Flying out of Kansas City for Christmas? Follow these travel tips for a smooth trip
It’s one of the busiest times of the year for travel and the Kansas City International Airport is no exception. The Kansas City Aviation Department expects more than 415,000 travelers to pass through the terminal between Dec. 17 and Jan. 3, which is a 53% increase compared to last year.
We want you to have as smooth a trip as possible, which means you need to be prepared. Here are some helpful tips from the Transportation Security Administration and airport officials:
When should I arrive at KCI?
It’s going to be crowded, so airport officials suggest that you get to the airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure. Airport rush hours are usually between 5-7 a.m. or 4-6 p.m. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider booking your flight outside of those hours.
Save time going through TSA screenings by packing everything properly ahead of time. Holiday food favorites such as gravy, cranberry sauce, wine, jam, and preserves should all go into a checked bag because they are not solids.
If you can spill, spray, spread, pump, or pour it, then it’s not a solid item and should be packed in a checked bag. Passengers can bring food such as cakes and other baked goods through the checkpoints.
While wrapped presents are allowed, don’t waste time wrapping them before your flight. TSA might have to unwrap it for safety reasons. Check here for what you can and can’t bring on a flight.
How does construction at the airport factor in?
The construction of the new KCI terminal is definitely a factor. All vehicular traffic now uses a roadway in and out of the terminals. Drivers will first encounter a roundabout at Terminal C and then at Terminal B. The video below shows how it works
Economy C’s parking lot is closed for paving. Signs will direct Terminal C users to Economy A’s lot, where shuttles will bring them to Terminal C. Keep in mind there aren’t electric vehicle charging stations in Economy A’s lot.
We suggest factoring in traffic in and around the terminal when considering when to leave for the airport.
Where can I park at the airport?
KCI offers the following parking facilities:
Economy Parking, with a complimentary bus that runs 24/7 to and from the terminals. All buses have disabled accessibility and “kneeling” capabilities which lower the buses.
Circle Parking has uncovered lots within walking distance to the terminals.
Garage Parking, which is the closest to the terminals. It offers covered and uncovered parking with underground walkways.
Curbside Valet Parking - Available for Terminal B near Gate 40.
To estimate the parking fees, use KCI’s calculator here. Parking costs will vary based on your arrival and departure.
Families dropping and picking up loved ones can park in Garage and Circle lots or use Curbside Valet in Terminal B.
The cell phone waiting lot is free for drivers waiting to pick up passengers is now located here. They can also park in the economy parking lots free for up to two hours.
Remember that you can’t park at the terminal curbs, as it’s only for active passengers. Traffic control officers will enforce these rules and ask drivers waiting curbside to move, so don’t get fined right before the holiday.
A few other tips
Masks are still required while inside an airport and while on an airplane. The Star created a guide on what you need to know before flying from KCI here.
Local health officials and The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that you get tested for COVID-19 before traveling for the holidays. We also created guides on where to get tested and where you can find an at-home test in Kansas City.
See more tips on getting ready for a flight here.
This story was originally published December 22, 2021 at 2:15 PM.
