New Kansas City (KCI/MCI) airport tour! 

I'm an airline employee at MCI and really appreciate you showing your entire simulated trip into and out of the new terminal from a passenger perspective! I agree with you that this airport has a lot of Kansas City to offer and and everyone will enjoy having so much more space to spread out, updated and many more restrooms as well as plenty of local food choices. This was fun to watch and thanks for sharing! Happy Travels!!

glad to see everything is finally up to date in Kansas City... ;)

Lucky lady. I grew up in Sedalia and always enjoyed flying in to KCI. Looking forward to the experience later in the year when I come back home to visit. thank you for the virtual tour. "Chiefs Kingdom all the way!"

I've been a frequent flyer through KCI Airport. It was always an easy airport to use.I think that its one of the easiest in the world to use(documented).I want to thank you for your great tour and assessment of our new airport.It's beautiful and it's in the 21st century.The original was in 1972(I was 2 years old then).I can't wait to see it in person. It's very modern(The Jetsons).I appreciate your very detailed account of everything. Thank you!!! I was nervous about things changing at KCI to something complicated.Sounds like everything is still easy,with new changes of course. I enjoyed this. ❤️💛

Happy for KC!!!! What a great accomplishment for an amazing city!!

thank you for sharing the video, i love it. and then KCI airport is so cool.

Thanks for posting. Looks like an immense improvement over what we have now. Looking forward to using the new airport.

What an amazing vlog. Well done! Thank you. Excited about the new KCI.

You're awesome for doing this for us. Great video. Thank you. 😊

Great video! Thank you for sharing this tour and the entire process.

Thank you so much for recording your experience! I have been doing searches for just this type of "first person" "guided tour" of the terminal (especially the gate areas) to develop a mental picture of the layout, size and flow in the terminal. This helps so very much! Thanks again!

As a KCMO native now in the Springfield MO area, kudos on the new terminal! I'm 59, so I actually remember news stories touting the opening of MCI. It was a new concept; drive up to your gate. At that time, when a few maniacs had not made flying a hassle for everyone, we thought we would be a major hub, being in the center of the nation. Love what I've seen of the new terminal!

Enjoyed the tour and look forward to utilizing the new KCI!!!

Hello, Thanks so much for your time to show us around the new Airport. It's helped so much to reduce the Anxiety. So Excited for all of this. You really coverd all questions I would have asked. Safe Travels! Thank you. Jared

Thank you!!!!!

What a great video. Thanks for sharing. I am one of the 10,000 people lucky enough to go to the open house this coming Saturday. Can't wait. Thanks again for your video tour of the new airport.

Thank you!

Wow...what an amazing review/tour! I'll kinda miss the ease of the old terminal(s), but I'm so happy for the new terminal. We soooo deserve this!

Great looking airport. Really modern, and great layout.

Fantastic video and very comprehensive!

