I’m going to miss the old airport. As a flight attendant it’s so easy to walk off the plane and jump into the hotel van. If you had a short layover you could be in your hotel room 10 minutes after the last passenger got off the plane. It was the perfect short layover.
As flight crew that's home base has been MCI for the last decade, that was overrated. If you were stuck in the airport for a layover, it sucked. There were no facilities, no restaurants and the old terminal stank. It was time for it to go. I'll get my steps in and have a clean restroom to stop by.
Wow!! 🤩🥳🤩❤ What a big difference from the way it used to be! 🎉😂 I havent been out there since I used to drop my husband off to travel for his job before retirement! Its been at least 20 years! Its beautiful!! I had no idea our KansasCity airport was going to be this awesome someday! I like it so much! Thankyou for sharing your video! ❤ AWESOME!! 😃
No mass transit from airport and downtown KC, 20 miles away. An airport that relies on people being dropped off and picked up by car has serious problems, as shown since it opened. Arriving at 1:30AM, it was nice to see people sleeping on the floor because all the seats have the bars on them to prevent lying down in the chairs. Mobile walkways not running at night. It took me close to 30 minutes to walk from gate to baggage claim. Not impressed so far
The one thing I can't ever disentangle in my mind is the code for Kansas City, MCI, and the former telecommunications company MCI that I remember from when I was a kid.
The MCI airport upgrade is amazing! I love the expansion of space within the terminal, actually restaurants to dine at, and the stores to shop prior to departing. I'm much more excited to travel home as the MCI airport reflects most of the major city airports throughout the US.
KC native here and speak for yourself, the new airport is an ugly, inefficient waste of resources. The old airport was superior in every single way. Downgrading to this airport was a huge mistake!
Well said. It is a total disaster. No rail links, very poor traffic flow all flights crammed into one terminal that has a pedestrian crosswalk of all places across the main airport thoroughfare. Shockingly bad. I really don't care what restaurants, or shops are there I just want to get out and away as soon as possible. This is not a KC mall though it will no doubt fail to keep tennants as have many others.@@MrOpinions-f3o
That end shot on takeoff give you a really nice perspective of the old airport. I can imagine, if we still lived in a world where security at airports was minimal, MCI would still feel fresh and be lauded for its efficiency.
The airlines never did make that place work (numerous failed hubs), and finally, limited flights in and out. Even after the 2004 upgrade (wider gates and the blue floor) it was way out of step with travel needs, especially in the 21st Century. The infrastructure, wiring, pipes, were just shot and the airlines demanded change.
@@MrOpinions-f3o The old airport was horrible. Cramped, tiny, horrendous circle design where arrivals and departures are together, tons of airlines abondoned that place which meant limited flights,
As a KC native, glad to see you highlight our new airport! Old airport was convenient as heck, but we were long overdue for an overhaul. My wishes: to make travelers welcome, give them a taste of our Midwest hospitality. Thanks for the video!
As a KC native as well, bring on the travelers! But I don't want anybody to move here. KC is great as a hole in the wall. I don't want it turning into something it's not 😢
As a native Kansas City native and former airport employee I’ll miss the old airport . i had a lot of good memories there .hopefully I’ll get to go to the new terminal soon
KC native as well, and the new airport is AWFUL!! I can't believe that we spent all that time and money on a vastly inefficient and poorly designed mess! The old airport was superior by leaps and bounds, and by adding a 4th terminal and runway it could have easily have kept up with things.
@@MrOpinions-f3o oh but think of all the new lanes for TSA checkpoints (that'll never be open unless it's like Christmas and even then don't hold your breath) or you can go buy a $9 20oz bottle of water, or $29 bag of peanuts!!! 🙄
I've flown into/out of KC several times and I always liked the old airport because of the design. I use a wheelchair and having very short distances between entering the space and getting to my gate was always a great benefit for me. I'll probably be going back there later this year and I'm excited to see the new airport.
We took a vacation last October and departed from the old airport around 8am. There were so many people waiting for departure that there was no place to sit and it was practically shoulder to shoulder. I couldn't imagine trying to navigate a wheelchair in that environment. I hope you'll have a more relaxing experience on your next flight out.
I was born and raised in Kansas City, when i was young my dad used to bring me to the terminal and because of the design you could do plane spotting from the windows and that was what started my love of flying and dreaming of being able to fly on those planes. I am super excited for the new airport and glad that you got the chance to come visit!
Being a native i loved our old airport. So straight forward and uncomplicated. I'm really going to miss it. I'll be flying tomorrow so i might have an update for you all to see how things go.
I’m from the area too. The old airport was simple. This new one looks like a good place to get lost. 😕 Hopefully it’s not as bad as the one in Atlanta.
The old airport was my childhood airport, I loved it there. Knowing that they shut it down and made a new one broke my heart badly, I’m flying on the. 13th of this month, so let’s see how I do at the new airport
@@CatBreadOfficial I grew up in Lawrence & took flights out of the old airport quite a few times in the 70’s & 80’s, before moving away from the area in ‘85. My dad, brother & I went back for a Chiefs game in 2011 & this video brings back some of that nostalgia I experienced, seeing the old airport again..
You guys are crazy. I mean not crazy-crazy, I understand the nostalgia. As someone who for work several times a month, this new airport is godsend. Economy Parking bus frequency is improved, pickup/dropoff majorly improved, real food options when waiting for your flight/laying over(which I understand is not something us locals do, but still). Security has been genuinely faster, though if you fly on Delta the walking time to the gates is obviously longer. In almost all ways is it a massive improvement.
I will say, the old terminal was amazing for passengers leaving and arriving. It was horrible if you had a layover. But for coming/going it was very fast and you never had to wait.
Thanks, Jeb, for giving this airport review. It's a grand day for Kansas City to have this gem. I applaude Delta Airlines for having their Skyclub there. What a great convenience for the travelers.
They tore down the better airport, so I don't know what you are hoping for. That place is brand new and it will need billions of dollars in renovations yesterday to bring it up to the quality of the old airport.
I did not know Suzanne has a background in Airport planning! I think it would be a cool video idea to have Suzanne design her dream hypothetical airport.
I have been in the old airport over 30 times and I actually really liked it because I got so good at it I could arrive 30 mins before my flight boards. And still wait like 5-10 mins.
