Editor’s note: Kansas City Jewish Chronicle assistant editor Lacey Storer shares her impressions of the new airport terminal, which she got a preview of during the terminal test on Feb. 14.
At 5 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 28, Kansas City entered a new era of travel as the first flight from the Kansas City International Airport's new terminal took to the skies. The new terminal officially opened with the departure of Southwest flight 904 from Kansas City to Chicago.
Kansas City residents had two opportunities to get a preview of the new terminal. Six hundred people were selected to act as mock travelers on Feb. 14. They were given flights and arrival times and told to come with their passports or luggage to check, and given certain amenities such as ATMs, changing stations and pet relief areas, to see if they could easily locate them.
This terminal test gave the airport and airline staff the chance to identify issues and work out any kinks, such as unconnected printers at the ticket counters and speakers that were too soft for anyone at the gate to hear the flight announcements.
The second preview opportunity was the following Saturday, Feb. 18, when 10,000 people attended the new terminal open house.
The general responses, both overheard during the terminal test and seen online in numerous social comments, were mostly positive. The first thing many people commented on was the new terminal’s appearance. Words like “stunning,” “awesome” and “beautiful” were repeated often.
With its high ceilings, wide hallways and ample windows, the new terminal looks and feels expansive. And, at 1.1 million square feet, and a cost of $1.5 billion, it’s the largest infrastructure project in Kansas City’s history.
The spaciousness isn’t the only thing travelers will notice. The terminal contains the largest public art program in Kansas City's history, with 28 unique art installations. Starting with “The Air Up There” by artist Nick Cave — an installation of more than 3,000 strands of spinners that hang overhead in the check-in area — it seems as if almost everywhere you look, there’s another piece of art to enjoy.
Another notable piece is “Fountain (KCI)” by artist Leo Villareal. This light sculpture, which features thousands of monochromatic LED lights and pays homage to Kansas City’s legacy as The City of Fountains, welcomes travelers as they exit the security area and enter the hall between concourses A and B.
Modern looks and amenities
The new terminal not only looks modern, it also offers a slew of modern amenities that the old terminal didn’t have. These include a moving walkway between concourses A and B and charging stations with wireless chargers, a lifesaver for anyone who forgot their phone charger at home.
Digital signs outside the restrooms (which are a mix of gender-specific and gender-neutral) show how many stalls are available. Lights above the stalls turn red or green depending on if the stall is occupied. There are also 15 family rooms with child- and adult-sized (for those with disabilities) changing tables, and 10 dedicated infant feeding rooms.
Other non-technical amenities include restrooms for traveling pets, complete with turf and fake fire hydrants, waste disposal bags and sinks and hoses in case things get messy. There’s an inclusive children’s play area, designed for all ages and abilities, and sensory rooms for those who need some quiet time.
One big concern for new terminal doubters and naysayers is how quickly travelers will be able to get from their car to their gate and if the single-entry security will be nothing but long lines and delays. A new parking garage with 6,500 spaces sits just across from the new terminal. Digital signs tell you how many spots are available on each level, and each row has a red light/green light system so you can easily tell which spots are available. There are also designated curb spaces for taxis, Uber and Lyfts, and shuttle services.
Going through security was one thing that wasn’t part of the terminal test or open house, so there wasn’t the opportunity for time trials, but the new terminal has 16 security lanes in one centralized area, including lanes for TSA pre-check.
The thing to remember about the old terminal is that it was built decades before TSA and current security measures came into play and before it was recommended that you get to the airport several hours before your flight. Air travel simply didn’t require as much time back then as it does now.
Flying nowadays comes with an expectation of waiting, whether it’s in line at security, waiting to board your plane or waiting because your flight has been delayed. The difference between the old terminal and the new terminal is that the new terminal is a place where you won’t mind waiting (or, at least, mind as much).
Unlike the old terminal where, once you passed through security, you had a limited number of concessions, the majority of the 50 restaurants, bars and shops in the new terminal are located past security.
A big effort was made to incorporate local Kansas City brands, so you'll see places like Parisi Coffee, Bo Ling's and Guy’s Deli and Bar represented. There's even a miniature City Market at the entrance of concourse B that includes City Market staples like Pigwich, Taste of Brazil and Brown & Loe.
National brands, including Dunkin Donuts, Auntie Anne’s and Cinnabon also have locations in the terminal.
The new terminal not only gives travelers a more comfortable and even elevated airport experience, it’s also giving them more opportunities for travel. Several airlines have already increased the number of flights and destinations available from Kansas City, and there’s the possibility that new airlines will open hubs in KCI. The new terminal currently has 40 gates that can expand to 50 if needed.
Launching along with the new terminal is a new airport website, flyKC.com, with more information about the new terminal and updates on future flights.
