rewrite this title Kansas City MCI Airport Lounges: What to Know – NerdWallet

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.

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.

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

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.

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.)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.