As a KC native who has flown many times, pretty much everything you say was a problem with the old airport was not really a problem. Because of short lines every few gates the security lines were always short and fast. Now security will take multiple times longer.
While that's true, I think the biggest issue was its old style, separate terminal buildings, and the lack of amenities. While it was one of the last Pre-9/11 style airports one could go through (resulting in shortened time within the airport), it more than likely wasn't what a lot of travelers were looking for in an airport these days.
I could show up to the airport an hour or less ahead of departure at the old terminal. Lines were so short outside of baggage check that all you’d need is a cup of coffee and proceed through security, once I did so as my plane was deboarding. This airport is nice, but it feels like any other airport now, just a shopping mall interrupting my travel. It makes sense with the security we need these days, but it would be so nice to simply walk in and board as if it were a bus stop.
I lived in KC for the past 23 years and couldn't wait for the new airport ... but then I moved to Greensboro just last month so I missed it by just a few weeks. Now you went from Greensboro to KC to show me what it's like. Great video! I have friends who are also airport design engineers in KC - lots of that is based there, as well as sports stadiums. The new stadium in Gastonia here was designed by a good friend of mine!
Love this, they've done a great job right down to the small details. So crucial all airports follow this approach to stay relevant for at least 1/2 decades. Things like cup holders in the seats with charging slots right underneath them. Do the small things well!
Great Video Jeb. The old KC airport was a very important and big part of mine and my families life. I worked at TWA’s KCAC installation for 10 years from 1988 to 1998. Can’t begin to tell you how many times I flew into and out of the old airport as well as my four kids and wife. I will always have a special place in my heart for the old lady. I have to say the new airport is beautiful and well laid out for future air travel. The citizens of the Kansas City metropolitan area should be very proud of their new airport.
You are right, big headache in DFW. If you check your bag and your return flight arrives at a different terminal than your departing flight, the terminal link bus is a real pain!
Being an architecture student from India , I am currently working on my thesis project on an Airport and this video has certainly been very helpful and Interesting !!
The security partitions didn't come into the airport until 9/11. I remember when we could watch the planes come and go without having to go through any security
Jeb, thanks for this video! As someone originally from KC, I fly in and out of this airport so many times a year. Thanks for the tour. Can't wait to see the new terminal! It looks great.
Born in KC, went to Seminary there where I met and married my wife who was in Medical School. So we have flown in and out of the old airport dozens of times. It had its challenges but man was it nice to get off a plane with just carry on and have you pick up ride 2 min from the jet bridge at least in the era of cell phones. I moved to KC for school in 1982 before phones and TSA
The first time flying into KC definitely throws you for a loop (pun intended). And you're right, Jeb; you feel like you have to walk forever to find a restroom! Now I have to head back to check out the new terminal. Once again, another fantastic video from RUclips's best aviation channel. Great job, you two!
Old MCI was definitely not alone. Berlin TXL had a virtually identical design with virtually identical pax flow problems too, leading to its own retrofit and the (eventual...) construction of Berlin BER. History repeats itself!
The old airport was convenient as hell to get to your gate. It sucked if you had to be there more than an hour, but that was the beauty of it, you never had to spend more than an hour there. I am really excited for the new terminal!!
My grandma and mom worked at the airport for years. Been there so many times when I was younger just walking around riding the bus watching the planes. This was in the mid 80s. Everyone knew me. Had so much fun
I’m so glad I discovered you guys. Everything you produce is so professional and has your own special personalities to it. I’m recovering from neck surgery and I’ve really enjoyed all our trips together, you’re awesome company! 🙏🏻🙌🏼
The old KC airport was the most convenient and easy experience to fly. Easy in and easy out and didn't try to be a mall or a place to get drunk. RIP good airport
I have to say, I LOVE airports. I don't mind long layovers because I love to explore the airport terminals. This is a very cool video. I've traveled internationally so much lately but I really should check out more of the US.
Great tour of the new airport! You’re the first to mention the new Delta Skyclub…a huge plus for me. One detail I’ll debate: the old airport security was a big benefit for travelers. In thirty years of travel through that airport, I never waited more than five minutes to get through security. With that said, I’m thrilled the new airport is open!
Jeb Brooks amazing video they have Glass Jetways another airport that you should check out is Santa Barbara. You can get there on United, American, Alaska and Southwest Airlines
It was SO efficient. I wish that our current world culture would have allowed for it to continue as designed, but security measures ruined that. It's a shame we can't have nice things.
Great job highlighting our beautiful new Airport and our old, before it's time airport as you said! I'm very proud and cannot wait to see it in person!
I love Kansas City! There’s so much to see and do there! The food scene is underrated! Yes, they’re known for Barbecue, but there are way more options! I personally hope the Royals and Chiefs remain standing where they’ve been since 1972.
Wow that looks like a really impressive and future proof terminal! Thanks for sharing the very interesting backstory about the old Kansas City Airport Terminal - seemed like a pretty cool idea at the time it was been built!
New terminal is pathetic, I flew out a few days ago and people had to sit on the floor since there was not enough seating at the gate. I guess they should have spent 3 billion to make a terminal with enough seating.
It’s crazy to see the change. I flew on southwest through the old terminal back in November and I saw all the construction but at the time, I was unaware of the project they were working on. I only found out about it a few weeks ago. I saw this video about the new features, especially the inclusive features. This will truly be a must visit airport.
I was at the old airport grand opening as a kid. It must have been open only a few days when we flew to LAX, which at that time was totally different. Even though I was born in Kansas City, I really have no connections with the area. I have traveled a lot since, but have never been back to Kansas City. I live in L.A. now.
I have so many memories of the old terminals, and honestly I will be sad to see them demolished this summer. The terminals were dated, but it was so convenient to pull up shortly before a flight and still be able to make it. I will miss that. The new terminal though does look nice and I'm looking forward to seeing it in person the next time I take a flight. Will be interesting to see how quick the new terminal operates since we moved from 3 terminals down to just 2 when the new terminal was under construction, to just now having a single terminal. That's the part I'm worried about. When it's like summer and many people are taking flights will we have to wait in long lines to even drop someone off or even access the parking garage? Only time will tell.
