Is a 40 min layover in Kansas City long enough?

MCI · Kansas City International · Kansas City, United States
It Depends

A 40 minutes layover at MCI (Kansas City) is tight — it may or may not be enough.

A short walk between concourses is easy, but this is still tight if your inbound flight is delayed.
Concourses
2
Max Transit
15m
Avg. Security
12m
Primary Hub
—
Domestic → Domestic
35min
tight
Domestic → International
50min
✗
International → Domestic
60min
✗
International → International
60min
✗
AD PLACEMENT — CONTEXTUAL
The new single-terminal layout means once you're through security, every gate is reachable on foot within about 10-15 minutes.
If you're arriving from an international flight, budget extra time for Customs and Border Protection processing and a security recheck.
MCI is not a congested hub, so lines at security checkpoints are usually short even during peak morning and evening waves.
Signage in the new terminal is clear and gate numbers are logically arranged, making self-navigation easy without needing airport staff assistance.
Because MCI serves relatively few true hub connections, allow a bit of buffer if your flights are on different airlines with separate check-in requirements.
12a6a12p6p12a
Low risk
Moderate
High risk
Tight connections are safer outside peak hours. Morning rush (6–9a), midday (11a–2p), and evening (4–8p) are highest risk.
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 40 minutes enough for a layover at Kansas City International (MCI)?

A short walk between concourses is easy, but this is still tight if your inbound flight is delayed.

What is the minimum connection time at MCI?

Minimum connection times at Kansas City International: Domestic-to-Domestic is 35 minutes, International-to-International is 60 minutes. These are the shortest layovers airlines will sell.

Can I make a 40 minutes connection at MCI on an international flight?

40 minutes is below the 60-minute international MCT at Kansas City International. You may need to rush and could miss your connection. 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.

How much time do I need for a layover at MCI?

We recommend at least 45 minutes for a comfortable connection at Kansas City International. This gives you enough buffer for security (typically 12 minutes) and transit between terminals (up to 15 minutes).

What happens if I miss my connection at MCI?

If you miss a connection, head to your airline's service desk or gate agent near the central concourse hub, as most major carriers have staffed counters within the single terminal for quick rebooking.

AD PLACEMENT — BEFORE FOOTER