KMCI, Terrible connecting city!

[rvsm410]

Planning time, out of our hands.

DGS, you mention to plan for more time to transition to other areas of the airport, remember if I am connect from one SWA flight to another SWA flight, the timing is not up to me,as in my case I had 40 minutes from arrival to pushback, and alot to learn for a new comer to the airport.......thus the crux of my complaint to SWA for scheduling my flight in this manor.

I have not heard from the TSA supervisor that oversee's the "rent a screeners" at MCI, I' am not holding my breath either. From the sounds of it this person gets hit everyday with complaints, and should!

Anyone short of Barny the dinosaur's attitude is subject to a very slow strip search in front of ALL to spectate...I for one will avoid MCI at all costs on the future, especially when I Non-Rev, that must be a real joke to do that, and just begging to get attention.

Col. Bill USAF ret.

 

[eddie]

In 2002, I commuted out of MCI on USAirways and Vanguard. I was impressed by the remodel of the gate area for USAir. I also loved the ability to meet friends at the gate, just like it used to be.

I haven't been there in over a year, so maybe security has become a nightmare. I remember the Southwest system there always left a lot to be desired. The ticket counter seemed to be very far from many of the gates, with the gates of connecting flights spread across the terminal. I can see how it would be tough to get in and out of security there when it's busy and you are short on time.

I believe once the KCI folks work out the potty problems, that airport will once again be enjoyable to fly into.

 

[wildcat]

I live and commute from MCI. The airport should NEVER be used for making connections. As an origin and/or destination, it's an awesome airport. You can meet your party, grab your luggage and be in the car and out the door in a few minutes. Or in reverse, you can check-in, pop through security (if you're not flying Cattle Car in the Sky, SWA) and board the plane within minutes.

 

[rvsm410]

Kmci

I would agree with you, it is noce to be able to go in and out quickly.....not to connect though on SWA...they schedule very little time to do so......still like an airport out of the 60's...

 

[MooseTrax]

Me Too

I fly out of MCI all the time and the set up does suck! Especially when you hit the Starbucks and go through security early to beat the rush and it's one of those mornings that the coffee just goes right through you and you ahve to leave the departure area then get back in the mile long line. I too had the guy say "you might want to take off your shoes". My reply was "these do not have metal shanks in them." And sure enough after I pass through security with out making a peep I get pulled to the side and get the magic wand. I have been doing a lot of watch and some of my own experimenting......bottom line......the shoes are coming off or you are getting the wand at MCI whether you make a peep or not!

 

[jobear]

Fly Cle

I just wanna say that everything negative said here is a positive in CLE. When they installed the security checkpoints they had the forethought to insure as much of the Airport as posibile was inside the Secure area with interconnectivity to other terminal sans exiting the Secure area. Nice to see something work. I will say that although everything is inside, getting there is a Royal pain in the A$$. Does TSA get paid for only moving slow or slower?

Bear

 

[GCD]

The Mayor is a big part of the problem with MCI. When the remodeling issue came up, she said that there was no need to relocate toilet facilities within the security area. People would just have to live with it as it is, even though there would be very little additional cost of relocating the toilets. It was just one more nail into Vanguard's coffin, and she knew it.


I would avoid connecting through MCI, like the plague. Not just to send a message to the Mayor, but to keep my sanity, because it is so fowled up.

I agree, that SWA is doing well, but I don't use them, myself. I'm sure there are people who love to fly SWA, but it's not for me.

 

[Snakeplt]

KMCI is absolutely the worst airport in the country...even worse than Detroit.

 

[Morning Wood]

I lived in MCI for 20 years and I have to agree on how poor it is as
a connecting city. However, when MCI opened in 1972 (not in
the 60's as one poster said) it was not designed to be a hub city.
TWA and the original Branniff had tons of point to point flights.
For convenience and ease in getting from the plane to baggage
claim and to your car, it can't be beat.

The terminals have been in a constant state of construction/repair/renovation
for 32 years. The distance between restrooms is a joke and none
are inside security. Very few choices for food and the distance from
the city has always been a major complaint with travelers. With
the exception of Southwest, every single airline that has made MCi
a hub or focus city has failed.

As far as the worst airport, STL is far worse than MCI.
MW