I absolutley agree with all of this. Born and raised 40 min from MCI, having the luxury to pull up to the gate to be dropped off 45 min before flight depature was a dream, now MCI will be like all the other major airports with long security lines and needing to be at the airport 2-3 hours before depature, crossing my fingers that its not the case.
Finally! As a pilot, while the old terminals were unique, they were terribly subpar for food, restrooms and seating. I always felt bad for our passengers in those tight quarters when we were delayed.
This video makes me excited to see how the airport I got my aviation career started at looks when it opens up. The TMP for Pittsburgh Int. definitely made life on the ramp interesting, from forcing employees to park in the further lots to the constant altering of the paths down to the bag room and baggage drops, there was always something happening. Hopefully I'm flying for a regional by the time it opens in '25
I'm excited to get familiar with the new terminal here in KC, it looks fantastic! That said, even though I doubt travel times have changed much, I'll miss rolling up less than an hour before takeoff and knowing I'm almost an hour early 😉
Yup!! Exactly, I'll miss the old MCI soley for this very fact. Rolling in 45 min before depature and still having 20 min extra before takeoff was a rare gem with an international airport, am gonna miss those days.
I loved flying into and out of MCI back in the early 80's. It was so cool to drive to the gate itself, and walk in and be right there at the gate! Now most airports are like a big box store. That is why I still like DFW, it brings back almost that same MCI feeling and living close it, I get to use it all the time. 😁👍🤠🍻
Thank you for showing MCI. I live in SW Iowa, and Omaha is actually closer, but I prefer Kansas City. I have flown out of there from the former terminal B a couple times, and I have a flight coming in April. I am looking forward to seeing the terminal! Thanks Jeb and Suzanne!!
As someone who has lived in Kansas most of their life and flown out of that airport many times, I can’t count the number of times I have asked the question, “why does our airport suck so bad?” Your explanation of the original design being for speed and convenience, and then immediately becoming outdated, upon increased security protocols made so much sense to me, and I wish somebody had just explained it to me years ago, so I didn’t just sit there thinking that the airport was stupid for no reason. Thanks for this video! Excited to fly out of the new airport soon.
@@Remsster Let me be the second. That airport was depressing. There was nothing to make you dread coming home like leaving your plane and walking into that dump.
I am more surprised that they have done it on budget while here in Mexico our uneducated president has built an airport and it cost twice what was budgeted, with less than 30 flights a day and without open stores nor restaurants, by the way we have funny toilets of mexican wrestlers, oh my god!
I went to the public open house a couple weeks ago and was blown away how beautiful it was. Looking forward to my first flight out of it in a few weeks. I will miss the ease of arriving back into the old terminals and getting to the curb in a minute or two
The old Kansas terminal actually has a similar efficiency to Canberra Airport. When I flew in there a few months ago we went from the plane to our hotel in the CBD in no longer than 25 minutes! And getting from security to airside was equally efficient
I am not surprised by the impressive design of the new terminal because many of the top designers for athletic venues are headquartered in Kansas City.
Only 21 years later, and a city built a terminal that arguably equals the McNamara Terminal at DTW. The only item missing from MCI is the psychedelic tunnel between the concourses, although one could say DTW ought to have a Buddy's or Shields pizza place, given latter-day interest in Detroit-style pizza (I mean, hey, we have a Leo's Coney shop representing Detroit's other contribution to the world's cuisine). Anyway, congratulations to Kansas City on building what looks to be an outstanding airport terminal!
Love it. Waited so long to have a normal airport. I don't live in KC anymore, but it will be so nice to fly in and out of there vs the old depressing terminals.
Looks really nice, but will miss the old airport because security was quick and yes the waiting area is quirky but was efficient. Will have to see what it is like when we go back in April.
Great video! Thanks for coming to Kansas City to check out our new airport terminal. While I do feel some nostalgia for the old buildings - I took my first air trips through them - they always felt like they were relics of a different time. It always disappointed me to know that the design so many here seemed to love (“It’s so convenient!” “I can drive to my gate”) is also the same design that really kept the airport from growing, attracting or keeping airline hub operations. We built it to what TWA thought they needed in the 1960s, and when we refused to rebuild/renovate it for them right after it opened in the 1970s they moved major Midwest Hub operations to St. Louis. You couldn’t really load or unload a 747, DC-10 or L-1011 efficiently in those narrow, cramped little buildings, so we could never really make long-range international flights (London, Paris, etc) work. They were fine, I guess, when metro KC was around 1.2 million. The metro is now over 2.2 million and we draw passengers from all over the region, so we really needed a bigger, more modern & flexible terminal. I’m hoping that, in addition to growing Southwest operations and getting more flights to Mexico, we can attract flights to Europe with this new building.
This is great, thank you. The new terminal was voted in by a big majority of KC voters in 2017. SOM (the architects) did many hours of community consults, and that's why it looks the way it does, and has local vendors and art. The airlines hated the old terminals and deliberately cut back on flights - even after the 2004 makeover. I think there's a nostalgia for the small-city airport feel the old ones had, i.e. "convenience" (if it ever really was), but KC is a booming 21st century metro. Maybe once folks actually try the new terminal the old one will fade from memory. Thanks again.
@@deandecoursey2334 That is the one BIG fail here and I started pointing it out years ago. Especially with the World Cup coming - Europeans expect transit! But I did see that the KC transit authority is moving ahead with new plans to build that, I hope before 2026.
I fly to KC a lot. The locals loved the old airport because they could arrive right before there flights. Out of town Frequent fliers hated it. Can't wait to try the new airport at the end of the month. Thanks for the preview.
@@stevenpopejoy7337 I fly into MCI once a month and hated it. Everyone from my company who didn't live in KC hated it because there was no place to sit, limited bathrooms and no place to eat. Everyone frequent flier I know that lived in KC loved the airport.
What a great improvement! The overall design is underwhelming considering it's a brand new terminal, but the art, history and local food options give it a lot of character. It seems very functional too, with the different types of seating options. Congrats with this wonderful new piece of infrastructure!
Well, to be fair, architectural distinction isn't terribly important in an airport terminal. The job of the terminal is to facilitate connections, or getting in and to the gate if you're originating, or getting the hell out if you're terminating, and does so in a reasonably pleasant environment, and it looks like the new MCI does that really well. So from my POV, MCI is a winner!
