budget: 816-243-5757
Dollar: 800-800-5252
Enterprise: 816-243-5770
Hertz: 800-654-4173
National: 816-243-5770
Payless: 816-464-6200
Thrifty: 877-283-0898

Hot Tip: Check out these credit cards that include rental insurance as a benefit and avoid paying insurance fees with your rental agency.

MCI Airport Hotels

The Kansas City Airport Marriott is located on airport property on the edge of the Berlin Reservoir. There’s a good selection of 2- and 3-star hotels in the area, located around 1.6 miles from the airport.

Hotel	Address and Phone Number	Star Rating	Distance From MCI (Miles)
Kansas City Airport Marriott	775 Brasilia Ave., Kansas City, MO 64153 816-464-2200	3	0.8
KCI Lodge	11300 NW Prairie View Rd., Kansas City, MO 64153 816-464-5082	2	1.6
Extended Stay America – Kansas City – Airport	11712 NW Plaza Cir., Kansas City, MO 64153 816-270-7829	2	1.8
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Kansas City Airport	11812 NW Plaza Cir., Kansas City, MO 64153 816-464-0525	3	1.8
Fairfield Inn & Suites Kansas City Airport	11820 NW Plaza Cir., Kansas City, MO 64153 816-464-2424	3	1.8
Hampton Inn Kansas City-Airport	11212 N. Newark Cir., Kansas City, MO 64153 816-464-5454	3	1.9
Hilton Kansas City Airport	8801 NW 112th St., Kansas City, MO 64153 816-891-8900	3	1.9
Holiday Inn Kansas City Airport	11728 N. Ambassador Dr., Kansas City, MO 64153 816-801-8400	2	1.9
Orangewood Inn & Suites Kansas City Airport	11828 NW Plaza Cir., Kansas City, MO 64153 816-464-2423	3	1.9
Days Inn by Wyndham Kansas City International Airport	11120 N. Ambassador Dr., Kansas City, MO 64153 816-787-1206	2	1.9
Candlewood Suites Kansas City Airport	11110 N. Ambassador Dr., Kansas City, MO 64153 816-886-9700	3	1.9
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Kansas City Airport	11831 NW Plaza Cir., Kansas City, MO 64153 816-270-1200	2	1.9
Best Western Plus Kansas City Airport – KCI East	11130 N. Ambassador Dr., Kansas City, MO 64153 816-891-9111	3	1.9
Four Points by Sheraton Kansas City Airport	11832 NW Plaza Cir., Kansas City, MO 64153 816-464-2345	3	2
Super 8 by Wyndham Kansas City Airport	11900 NW Plaza Cir., Kansas City, MO 64153 816-470-0155	2	2
Quality Suites Kansas City International Airport	11951 N. Ambassador Dr., Kansas City, MO 64153 816-925-0060	3	2.1
Hilton Garden Inn Kansas City Airport	10920 N. Ambassador Dr., Kansas City, MO 64153 816-321-1900	3	2.1
Residence Inn Kansas City Airport	10300 N. Ambassador Dr., Kansas City, MO 64153 816-741-2300	3	2.8
Drury Inn & Suites Kansas City Airport	7900 NW Tiffany Springs Pkwy., Kansas City, MO 64153 816-880-9700	3	3

Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points

Hotel	Address and Phone Number	Star Rating	Distance From MCI (Miles)	Loyalty Program	Point Redemption Cost
Kansas City Airport Marriott	775 Brasilia Ave., Kansas City, MO 64153 816-464-2200	3	0.8	Marriott Bonvoy	From 19,500 Marriott Bonvoy points
Hilton Kansas City Airport	8801 NW 112th St., Kansas City, MO 64153 816-891-8900	3	1.9	Hilton Honors	From 20,000 Hilton Honors points
Holiday Inn Kansas City Airport	11728 N. Ambassador Dr., Kansas City, MO 64153 816-801-8400	2	1.9	IHG One Rewards	From 20,000 IHG One Rewards points

Less than 1 mile from the airport, the Kansas City Airport Marriott boasts a great location and key amenities, including a pool, fitness center, and a complimentary airport shuttle. Award nights at the hotel start at 19,500 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

At the Hilton Kansas City Airport, you’re within 5 miles of the airport and Zona Rosa Town Center via their complimentary 24-hour shuttle service. Guests will enjoy amenities like an indoor and outdoor pool, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant. You can expect award nights at the hotel to cost at least 20,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

The Holiday Inn Kansas City Airport offers fast access to surrounding attractions like Jowler Creek Winery and Vineyard for wine tasting or shopping at Zona Rosa. The hotel includes a free shuttle, high-speed wireless internet, an indoor pool, and a 24-hour fitness center. Award nights at the hotel cost at least 20,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

Hot Tip: If you want to top off your points to stay at any of these options, see our guides on the best ways to earn more Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, or IHG One Rewards points.

Final Thoughts

MCI consistently ranks among the best airports for on-time performance due to uncongested ground and air space and few weather-related delays or closures. Efficiencies are set to improve further with the new state-of-the-art terminal unveiled in early 2023. The new terminal uses a popular layout of 1 central terminal and subsequent concourses to allow seamless flight connections inside the secure area.

8 comments

Alejandro February 1, 2022

Does MCI have a USO?

- Jarrod West February 1, 2022
  
  Hi Alejandro,
  
  Unfortunately, there is not.
  
Blake Williams March 2, 2023

Time to update … entirely new, fabulous terminal.

- Keri Stooksbury March 3, 2023
  
  Blake, while we covered the new MCI terminal opening this week, the airport itself has been slow to update maps and such on its website. Rest-assured, this is on our radar and we will update our guide when the information is available. Thanks for reading!
  
Nancy March 20, 2023

I have had to wait on a family member for hours, with delayed flights. Needed something to eat and drink and had no access to these essential things. I see that has not changed. That is an awful shame.

- Terri Ferguson April 22, 2023
  
  Nancy, I totally agree! I was in disbelief as I came from Lawrence, Ks to hang out with my adult son while he was in MCI for two and a half hour layover, and we could not eat, shop, or relax and talk with absolutely no where to go! How could this be overlooked? Terrible shame!
  
Laura Gust May 11, 2023

In Denver and HOU I get tired walking between moving walkways and walking so far. Don’t they have carts like at other terminals that would transport me to my gate if needed? A pushed wheelchair wouldn’t work since I don’t have someone to push.

- Keri Stooksbury May 12, 2023
  
  Laura, according to MCI’s website, wheelchair reservations (with someone to push you) and curbside assistance can be arranged by calling your airline. Click here for airline phone numbers. If no assistance is available at the curb, notify an Airport Police Officer of Traffic Control Officer. Or call 816-243-5237.