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Kansas City
International Airport
MCI opened in 1972, replacing the downtown Mid-Continent Field which often
flooded from the Missouri River. The airport is arranged in three semi-circular
terminals very similar to Dallas/Ft. Worth DFW. Let me say first off that
of all airports I have ever visited, MCI is the most puzzling. This controversial
design makes the airport OK for O & D traffic, but very poor as a hub
due to long walks and no moving sidewalks between the terminals. This isn't
much of an issue as MCI is no longer a hub carrier for any airline with
the demise of TWA and Vanguard. The oddest thing about MCI, which is derided
by many passengers is that security is shared between 2-4 gates, instead
of a departures area. This means that once inside a gate, there are no bathrooms
or concessions and you must reclear security if you exit. This also means
connecting passengers will have to go through security screening upon reaching
their next flight. However, I understand this has changed on some gates
except on some Southwest gates. At one time or another, MCI has been a hub
for TWA, Vanguard, and Eastern, all since deceased. Now, Southwest controls
the market. The only saving grace for passengers is that it is fairly quiet
and boasts overcapacity.
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