@@donkensler My expectations may have been influenced by the amount of superlatives used ('incredible, magical, grand'). I do agree it's a very functional design, just nothing that wouldn't be out of the ordinary even 20 years ago. It's a tried and tested design, which is perfectly fine, but wouldn't consider it 'incredible'.
I just joined Clark Construction as my first "real" job, and seeing how great of a job they did on this project makes me super excited about their future transportation infrastructure projects!
I never knew why KC's old airport was laid out the way it was. For the time, I suppose it made sense, but man, I hated flying in and out of there. Really excited there's a new, more traditional terminal they've clearly done a great job with.
It was the better airport and now we have a giant mess that will need billions of dollars in renovations to bring it back to the quality airport we used to have. Huge mistake from the city.
I remember reading about the "new" terminals at MCI in "Popular Science" magazine back in 1972. It was hailed as "the airport of the future," and rightly so. This was an entirely new airport, not just new terminals. The airport was envisioned as a hub for the entire Midwest, so the original name was Mid-Continent International. Unfortunately, it turned out the design was based more on the past than the future. As you pointed out, Jeb, the new security requirements didn't fit the concept of the airport, but deregulation also played a role. In order to compete, airlines had to become less elegant and more efficient, less like a crack passenger train and more like a bus line. Airlines that couldn't adapt, like TWA and PanAm, disappeared, but Kansas City was stuck with the airport of the future-that-could-have-been. I was there once or twice in the early 2000s, and it was indeed a hacked-up mess. I'm sorry to see the old terminals go the way of flying boats and wearing your best clothes to fly on TWA, but that's the world we live in. My home town of Pittsburgh is just starting to build a new terminal to replace the one that only opened in 1992. (Like MCI, PIT was hailed as "the airport of the future," and its design was dictated by the major carrier, US Air.) I hope our new "airport of the future" is as efficient and beautiful as the new MCI.
The initial plan also included having direct flight to far away places, with feeder flights from across the USA. The streets near the airport were named Cairo Road, London Drive, Paris Street, Vienna Avenue and so forth.
I used to live on the north side of Kansas City. I could leave my home and walk onto the plane in 20 minutes (before 9/11). It was the best airport in the country for convenience. Pull up to your gate!!!!!
Awesome video! God bless. Always remember that Jesus Christ loves you all so much! Jesus Christ forgives all sins. Jesus Christ is God, King, and Savior!❤️🙏 Praying for you, please pray for me.
I've been flying into MCI for years, 2018 and 2019, nearly every other week. I flew out the last Thursday it was open, and it just seemed so very ready to retire. I am ready to see this one!
Gorgeous new terminal! I can't wait to visit soon!! Also, I know this video is about MCI but it would be cool if you can do a tour like this for the new LGA Terminal B. Great video!
I'll miss the old airport just because of the memories there but I'm excited to see the new airport. It looks so nice! It's all the news is talking about recently.
Great video. I am a KC native, flew out of MCI just before the new one opened & drove home on return so didn’t get to experience the new one. It looks great. Hopefully the growing pains of backed up traffic @ arrivals will ease w/ education & maybe improved signage & traffic control.
Very cool. I’ll be in KC next month and I’m excited to check out the terminal. I’ve flown in and out of there so many times. The old terminal was iconic but this looks awesome
I like your videos and this one is no exception. My wife and I toured the new airport and found it to be such an improvement over the old facility. Well done showcasing this impressive airport.
I’m going to miss the old airport. As a flight attendant it’s so easy to walk off the plane and jump into the hotel van. If you had a short layover you could be in your hotel room 10 minutes after the last passenger got off the plane. It was the perfect short layover.
It was nice for foot traffic but a dump the bathrooms and halls are nasty 🤢
So true, anything to start the ride to downtown KC sooner than later, not a lot of amenities, though.
As flight crew that's home base has been MCI for the last decade, that was overrated. If you were stuck in the airport for a layover, it sucked. There were no facilities, no restaurants and the old terminal stank. It was time for it to go. I'll get my steps in and have a clean restroom to stop by.
Wow!! 🤩🥳🤩❤ What a big difference from the way it used to be! 🎉😂 I havent been out there since I used to drop my husband off to travel for his job before retirement! Its been at least 20 years! Its beautiful!! I had no idea our KansasCity airport was going to be this awesome someday! I like it so much! Thankyou for sharing your video! ❤ AWESOME!! 😃
No mass transit from airport and downtown KC, 20 miles away. An airport that relies on people being dropped off and picked up by car has serious problems, as shown since it opened. Arriving at 1:30AM, it was nice to see people sleeping on the floor because all the seats have the bars on them to prevent lying down in the chairs. Mobile walkways not running at night. It took me close to 30 minutes to walk from gate to baggage claim. Not impressed so far
Thanks for checking out my home airport, MCI! Hope you enjoyed it ❤
Just don't wait another 50 years to build a new one. That old terminal was third world.
@@zoner__ time will tell. We’ll build a new one when we need it
The one thing I can't ever disentangle in my mind is the code for Kansas City, MCI, and the former telecommunications company MCI that I remember from when I was a kid.
There are only 2 International destinations from MCI, Toronto & Cancun, that's it.
@@zoner__ Ok? What are you trying to prove.
The MCI airport upgrade is amazing! I love the expansion of space within the terminal, actually restaurants to dine at, and the stores to shop prior to departing. I'm much more excited to travel home as the MCI airport reflects most of the major city airports throughout the US.
KC native here and speak for yourself, the new airport is an ugly, inefficient waste of resources. The old airport was superior in every single way. Downgrading to this airport was a huge mistake!
Well said. It is a total disaster. No rail links, very poor traffic flow all flights crammed into one terminal that has a pedestrian crosswalk of all places across the main airport thoroughfare. Shockingly bad. I really don't care what restaurants, or shops are there I just want to get out and away as soon as possible. This is not a KC mall though it will no doubt fail to keep tennants as have many others.@@MrOpinions-f3o
@@MrOpinions-f3ohuh
That end shot on takeoff give you a really nice perspective of the old airport. I can imagine, if we still lived in a world where security at airports was minimal, MCI would still feel fresh and be lauded for its efficiency.
The airlines never did make that place work (numerous failed hubs), and finally, limited flights in and out. Even after the 2004 upgrade (wider gates and the blue floor) it was way out of step with travel needs, especially in the 21st Century. The infrastructure, wiring, pipes, were just shot and the airlines demanded change.
It was the BEST airport. None will ever compare to it. This new airport is an enormous downgrade and disservice to the city and all of its guests.
@@MrOpinions-f3o The old airport was horrible. Cramped, tiny, horrendous circle design where arrivals and departures are together, tons of airlines abondoned that place which meant limited flights,
I’m so happy Kansas City build a world class EU/Asia-style functional airport terminal ;-) finally! Let’s hope more cities in the US follow! 🫶
As a KC native, glad to see you highlight our new airport! Old airport was convenient as heck, but we were long overdue for an overhaul. My wishes: to make travelers welcome, give them a taste of our Midwest hospitality. Thanks for the video!
As a KC native as well, bring on the travelers! But I don't want anybody to move here. KC is great as a hole in the wall. I don't want it turning into something it's not 😢
@@rcdesigns agreed!
I'm a KCK resident...and I live in the 'small town' in a small city situation, and it's perfect
As a native Kansas City native and former airport employee I’ll miss the old airport . i had a lot of good memories there .hopefully I’ll get to go to the new terminal soon
KC native as well, and the new airport is AWFUL!! I can't believe that we spent all that time and money on a vastly inefficient and poorly designed mess! The old airport was superior by leaps and bounds, and by adding a 4th terminal and runway it could have easily have kept up with things.
@@MrOpinions-f3o oh but think of all the new lanes for TSA checkpoints (that'll never be open unless it's like Christmas and even then don't hold your breath) or you can go buy a $9 20oz bottle of water, or $29 bag of peanuts!!! 🙄
I've flown into/out of KC several times and I always liked the old airport because of the design. I use a wheelchair and having very short distances between entering the space and getting to my gate was always a great benefit for me. I'll probably be going back there later this year and I'm excited to see the new airport.
We took a vacation last October and departed from the old airport around 8am. There were so many people waiting for departure that there was no place to sit and it was practically shoulder to shoulder. I couldn't imagine trying to navigate a wheelchair in that environment. I hope you'll have a more relaxing experience on your next flight out.
they put in 4 moving walkways with short distances n between. you should be good, i also saw airport attendants helping handycapped
It's awful now.
I was born and raised in Kansas City, when i was young my dad used to bring me to the terminal and because of the design you could do plane spotting from the windows and that was what started my love of flying and dreaming of being able to fly on those planes. I am super excited for the new airport and glad that you got the chance to come visit!
What a great memory! Hope you check it out soon
Being a native i loved our old airport. So straight forward and uncomplicated. I'm really going to miss it. I'll be flying tomorrow so i might have an update for you all to see how things go.
I’m from the area too. The old airport was simple. This new one looks like a good place to get lost. 😕 Hopefully it’s not as bad as the one in Atlanta.
The old airport was my childhood airport, I loved it there. Knowing that they shut it down and made a new one broke my heart badly, I’m flying on the. 13th of this month, so let’s see how I do at the new airport
@@CatBreadOfficial I grew up in Lawrence & took flights out of the old airport quite a few times in the 70’s & 80’s, before moving away from the area in ‘85.
My dad, brother & I went back for a Chiefs game in 2011 & this video brings back some of that nostalgia I experienced, seeing the old airport again..
You guys are crazy. I mean not crazy-crazy, I understand the nostalgia. As someone who for work several times a month, this new airport is godsend. Economy Parking bus frequency is improved, pickup/dropoff majorly improved, real food options when waiting for your flight/laying over(which I understand is not something us locals do, but still). Security has been genuinely faster, though if you fly on Delta the walking time to the gates is obviously longer. In almost all ways is it a massive improvement.
@@feelgoodcorp1 the new airport was amazing, way more food options and seating. Also Very straightforward to get to parking and everything else
I will say, the old terminal was amazing for passengers leaving and arriving. It was horrible if you had a layover. But for coming/going it was very fast and you never had to wait.
Nice to see Susan taking a larger part in your vlogs!! Good analysis of MCI
The new terminal looks really nice, but damn I’ll miss those old terminals
I spent time at this airport long ago when I was young and my Mother worked for AA,and I used to love the way it was then
Thanks, Jeb, for giving this airport review. It's a grand day for Kansas City to have this gem. I applaude Delta Airlines for having their Skyclub there. What a great convenience for the travelers.
Business travelers
They tore down the better airport, so I don't know what you are hoping for. That place is brand new and it will need billions of dollars in renovations yesterday to bring it up to the quality of the old airport.
Thanks for the tour, it looks like a pleasant space. I want Kansas City bbq!!
I did not know Suzanne has a background in Airport planning! I think it would be a cool video idea to have Suzanne design her dream hypothetical airport.
I have been in the old airport over 30 times and I actually really liked it because I got so good at it I could arrive 30 mins before my flight boards. And still wait like 5-10 mins.
As a KC native who has flown many times, pretty much everything you say was a problem with the old airport was not really a problem. Because of short lines every few gates the security lines were always short and fast. Now security will take multiple times longer.
While that's true, I think the biggest issue was its old style, separate terminal buildings, and the lack of amenities. While it was one of the last Pre-9/11 style airports one could go through (resulting in shortened time within the airport), it more than likely wasn't what a lot of travelers were looking for in an airport these days.
I could show up to the airport an hour or less ahead of departure at the old terminal. Lines were so short outside of baggage check that all you’d need is a cup of coffee and proceed through security, once I did so as my plane was deboarding. This airport is nice, but it feels like any other airport now, just a shopping mall interrupting my travel. It makes sense with the security we need these days, but it would be so nice to simply walk in and board as if it were a bus stop.
My first flights in the 1970s were to Kansas City on TWA.... great memories.
I lived in KC for the past 23 years and couldn't wait for the new airport ... but then I moved to Greensboro just last month so I missed it by just a few weeks. Now you went from Greensboro to KC to show me what it's like. Great video! I have friends who are also airport design engineers in KC - lots of that is based there, as well as sports stadiums. The new stadium in Gastonia here was designed by a good friend of mine!
