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Kansas City International Airport (MCI) in Missouri served more than 12 million passengers in 2024, according to the airport’s traffic statistics — but it only offers two lounges. One is a new addition that opened in 2025.

The limited options in this midsize airport might not be surprising, since Southwest Airlines, its dominant carrier, doesn’t operate any of its own lounges.

Still, flyers have some choices. Here’s a guide to the lounges available at MCI.

Overview of Kansas City airport lounges

Kansas City airport is a single terminal with two concourses connected by a long walkway. Concourse A, which is immediately after the security screening checkpoint, serves major carriers like Alaska Airlines and American Airlines. In Concourse B, you’ll find flights from Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines, among others.

Terminal, Chart, Plot

The airport has a Priority Pass lounge option, as well as an airline lounge. Here’s what you need to know:

  1. Escape Lounge in Concourse A: Open to all travelers for a fee, or free for eligible credit card holders.

  2. Delta Sky Club in Concourse B: For certain Delta and select SkyTeam flyers.

Concourse A: Escape Lounge

How to get access

The Escape Lounge opened in 2025, bringing a much-needed non-airline lounge option to the airport. That was a huge win for non-Delta flyers, who previously had zero lounge options at MCI.

Anyone can enter the Escape Lounge for a fee, regardless of what airline they’re flying, as long as they have a same-day boarding pass and their scheduled departure is within three hours.

  • Amenities: Wi-Fi, hot and cold buffet, full-service bar (pending liquor license approval).

While it’s possible to buy entry to the Escape Lounge at the door, you can also get access to the space by holding certain cards that come with a Priority Pass membership, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. Enrollment is required. (Keep in mind that not all Escape Lounges are available via Priority Pass.)

Cards with Priority Pass lounge access
Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

NerdWallet Rating

Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

NerdWallet Rating
The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express

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on American Express’ website

Rates & Fees

Priority Pass benefits


• Priority Pass Select membership. Enrollment required.

• Includes two guests per visit.

• Priority Pass Select membership. Enrollment required.

• No limit on the number of guests allowed.

• Priority Pass Select membership. Enrollment required.

• Includes two guests per visit.

• Priority Pass Select membership. Enrollment required.

• Includes two guests per visit.

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What it offers

The Escape Lounge at MCI is in a convenient location near the security screening checkpoint. It can be reached by turning right immediately after security.

Architecture, Building, Foyer

(Photo by Benjamin Din)

The lounge offers plenty of seating, from group seating areas to individual pods for solo travelers. If you need to charge your devices, there are plenty of power outlets available. Those looking for some extra privacy can utilize the lounge’s two quiet areas.

Cafeteria, Indoors, Restaurant

(Photo by Benjamin Din)

The food options at this lounge are fresh and tasty. On a recent afternoon visit, the lounge served hot dishes like BBQ chicken wings, mac and cheese, and cheesy corn. There were also sandwiches, snacks, a charcuterie board and desserts.

Person, Indoors, Computer Hardware

(Photo by Benjamin Din)

The lounge’s windows overlook Gate A5. While that’s better than nothing, planespotters will likely be disappointed if they’re there while the gate isn’t being used.

Concourse B: Delta Sky Club

How to get access

The Delta Sky Club opened in 2023, when the airport debuted a single terminal that replaced its three horseshoe-shaped terminals. The 11,200-square-foot space marked Delta’s first entry into a new Sky Club market in several years. However, if you’re not flying Delta or a SkyTeam partner, you will not be able to access this lounge.

  • Location: By the City Market, before the Concourse B gate area.

  • Access: Available to Delta One passengers, SkyTeam premium travelers, select AmEx cardholders.

  • Amenities: Wi-Fi, hot and cold buffet, full-service bar, two outdoor decks.

  • Membership: Starts at $695/year or 69,500 SkyMiles.

Sky Club access is available to Delta One passengers on domestic or international flights (excluding the Caribbean), as well as travelers in a SkyTeam partner’s premium cabin.

Some premium class flyers or elite status holders with LATAM and WestJet can also access the Sky Club.

If you’re a Medallion status holder, you can purchase an annual Delta Sky Club membership. Prices start at $695 or 69,500 SkyMiles for an individual membership. Passengers flying in basic economy will not be able to access the lounge.

What it offers

The Delta Sky Club at MCI can be found in the City Market area of Concourse B, immediately after the walkway between the two concourses and before you reach the boarding gates.

Like many of Delta’s newer lounges, it showcases a modern and elevated design, with plenty of seating options.

Architecture, Building, Furniture

(Photo by Tiffani Sherman)

Food options include a buffet with hot and cold options, with options like marinara meatballs and broccoli.

Architecture, Building, Furniture

(Photo by Tiffani Sherman)

The highlight of this lounge is the two Sky Decks — although they may not be as desirable in the winter season, when temperatures can drop below freezing. If you’re visiting in the summer though, the outdoor spaces are a great place to hang out and relax before your flight.

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, see this page.

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