Rideshares from the airport to the city center take about 25–30 minutes. The new KCI single terminal opened in 2023 and is very efficient.
Things to do at Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
Kansas City International AirportMCI
At the airport
Things to do in Kansas City International Airport
Kansas City straddles Missouri and Kansas and has a disproportionate cultural footprint — it's the world capital of jazz history alongside New Orleans, and the 18th & Vine Jazz District with the American Jazz Museum and Negro Leagues Baseball Museum tells a story rarely covered elsewhere. Kansas City barbecue (burnt ends, brisket, pit-smoked ribs) is arguably America's finest, and the River Market and Crossroads Arts District show a city in genuine creative revival.
Insider intel
Top Tips for Kansas City International Airport
- Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que and Q39 are the benchmark KC barbecue restaurants — arrive before noon to beat the line.
- The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art has a world-class collection and is free to enter — a strong 2-hour layover option.
Lounge directory
Browse lounges at MCI
1 Sanctifly partner lounge at Kansas City International Airport. Each is bookable with points.
100 points per guestEscape Lounge
Airside at Kansas City International Airport (MCI) in Kansas City, United States, Escape Lounge is easy to find once you’ve completed the required passport control (where applicable) and the security check. After clearing these checkpoints in the Main Terminal, turn right and continue walking toward the A gates. Stay on the airside concourse as you follow the signs for the A gate area, and you’ll find this airport lounge conveniently located near gate A5. It’s an ideal stop for travel through Kansas City International Airport, whether you’re looking to relax close to your departure gate or simply want a comfortable place to wait before boarding from the A gates.Book Now
Purchase a Sanctifly membership via our website or app.
Unlock airport-specific digital content and reserve VIP lounges using the points included with your plan.
Select the tier that fits your travel habits; higher tiers include more points.
When you book a lounge, you'll receive a unique access code in the app and by email—show this at the lounge to gain access.
You can buy extra points at any time, and rates improve with higher-tier plans.
Membership unlocks airport-specific digital content and the ability to book VIP lounges using points.
Each tier
Liftoff ($25/year)
Explorer ($97/year)
Jetsetter ($220/year)
Trailblazer ($399/year)
provides a different annual points allowance (except Liftoff, which doesn't include points) that refreshes when your subscription renews. You can use your points to reserve lounge access and purchase additional points through the app if you need more.
Higher tiers not only come with more points but also reduce the per-point price when buying extra.
Points are the currency you use in the Liftoff app to book VIP lounge visits. Most plans — Liftoff, Explorer, Jetsetter and Trailblazer — include a points allowance that is deposited into your account whenever your subscription renews. Liftoff does not include points. You spend points to reserve lounges and you can top up your balance at any time through the app. If you cancel your membership, any remaining points expire 30 days after cancellation.
Additional points can be purchased directly in the Sanctifly app from your mobile. All plans allow you to buy more points whenever you need them, and the per-point price decreases on higher-tier plans. Purchased points are added to your account immediately and are non-refundable. If you cancel your membership, any remaining points expire 30 days after cancellation.