Love this, they've done a great job right down to the small details. So crucial all airports follow this approach to stay relevant for at least 1/2 decades. Things like cup holders in the seats with charging slots right underneath them. Do the small things well!
Great Video Jeb. The old KC airport was a very important and big part of mine and my families life. I worked at TWA’s KCAC installation for 10 years from 1988 to 1998. Can’t begin to tell you how many times I flew into and out of the old airport as well as my four kids and wife. I will always have a special place in my heart for the old lady. I have to say the new airport is beautiful and well laid out for future air travel. The citizens of the Kansas City metropolitan area should be very proud of their new airport.
The old airport was the better airport. This new airport is a disaster and a disservice to the city.
You are right, big headache in DFW. If you check your bag and your return flight arrives at a different terminal than your departing flight, the terminal link bus is a real pain!
It looks very much like the new SLC airport. The layout, the seats, the design. Love it
Being an architecture student from India , I am currently working on my thesis project on an Airport and this video has certainly been very helpful and Interesting !!
Hope you enjoyed your time in KC! So happy to see our new terminal is finally open! The best is yet to come
The security partitions didn't come into the airport until 9/11. I remember when we could watch the planes come and go without having to go through any security
Jeb, thanks for this video! As someone originally from KC, I fly in and out of this airport so many times a year. Thanks for the tour. Can't wait to see the new terminal! It looks great.
Born in KC, went to Seminary there where I met and married my wife who was in Medical School. So we have flown in and out of the old airport dozens of times. It had its challenges but man was it nice to get off a plane with just carry on and have you pick up ride 2 min from the jet bridge at least in the era of cell phones. I moved to KC for school in 1982 before phones and TSA
The first time flying into KC definitely throws you for a loop (pun intended). And you're right, Jeb; you feel like you have to walk forever to find a restroom! Now I have to head back to check out the new terminal. Once again, another fantastic video from RUclips's best aviation channel. Great job, you two!
My home airport it’s such a nice airport I flew out of it today
Thanks for the great review of our new airport. Appreciate the Delta sky lounge review too. 👌
Security was always very quick and conveniently located. I hope the new one is that fast.
I am so so happy to see this!! Kansas City was overdue for a proper airport 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 It's beautiful and airy. Great job.
Hi Jeb, I heard the newest airport terminal at the Kansas City International Airport!
Old MCI was definitely not alone. Berlin TXL had a virtually identical design with virtually identical pax flow problems too, leading to its own retrofit and the (eventual...) construction of Berlin BER. History repeats itself!
I flew out in October, it was awesome. I enjoyed it quite a bit better than the old terminal. It is my home Airport.
The old airport was convenient as hell to get to your gate. It sucked if you had to be there more than an hour, but that was the beauty of it, you never had to spend more than an hour there. I am really excited for the new terminal!!
My grandma and mom worked at the airport for years. Been there so many times when I was younger just walking around riding the bus watching the planes. This was in the mid 80s. Everyone knew me. Had so much fun
I’m so glad I discovered you guys. Everything you produce is so professional and has your own special personalities to it. I’m recovering from neck surgery and I’ve really enjoyed all our trips together, you’re awesome company! 🙏🏻🙌🏼
Wishing you a speedy recovery! Thanks for watching!
I really miss the old airport already after just two flights through it, it was just so easy to go through
As a KC native, the original airport, while had it's flaws, worked. It was a small airport where you could get your bags and go.
It was terrible if you had to work in it and the restrooms were a dump. Good riddens to old MCI.
The old KC airport was the most convenient and easy experience to fly. Easy in and easy out and didn't try to be a mall or a place to get drunk. RIP good airport
I have to say, I LOVE airports. I don't mind long layovers because I love to explore the airport terminals. This is a very cool video. I've traveled internationally so much lately but I really should check out more of the US.
I've been to many airports and this airport was the best. Shortest walk from entering the terminal to your gate. The best.
Great tour of the new airport! You’re the first to mention the new Delta Skyclub…a huge plus for me. One detail I’ll debate: the old airport security was a big benefit for travelers. In thirty years of travel through that airport, I never waited more than five minutes to get through security. With that said, I’m thrilled the new airport is open!
Jeb Brooks amazing video they have Glass Jetways another airport that you should check out is Santa Barbara. You can get there on United, American, Alaska and Southwest Airlines
Been living in KC since 1991 and loved the old airport. 50 feet from the plane to curb side pick up. No where else in the world can you do that.
It was SO efficient. I wish that our current world culture would have allowed for it to continue as designed, but security measures ruined that. It's a shame we can't have nice things.
Great job highlighting our beautiful new Airport and our old, before it's time airport as you said! I'm very proud and cannot wait to see it in person!
I love Kansas City! There’s so much to see and do there! The food scene is underrated! Yes, they’re known for Barbecue, but there are way more options! I personally hope the Royals and Chiefs remain standing where they’ve been since 1972.
Awesome airport!
Wow that looks like a really impressive and future proof terminal! Thanks for sharing the very interesting backstory about the old Kansas City Airport Terminal - seemed like a pretty cool idea at the time it was been built!
New terminal is pathetic, I flew out a few days ago and people had to sit on the floor since there was not enough seating at the gate. I guess they should have spent 3 billion to make a terminal with enough seating.
MCI was FANTASTIC pre 911
Everything's up to date in Kansas City. Great glimpse. Thanks!
It’s crazy to see the change. I flew on southwest through the old terminal back in November and I saw all the construction but at the time, I was unaware of the project they were working on. I only found out about it a few weeks ago. I saw this video about the new features, especially the inclusive features. This will truly be a must visit airport.
I was at the old airport grand opening as a kid. It must have been open only a few days when we flew to LAX, which at that time was totally different. Even though I was born in Kansas City, I really have no connections with the area. I have traveled a lot since, but have never been back to Kansas City. I live in L.A. now.