Kansas City Architect here, and I've had several opportunities to be involved with the planning, construction, and appointments of the new terminal. I was on a team the was part of the original three teams that competed to design/build the facility. Even though our team did not win, I was able to participate in a special community input meeting where we directly contributed to early design refinement with the winning project designers. That way good ideas form all the local participants were retained. This aspect of inclusive participation and strong local representation is one the best aspects of the project. In comes through in many ways, some obvious (like the local art work and restaurants) and some more subtle (such as the emphasis of close proximity between parking and your gate) all wrapped in a modern and clean design. I also have a Masters in Civil Engineering and have taken classes in airport design and I would give the new KCI/MCI terminal a score of 87/100. A few items that the project designers took (or didn't take) from design phase suggestions (which are great to see in your video) include: 1:08 - Dedicated oversized vehicle entry point. This was first envisioned as upper level entry point modeled off the parking garage at Indianapolis which did not accommodate larger vehicles, like vans or larger trucks, which would lead to blockages. I had suggested they provide multiple entry points to the garage aligned more to the eastern side. Glad to see that was adopted. 3:47 - Unfortunately, and unlike the old terminals, one must traverse across the drop-off lanes and still exposed to precipitation to enter the main concourse. Yes, you could go down to the pick-up level and then back up - but it is too bad they didn't extend a canopy just a bit more to have at least the crossing points covered. The old terminal's parking was mostly below grade with only the roof parking level with the drop off. Meaning that after you entered the garage you could stay covered and walk all the way into the terminal under the drive and right into the concourse. 4:07 - Yes, it is short, however the argument is that now the departure drop off and the arrival pick up are on dissimilar levels. So, it is twice the apparent length. Technically it is still shorter than the original terminal, at 1400 ft of curb on two levels vs. 2000 ft of one of the horseshoe older terminals, but it is divided by function, which is better slightly. 6:36 - Believe it or not, but the original plans did not have any food outlets in the check-in concourse. The plan was to have vending machine bays at most. The fact that they have a single Dunkin is sort of sad (and like others have said, it should have been a local company). They really have a focus of putting ALL the services they can BEHIND the security which "locks out" all of us who come to the airport without a boarding pass from those amenities. At least we got them to add something, even if it is a Dunkin. 7:35 - Want to know why you didn't realize there were restrooms in the check-in concourse ? Because they were a last moment addition to the floor plan. We pointed out that the tiny set of toilets that were originally planned (the hidden ones you finally found) were not enough. That second set at the north end were part of our suggestions. I am so glad they added those. Yes, the facility has a massive number of modern and clean toilets (including non-gender specific private ones) but nearly ALL of them are behind security in the original plans. So glad they saw the logic in our comments about moving a few more "out front" for the rest of us who don't have a plane ticket. And yes, the signage needs some help. 14:25 - Correct, you get off from a domestic flight and go down to the baggage claim. But remember to get any food/drink on that side of security because as soon as you pass through those class one-way doors you are no longer secure. You will note that there is one escalator going up to help those who mistakenly go down and would find themselves stuck at the exit doors. 16:29 - Many of us wanted the fenced dog area, so glad they went with it. 17:24 - Yeah, the elevator allotment is a little confusing. 18:25 - Yes, the local flavor is done well for an airport. Supposedly, there will a rail system to downtown in the distant future. The "station" is planned to be along the east facade of the parking garage (space shown at 20:01) We will see how the goes however... Trivia: Did you know that early scheme drawings had envisioned a giant water fountain / feature where that big metal and light "fountain" is located? Yeah, they abandoned it when they realized from talking with other airports that have them, that it is a maintenance and upkeep nightmare. Plus the sound a fountain that size would make would be deafening in the hard surface box that the terminal ended up becoming. Did you happen to see any of the terrazzo details salvaged from the original Terminal A ? I believe they were able to retain around 40 of them. Anyway - great video and nice walk-through. I am so glad that you mentioned the things that both work and don't work. Yes, KC now has a modern (post 9-11) airport. I really liked you observations as a person simulating the actual use of the terminal.

Absolutely great video, we are excited and ready to use it

Great video.

thank you SO much filming this!!! This helps calm my anxiety for flying by myself for the first time. I’ve gone on multiple flights with other people but never alone! this helps tremendously 🤍

Thank you for your time and effort for this video. I plan on going up on Tuesday when they open. I am excited to see what stores they have.

Love this, Laura!!! Would have been cool if it'd been LaMar's Donuts instead of Dunkin', since LaMar's originated in KC. Very, very minor thing, though. The airport looks awesome.

This new terminal is much needed for MCI I’ll have to book a flight out of MCI one day and fly out of the new terminal.

Thank you for the super informative and enjoyable video demo. Not only answered 99% of my questions but was pretty fun to watch. I will be seeing it for the first time on a return flight that leaves out of terminal C. I see a lot of good features that I recognize from other major airports. Looks like the designers did their homework and had consideration for what works well in other places.

I love new airports! This is like a compact version of salt lake airport

I’ve lived in KC all my life I’ve worked at the old terminals looking forward to going to the new terminal

Wonderful congratulations Kansas !!!!!!

Flying out day one for a surgery in Florida (had no idea it was day one when I booked it). Was a bit nervous that they'd have it all sorted out...this video really helps. Everything seems quite intuitive and is like a "normal" airport...but fresh and clean. Looks great. Thanks for the info.

Great job 👏

Laura I'm glad KCI finally has a nice modern terminal now, It sure was needed; I'm old enough to remember when years ago, Kansas City's airport was downtown near the river, I had just gotten out of basic training, and I flew from Fort Leonard Wood to Kansas City Municipal airport; The terminal was crowded and dirty, what few restrooms it had, were dirty, but the thing I remember most about the old airport was the pay toilets. You had to have coins in your pocket to get the stall door open. When they built KCI it was a huge improvement and the terminal was very nice, until 9/11 happened, then the additional security caused the terminal to be inadequate because there just wasn't enough room.

