Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend that you arrive 90 minutes before your scheduled departure time, and two hours prior for international flights. If you are parking in our Economy Lot, please allow 15 minutes to allow for time for our complimentary shuttle to make its route to the terminal.

The RED BUS provides complimentary transportation among all three terminals. Bus stops are located outside each terminal building and are designated by overhead signs marked “Red Inter-Terminal Connection.”

For domestic travel, one government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, is sufficient. A passport is required for all international flights. For information about obtaining a passport or visa information, visit the website for the Department of State.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) limits each traveler to one carry-on bag and one personal bag (i.e., purse or briefcase). Please visit the website for the TSA for a complete list of prohibited items, as well as packing tips to make your travel go as smoothly as possible. In addition, we also recommend that you check with your airline for any further security and baggage requirements.

The following are available:
Economy Parking, $6.00 per day (first two hours are free). A complimentary BLUE BUS runs 24/7 to and from the terminals. All buses have disabled accessibility along with "kneeling" capabilities which lower the buses. Circle Parking, pro-rated hourly up to a maximum of $13 daily. Garage Parking, pro-rated hourly up to a maximum of $22 daily. Payment for parking can be made with cash, major credit and debit cards, as well as travelers checks. For additional information call 816-243-5870 or view all options on our Parking page.

For items left in the terminal areas (outside security screening), parking lots or on the RED BUS or the BLUE BUS, call (816) 243-5237. For items left at the security check-points, call (816) 270-5215. For items left at the ticket counters, on the aircraft or inside a departure lounge, contact your airline. For items left at the KCI Rental Car Facility or in a rental car, call (816) 243-2034. For items left on a KCI Rental Car Shuttle Bus, call (816) 243-1390.

Ground transportation options at KCI can be found on the Ground Transportation page of our website.

Yes, free Wi-Fi service is available in all of our terminals. Visit the Wi-Fi page on our website for further questions about our Wi-Fi service.

No.

Yes. On-airport Fixed-Base Operator Executive Beechcraft offers basic fueling, charter and ground transportation services. Many regional aircraft operators merely fly into Kansas City International Airport and are shuttled to the airline terminals to be transported to their final destination outside the region.

The terminals recently underwent a major renovation in which the buildings were “gutted” from top to bottom. Changes include new, national-brand and local flavor restaurants and shops, updated flight information displays, upgraded HVAC system, new baggage claim devices, user-friendly ground transportation kiosks, and a new wireless network. Even the glass, both inside and outside of the terminals, has been replaced.

The KCI complex spans more than 10,000 acres, and its three runways can accommodate up to 139 aircraft operations per hour. Each of its three terminals is more than 1/3 of a mile long at 2,225 feet.

Kansas City International Airport was built by the City of Kansas City, Missouri and opened in 1972. KCI’s three-terminal, “drive-to-gate” design brings departure gates just a few steps from the curb. Its lack of congestion, easy terminal access and low number of flight delays have long established it as one of the most convenient commercial airports in the world.

Uncongested air and ground space, short taxi time, and a low weather-related closure/cancellation rate are why KCI consistently ranks among the lowest in delays of all U.S. airports. Three runways, two of them parallel with 6,575 feet of separation, Category III instrument Landing System and other features help keep operations smooth in even the worst of weather. New surfaces on the runways, taxiways and terminal aprons, along with ongoing infrastructure improvements, enhance the airport's efficiency and convenience to air carriers.

KCI was originally called Mid-Continent International Airport, or MCI, and the International Air Transportation Association (IATA) adopted MCI as the airport's designator code. Also, U.S. airports cannot use codes beginning with N, K or W as the first letter of the prefix. N is the prefix reserved for aircraft, and K and W are reserved for radio call sign prefixes. For many years, MCI served as the landing strip for the TWA overhaul base and as an alternate airport for the old Kansas City Municipal Airport. When Municipal was deemed too small and unable to grow, terminals and additional runways were built at what is now KCI. Municipal was renamed Kansas City Downtown Airport, and later Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport.