Although it’s never looked old, a new airport for Kansas City is in the making.
The new design will be one large terminal instead of three separate terminals. Increased demands for security and a decrease in the number of airlines mean the single terminal can offer greater efficiencies.
For years, the 1970’s era KC airport had been hailed as passenger-friendly because of its curbside service. It used to be you could practically drive up to your departing gate. Remember how you could give one last hug before your loved one got on the plane?
The terrorist bombings of Sept. 11, 2011, however changed the face of public transportation. Multiple layers of security are now between check-in and departure.
The need for more guards to check IDs and pat down suspicious bulges runs counterintuitive to the spacious design of MCI’s three horseshoe-shaped terminals around which were spaced 30 gates each.
Yes, the lines are longer to access the gate areas of other major metropolitan airports, but there’s a much greater efficiency of manpower by moving more people through fewer stations.
MCI was always more friendly to those dropping passengers off than for the passengers themselves.
Idled passengers because of engine trouble or a canceled flight find the airport very unfriendly precisely because everything is spaced so far apart and out of sight.
Restaurants and shops close early in the evenings. And unlike most airports, ticketed passengers who have gone through security are separated from such services.
There’s also a notable lack of seating out in the general concourse.
STEAM IS picking up for the new terminal to replace the current Terminal A instead of starting anew on vacant land. Terminal B might be used for offices. Terminal C is up for grabs.
Work could begin as soon as 2014 and be open in as little as five years.
The change is welcome and needed.
— Susan Lynn