thanks for doing this! It's amazing that in all the info out there - your video FINALLY gave me a chance to actually see how to get from the garage to the terminal. I kept asking if there was a covered way to cross over. Like the old garage where you could park on the bottom level and take the tunnel to the terminal. It looks like level 3 is where you have to cross but even though it's short walk there is some exposure to the elements on a miserable weather day. I don't know if you can park on level1 - but on those days I guess you could cross over under cover and take an elevator up from baggage claim to check-in. Plus if you can park there on your return you are right near your car. Thanks Again

Really nice and comprehensive walkthrough! The whole place looks really well-designed and laid out to be a really nice passenger experience. Oooh favorite part of Kansas City would be tough. I'm torn between the City Market and KC Union Station. The City Market was definitely a highlight because it's incredible, while Union Station is so beautiful and was a great place to get to and from other major areas in the Midwest. I'm very impressed by the new updates to the airport and hope to visit KC again soon!

Wonderful video of KCI New terminal and garage

Thanks for this very informative vid! I've been fighting for this new terminal for years (the forces of "no" were intense), but now I'm thrilled to see it all come together so well. And it's going to be huge for the region - the World Cup in '26 is just one + outcome. Re: looking for better photos/videos - if you put in "new terminal Kansas City" on Twitter, it gives you more options. I think that's how I found this. Thanks again.

great video!

Great video. Thanks for posting. I always “eyeball” my gate when I arrive. 🤣

Thank you for doing this! Im flying out of the country in July. Ive only flown out of KCI once about 2 years ago!

Good video. I'll miss the old terminal, but this one looks sleek! Looking forward to some real food options too. Will get to check it out next month

Great job! Loved it as a "real experience". I fly in and out for business and looking forward to flying in the next time!

Thanks for posting this review. Cannot wait to use the new airport. I didn’t have a real problem at the old airport except for my very last time flying out. A delay and had to get something to eat and of course that’s virtually impossible. This is so overdue. Kinda similar to LAX with the upper/lower levels (which is good) Very happy to finally have a “modern” airport in KC. 🎉

Great video! I am flying out of the new terminal on March 6th and fly back March 10th. Lifelong Kansas Citian!

Reminds me of RSW Fort Meyers/SW Florida with how the departure and parking garage is setup. Inside reminds me of Charlotte, NC airport.

All airline check-ins under a single roof? Bravo!! 👏🏽👏🏽 I experienced that in the new Middle Eastern airports (Istanbul, Doha) and Thailand’s biggest airport and I loved it. Glad KCI airport adopted it!

Great to see all those places to get coffee....

Thanks for the tour, I only live a few miles from the airport and hope to never visit this new airport! Next time someone wants a ride, I’ll be like call a cab!!!😅

Nice...great improvement to the airport. Layovers there were very restrictive in the past unless you wanted to go in and out of security

Very nice. The facade is beautiful- and that brings up the only issue I have. The parking garage blocks the view. Other than that, big improvement.

One of my favorite things is aviation and I live in KC or around it and I have to to the airport many times and am flying out MCI soon and I hoping my gate is at the new terminal 😂 Nice tour the airport is very futuristic and seems fun

When i go home i will be sure not to tell my ride to get me right on time so i can explorw buy gear eat lol

Thank you for posting. It looks quite similar to other American airports (SAN is the one I see the most). I agree that adding the rope maze would have made the test day more realistic. I see you didn't wait long to get your Super Bowl gear either!

Looks like a lot of walking compared with the old mci and John Wayne international, but it is a modern shopping mall with a airport attached

Honestly the coolest place ever! So happy for you, always wanted to do an airport sim. I’ve only ever been picked for train station simulation. Thanks for sharing. What was your favorite part?!? Looking forward to more vlogs from you. 😊

Looks like they used the same plan as Sacramento. Easy to navigate.

i love that city, used to live in parkville... taste of brazil is a friend of mine store, some good brazillian snacks!!!

I’m 100% a guy who goes to his gate first. Then I figure out what to do from there!

Nice. I think it looks like AUS and RDU.

I left by the old airport on February 14 and returned March 8th at 1:30 AM. I arrived at gate 66 and other than an automated small convenience store, all restaurants were closed. It was a long walk from my gate to baggage claim. As I was gone for 3 weeks, I did not park in the Parking Garage and live around 159th and Metcalf and wasn’t paying $100 to get home through Uber, so I waited until 6 AM for my ride to arrive. No public transportation is a big minus and as people arriving or leaving the airport by friends or relatives picking them up we’re greeted with long waits because people parked in the loading and unloading zones for 30 minutes, waiting for their pick up at baggage claim. Hopefully, with time, people will learn to wait parked at designated waiting zones. It’s nice to see the new airport have the overnight sleeping crowd.

Looks like Cleveland Airport exactly split level top for departure. Bottom for pick up parking right across the street. Look it up Cleveland Hopkins airport.

You keep talking about gates and I'm like "Hi, may I help you?"

Spot on about moving sidewalk etiquette. Same holds true for escalators. But most of us midwest hicks have no clue... :(

Cool restaurants. They'll all be closed by 9pm HAHA!

First 2 levels are usually for employees at most multi-deck parking at airports.

So I see that there is NO covered way to go from the parking garage to the terminal?

I just dropped off my better half and that went smoothly. The new signage is a 1000% improvement, but the previous set up was a very low bar. The 16+ security booths are encouraging will they have the staff to have more than one or two open? But at least you' ll be able to buy donuts, steaks and BBQ ribs.

What time security check open in morning,I have flight at 6am in morning,I not sure security check will be open at 4am???thank.

Also, did you see any ATM machines past the security areas in the boarding gate areas?

Hope this allows them to finally add a Priority Pass lounge or restaurant here. I liked the old drive up terminal but it prevented modern amenities

Is there a designated parking area/space/floor for long term parking, such as for 5 days or one week like in old airport?

Very nice. Where is the uber pickup?

I haven't been there yet, but I do have plans to be there in a few weeks, but the only potential design flaw I see is the potential lack of space for tsa security lines.

Is Cancún the only international flight? I’m going to Colombia this summer as I am from there and I was wondering if there are flights to bogota or Medellin from Kansas City, at least direct ones.

Hopefully there’s a time limit for parking curbside because people are gonna be fightin for spots up there

Will they still have economy parking like before?

St. Louis Lambert Airport KSTL is now a Ace Combat Airport, due to new Kansas City International Airport KMCI or KCI.

So I need you to explain Clear to me and do I need it? Haha!

Nice video. Just being Objective; The amount of walking has not increased x 20-40 fold, opposite of the old MCI concept 60 feet from plane to street. If you park in short term, it does not appear enclosed, so if it's raining you will get wet, not fun traveling in wet clothes. Travelers best add more time to their travel plans.

Great video and tour of our new KCI airport. Were you able to see the tsa precheck line? If so, what were your thoughts/opinions?

I'm looking for a simple map of the airport and parking. I've yet to find one.

I was wondering if there's a bus or train that goes from KCI to downtown? Is there a section in the new airport where arriving passengers can board a bus or something?

Great video. I just have a few questions. Can you still park in the economy parking lot and shuttles will take you to the new terminal? How much is the parking in garage parking? And also Kansas City has an international flight now where you have to go through custom? I thought MCI is only for domestic flights? There is no direct flights to KC from out of the country, right?

What area are the shuttles to the car rental area?

Are you a Chiefs fan? I love how half of everyone is wearing red - seems like a city that loves their sports teams!

Do they have tsa precheck

What are the daily rates for parking a vehicle?

I see yet more areas where they effed up on the design in addition to the big increase in walking times: Only one place to cross from the parking garage to departures, and it's exposed to the elements? You'd think they could cover it. Once in the lobby, it's just a big open space. The original KCI had places where you could sit which I appreciated when seeing off a friend. Now, I guess I walk them up to the TSA checkpoint and say "well, ok. Bye"

Need one showing how to pick up a passenger at the front doors.

So, if you show up early to pick someone up, there is nowhere to eat except a donut shop .... all other eateries are past security ??? No way to access food unless you are a ticketed passenger that has gone though security ?? Guess I won't be going to the airport to catch a meal with friends who are traveling ? Hope you have an answer for this that I'm missing. Thanks.

It’s beautiful! BUT I’ll still miss the old KCI for the convenience it offered. Visitors always marveled at the simplicity and ease of going from baggage claim to transportation. Five steps!! Lol

Was hoping to see some chiefs and royals murals

Did you find out how much parking is ?

What concerns me most is that the people maintaining the airport are the same people who let the old airport go to pot!

Just because they have the gates it doesn't mean they will bew in opreation

Looks good now but normal operations will be another story. Can't believe you have to walk across those wide streets to get between parking and terminal. I see accidents on the horizon.

Well now you can’t have someone come in and wait with you. They’re supposed to wait until you have your luggage before pulling around to help with the flow of traffic.

Sorry, it's not a new airport. It's still good old MCI that's been there like 50 years. Just a new terminal building...

39 gates? Are you sure this is not Des Moines. Looks really small.