Flying from KCI this Thanksgiving? Here’s what to expect during busy holiday rush
Whether you’re catching a flight or meeting loved ones for the holiday, expect Kansas City International Airport (MCI) to be bustling with energy as it enters one of the year’s busiest travel periods.
The Kansas City Aviation Department estimates that 383,825 passengers will fly into and out of MCI from the Monday before Thanksgiving to the Monday after. That’s down slightly from last year, when MCI saw 389,506 total passengers for the same period.
“The next three days, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, should get gradually busier before dropping off on the holiday itself,” said Jackson Overstreet, a spokesperson for the aviation department. “The Saturday, Sunday and Monday after the holiday are expected to be the busiest three for MCI, with Sunday being the busiest travel day of the year nationally.”
Mornings and evenings are typically the busiest times for the airport, with 500 to 800 outbound travelers, Overstreet said.
The 8 p.m. to midnight timeframe is the busiest for arrivals. People looking to pick up travelers can expect the arrivals curb to be most crowded late at night, he said.
The parking garage across from MCI’s terminal typically doesn’t fill all the way up during Thanksgiving. On Monday, it was only half full.
The economy parking lot is also available for travelers, with a shuttle service to the terminal. Passengers are urged to allow extra time to account for the increase in holiday travelers, Overstreet said.
For travelers who are running late, there is a valet service at the terminal on the second floor of the parking garage.
The aviation department provided these additional tips:
• Arrive early at the airport to allow extra time to get to your gate. This time of year, ticket counters, security screening and other services might take longer to use. The aviation department recommends at least two hours before a domestic flight and two-and-a-half hours before an international flight.
• Check your flight status frequently for possible delays or cancellations due to weather using your airline’s app or website, as well as FlyKC.com.
• Take photos of where you park so you can remember where you parked upon your return.
• Guest passes are now available for those who want to join their family and friends on the secured side of the airport. Guest pass applications can be submitted 1 to 7 days before the day a person wants to enter the airport through the Guest Pass Program.
• Travelers who need extra assistance can use the airport’s new Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, which allows them to indicate they have a non-visible disability. By wearing a Sunflower lanyard, pin, wristband, or ID card, travelers can indicate they need assistance without disclosing their specific condition. The lanyards can be picked up at the information desk on the arrivals level, between baggage claims 5 and 6.