I have so many memories of the old terminals, and honestly I will be sad to see them demolished this summer. The terminals were dated, but it was so convenient to pull up shortly before a flight and still be able to make it. I will miss that. The new terminal though does look nice and I'm looking forward to seeing it in person the next time I take a flight. Will be interesting to see how quick the new terminal operates since we moved from 3 terminals down to just 2 when the new terminal was under construction, to just now having a single terminal. That's the part I'm worried about. When it's like summer and many people are taking flights will we have to wait in long lines to even drop someone off or even access the parking garage? Only time will tell.
I absolutley agree with all of this. Born and raised 40 min from MCI, having the luxury to pull up to the gate to be dropped off 45 min before flight depature was a dream, now MCI will be like all the other major airports with long security lines and needing to be at the airport 2-3 hours before depature, crossing my fingers that its not the case.
Hello Jeb, can you please please PLEASE PLEASE! Do a review on Sun Country Airlines! (SCA)
Finally! As a pilot, while the old terminals were unique, they were terribly subpar for food, restrooms and seating. I always felt bad for our passengers in those tight quarters when we were delayed.
Thanks for coming to the Midwest’s newest hub! Not many other travel channels would do this. Big props!!
This video makes me excited to see how the airport I got my aviation career started at looks when it opens up. The TMP for Pittsburgh Int. definitely made life on the ramp interesting, from forcing employees to park in the further lots to the constant altering of the paths down to the bag room and baggage drops, there was always something happening. Hopefully I'm flying for a regional by the time it opens in '25
My birth town.68 years ago.Thankyou guy's.Injoyed
I'm excited to get familiar with the new terminal here in KC, it looks fantastic!
That said, even though I doubt travel times have changed much, I'll miss rolling up less than an hour before takeoff and knowing I'm almost an hour early 😉
Yup!! Exactly, I'll miss the old MCI soley for this very fact. Rolling in 45 min before depature and still having 20 min extra before takeoff was a rare gem with an international airport, am gonna miss those days.
I'll be flying to KC on business in a few months and look forward to seeing this airport. Thank you for the video.
I loved flying into and out of MCI back in the early 80's. It was so cool to drive to the gate itself, and walk in and be right there at the gate! Now most airports are like a big box store. That is why I still like DFW, it brings back almost that same MCI feeling and living close it, I get to use it all the time. 😁👍🤠🍻
What could be better than an handsome man showing us a beautiful terminal? Thanks Jeb!
Thank you for showing MCI. I live in SW Iowa, and Omaha is actually closer, but I prefer Kansas City. I have flown out of there from the former terminal B a couple times, and I have a flight coming in April. I am looking forward to seeing the terminal! Thanks Jeb and Suzanne!!
I loved the ease of the old airport. So quick and easy.
As someone who has lived in Kansas most of their life and flown out of that airport many times, I can’t count the number of times I have asked the question, “why does our airport suck so bad?” Your explanation of the original design being for speed and convenience, and then immediately becoming outdated, upon increased security protocols made so much sense to me, and I wish somebody had just explained it to me years ago, so I didn’t just sit there thinking that the airport was stupid for no reason. Thanks for this video! Excited to fly out of the new airport soon.
You are the first local that I have heard say they didn't love the old airport. You could get through security and to your gate so quickly.
The old airport was great. In and through security like a breeze.
@@Remsster Let me be the second. That airport was depressing. There was nothing to make you dread coming home like leaving your plane and walking into that dump.
It was the better airport, and they destroyed it to replace it with something that barely works.
We had a gem and took it for granted.
@@MrOpinions-f3o It was a dump. Depressing, dark, inadequate facilities. Good riddance to Davis' folly.
FINALLY HE CAME HERE!!!!!
I think the most impressive part is being on budget and a day early on schedule for such a massive project!
awesome video and great info jeb!
I am more surprised that they have done it on budget while here in Mexico our uneducated president has built an airport and it cost twice what was budgeted, with less than 30 flights a day and without open stores nor restaurants, by the way we have funny toilets of mexican wrestlers, oh my god!
I knew this was going to be the video this week!
I went to the public open house a couple weeks ago and was blown away how beautiful it was. Looking forward to my first flight out of it in a few weeks. I will miss the ease of arriving back into the old terminals and getting to the curb in a minute or two
TWA had really revolutionized the way airports were built back then
The old Kansas terminal actually has a similar efficiency to Canberra Airport. When I flew in there a few months ago we went from the plane to our hotel in the CBD in no longer than 25 minutes! And getting from security to airside was equally efficient
It’s in Missouri
I grew up in KC, now living in CNB.
I am not surprised by the impressive design of the new terminal because many of the top designers for athletic venues are headquartered in Kansas City.
Only 21 years later, and a city built a terminal that arguably equals the McNamara Terminal at DTW. The only item missing from MCI is the psychedelic tunnel between the concourses, although one could say DTW ought to have a Buddy's or Shields pizza place, given latter-day interest in Detroit-style pizza (I mean, hey, we have a Leo's Coney shop representing Detroit's other contribution to the world's cuisine).
Anyway, congratulations to Kansas City on building what looks to be an outstanding airport terminal!
Love it. Waited so long to have a normal airport. I don't live in KC anymore, but it will be so nice to fly in and out of there vs the old depressing terminals.
Looks really nice, but will miss the old airport because security was quick and yes the waiting area is quirky but was efficient. Will have to see what it is like when we go back in April.
Great video! Thanks for coming to Kansas City to check out our new airport terminal. While I do feel some nostalgia for the old buildings - I took my first air trips through them - they always felt like they were relics of a different time. It always disappointed me to know that the design so many here seemed to love (“It’s so convenient!” “I can drive to my gate”) is also the same design that really kept the airport from growing, attracting or keeping airline hub operations. We built it to what TWA thought they needed in the 1960s, and when we refused to rebuild/renovate it for them right after it opened in the 1970s they moved major Midwest Hub operations to St. Louis. You couldn’t really load or unload a 747, DC-10 or L-1011 efficiently in those narrow, cramped little buildings, so we could never really make long-range international flights (London, Paris, etc) work. They were fine, I guess, when metro KC was around 1.2 million. The metro is now over 2.2 million and we draw passengers from all over the region, so we really needed a bigger, more modern & flexible terminal. I’m hoping that, in addition to growing Southwest operations and getting more flights to Mexico, we can attract flights to Europe with this new building.
Love to see the MCI getting a new home but love the old terminal as well, I've been there multiple times, very easy fly into & out of the airport.
