MCIKansas City·Kansas City International·Kansas City, United States
Recommended minimum45 minutes
Concourses
2
Concourse A, Concourse B
Max Transit
15m
via walking
Avg. Security
12m
~6m with PreCheck
Primary Hub
Domestic → Domestic
35min
Domestic → International
50min
International → Domestic
60min
International → International
60min
AD PLACEMENT — CONTEXTUAL
The new terminal is a single unified building with two connected concourses (A and B) branching from a central hub area, so all transit is on foot with no train or shuttle required. There is no need to re-clear security for domestic-to-domestic connections since it's a single post-security zone, but international arrivals must clear Customs and Border Protection and recheck bags/security before continuing to a connecting flight.
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Low risk
Moderate
High risk
Brand-new single-terminal design (2023)
No inter-terminal shuttle or train needed
Light connecting traffic, low congestion
Simple walk-only transfers post-security
How long do I need for a layover at Kansas City International (MCI)?

We recommend at least 45 minutes for a comfortable connection at Kansas City International. The minimum connection time is 35 minutes for domestic flights and 60 minutes for international flights. Transit between terminals takes up to 15 minutes.

What is the minimum connection time at MCI?

Domestic-to-Domestic: 35 min. Domestic-to-International: 50 min. International-to-Domestic: 60 min. International-to-International: 60 min. These are the shortest layovers airlines will sell at Kansas City International.

Is MCI easy to connect through?

Kansas City International's brand-new single-terminal facility (opened 2023) makes connections refreshingly simple compared to the old three-terminal horseshoe design it replaced. All gates sit along one central concourse past a single security checkpoint, so most connections are just a short walk. MCI isn't a true hub for any carrier, so connecting traffic is lighter and lines are generally short. The new terminal is a single unified building with two connected concourses (A and B) branching from a central hub area, so all transit is on foot with no train or shuttle required. There is no need to re-clear security for domestic-to-domestic connections since it's a single post-security zone, but international arrivals must clear Customs and Border Protection and recheck bags/security before continuing to a connecting flight.

Is 30 minutes enough for a layover at MCI?

Below MCI's domestic MCT of 35 minutes, leaving no margin for delays. See full 30 min guide →

Is 45 minutes enough for a layover at MCI?

Comfortable for a simple domestic-to-domestic connection in the single-terminal layout. See full 45 min guide →

Is 1 hour enough for a layover at MCI?

Comfortable for nearly any domestic or domestic-international connection at this low-congestion airport. See full 1 hr guide →

Is 1 hour 15 min enough for a layover at MCI?

Ample time even for international arrivals needing to clear Customs and recheck security. See full 1¼ hr guide →

Is 1½ hours enough for a layover at MCI?

Very comfortable margin for any connection type, including international-to-international transfers. See full 1½ hr guide →

Is 2 hours enough for a layover at MCI?

More than enough time for any connection scenario at this efficiently sized airport. See full 2 hr guide →

Is 2½ hours enough for a layover at MCI?

Long layover with time to explore the terminal's dining and shopping options. See full 2½ hr guide →

Is 3 hours enough for a layover at MCI?

Excessive buffer for MCI's compact, low-traffic terminal. See full 3 hr guide →

Is 4 hours enough for a layover at MCI?

Very long layover; consider a lounge or leaving the airport briefly given the light connecting traffic. See full 4 hr guide →

AD PLACEMENT — BEFORE FOOTER