Awesome! This is my hometown airport, and my wife and I were just talking about it the other day. I was secretly hoping you’d make a video about it!
This is great, thank you. The new terminal was voted in by a big majority of KC voters in 2017. SOM (the architects) did many hours of community consults, and that's why it looks the way it does, and has local vendors and art. The airlines hated the old terminals and deliberately cut back on flights - even after the 2004 makeover. I think there's a nostalgia for the small-city airport feel the old ones had, i.e. "convenience" (if it ever really was), but KC is a booming 21st century metro. Maybe once folks actually try the new terminal the old one will fade from memory. Thanks again.
No mass transit to downtown KC
@@deandecoursey2334 That is the one BIG fail here and I started pointing it out years ago. Especially with the World Cup coming - Europeans expect transit! But I did see that the KC transit authority is moving ahead with new plans to build that, I hope before 2026.
I fly to KC a lot. The locals loved the old airport because they could arrive right before there flights. Out of town Frequent fliers hated it. Can't wait to try the new airport at the end of the month. Thanks for the preview.
@@stevenpopejoy7337 I fly into MCI once a month and hated it. Everyone from my company who didn't live in KC hated it because there was no place to sit, limited bathrooms and no place to eat.
Everyone frequent flier I know that lived in KC loved the airport.
What a great improvement! The overall design is underwhelming considering it's a brand new terminal, but the art, history and local food options give it a lot of character. It seems very functional too, with the different types of seating options. Congrats with this wonderful new piece of infrastructure!
Well, to be fair, architectural distinction isn't terribly important in an airport terminal. The job of the terminal is to facilitate connections, or getting in and to the gate if you're originating, or getting the hell out if you're terminating, and does so in a reasonably pleasant environment, and it looks like the new MCI does that really well. So from my POV, MCI is a winner!
@@donkensler My expectations may have been influenced by the amount of superlatives used ('incredible, magical, grand'). I do agree it's a very functional design, just nothing that wouldn't be out of the ordinary even 20 years ago. It's a tried and tested design, which is perfectly fine, but wouldn't consider it 'incredible'.
Not even enough seating at the gates when I flew out a few days ago. Sitting on the floor of a 1.5+ billion dollar brand new terminal is hilarious.
@@ryanhacker9444 That's disappointing. How were other aspects of your experience of the terminal?
I just joined Clark Construction as my first "real" job, and seeing how great of a job they did on this project makes me super excited about their future transportation infrastructure projects!
I never knew why KC's old airport was laid out the way it was. For the time, I suppose it made sense, but man, I hated flying in and out of there. Really excited there's a new, more traditional terminal they've clearly done a great job with.
It was the better airport and now we have a giant mess that will need billions of dollars in renovations to bring it back to the quality airport we used to have.
Huge mistake from the city.
I did so much travelling to this airport during '15' - '17. I'm glad to see this upgrade. I still miss that old convenience, though.
I remember reading about the "new" terminals at MCI in "Popular Science" magazine back in 1972. It was hailed as "the airport of the future," and rightly so. This was an entirely new airport, not just new terminals. The airport was envisioned as a hub for the entire Midwest, so the original name was Mid-Continent International. Unfortunately, it turned out the design was based more on the past than the future. As you pointed out, Jeb, the new security requirements didn't fit the concept of the airport, but deregulation also played a role. In order to compete, airlines had to become less elegant and more efficient, less like a crack passenger train and more like a bus line. Airlines that couldn't adapt, like TWA and PanAm, disappeared, but Kansas City was stuck with the airport of the future-that-could-have-been. I was there once or twice in the early 2000s, and it was indeed a hacked-up mess. I'm sorry to see the old terminals go the way of flying boats and wearing your best clothes to fly on TWA, but that's the world we live in. My home town of Pittsburgh is just starting to build a new terminal to replace the one that only opened in 1992. (Like MCI, PIT was hailed as "the airport of the future," and its design was dictated by the major carrier, US Air.) I hope our new "airport of the future" is as efficient and beautiful as the new MCI.
The initial plan also included having direct flight to far away places, with feeder flights from across the USA.
The streets near the airport were named Cairo Road, London Drive, Paris Street, Vienna Avenue and so forth.
I used to live on the north side of Kansas City. I could leave my home and walk onto the plane in 20 minutes (before 9/11). It was the best airport in the country for convenience. Pull up to your gate!!!!!
Yes, but it was designed for about half the number of flights KCI now sees each day.
Awesome video! God bless. Always remember that Jesus Christ loves you all so much! Jesus Christ forgives all sins. Jesus Christ is God, King, and Savior!❤️🙏 Praying for you, please pray for me.
Great video! Always reminder Jesus Christ prayed to God Almighty
Jeb the new terminal looks great, I'd like to see you do a video on Newark's new terminal A.
love your positivity and enthusiasm. you and Suzanne make a great team 😊 wish you guys the best and safe travels!
I've been flying into MCI for years, 2018 and 2019, nearly every other week. I flew out the last Thursday it was open, and it just seemed so very ready to retire. I am ready to see this one!
Gorgeous new terminal! I can't wait to visit soon!! Also, I know this video is about MCI but it would be cool if you can do a tour like this for the new LGA Terminal B. Great video!
I'll miss the old airport just because of the memories there but I'm excited to see the new airport. It looks so nice! It's all the news is talking about recently.
Thanks Jeb & Suzanne! I appreciate you guys showing off the new terminal at KCI. Always enjoy your video content.
Great video. I am a KC native, flew out of MCI just before the new one opened & drove home on return so didn’t get to experience the new one. It looks great. Hopefully the growing pains of backed up traffic @ arrivals will ease w/ education & maybe improved signage & traffic control.
Your channel is so cheerful and always makes me smile. Rock on!
This is so cool. I love it.
Got to say I love that you came just in time to see the old terminal and then the new airport.
Whenever Susain speaks she just catches all the attention. Love you videos guys ♥️
Very cool. I’ll be in KC next month and I’m excited to check out the terminal. I’ve flown in and out of there so many times. The old terminal was iconic but this looks awesome
I like your videos and this one is no exception. My wife and I toured the new airport and found it to be such an improvement over the old facility. Well done showcasing this impressive airport.