Last Updated on July 11, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Southwest Airlines has flown into Kansas City for decades, and since 2023 it’s operated out of one of the newest airport terminals in the country. Here’s exactly where to find Southwest at the new Kansas City International Airport (MCI), what’s changed, and what to expect from check-in to gate.
Quick Answer
Southwest Airlines operates from Concourse B at MCI’s single terminal, generally using gates in the B54–B69 range. MCI has one terminal split into Concourse A and Concourse B, connected by a shared, single security checkpoint — there’s no separate “Terminal B” building.
Key Takeaways
- Southwest Airlines is a major low-cost carrier known for its point-to-point route network and no-frills approach to air travel.
- MCI’s new single terminal, which opened February 28, 2023, replaced two aging circular terminals with one modern building split into Concourse A and Concourse B.
- Southwest operates from Concourse B, generally in the gate range of B54–B69.
- The terminal has one shared security checkpoint with 16 lanes, so passengers don’t re-screen when moving between concourses.
- Southwest passengers can use the Delta Sky Club in Concourse B, since Southwest does not operate its own lounge at MCI.
The New MCI Airport: An Introduction
A Modern Architectural Marvel
This single terminal officially opened on February 28, 2023, replacing the two aging circular terminals that had served Kansas City since 1972. Designed by SOM Architects at a cost of roughly $1.5 billion, the project ranks as one of the largest infrastructure undertakings in the city’s history and incorporates energy-efficient systems, natural light, and glass boarding bridges at all 40 gates.
Passenger Comfort and Convenience
The terminal’s design reflects a clear focus on passenger comfort. Spacious waiting areas, abundant natural light, and a wide mix of dining and shopping options — with roughly 80% of concessions locally owned — create a distinctly Kansas City feel. A single, centralized security checkpoint with 16 screening lanes (including TSA PreCheck and CLEAR) reduces wait times and lets passengers move freely between concourses once through screening.
A State-of-the-Art Travel Experience
The terminal has 40 gates today, with room to expand to 50 as passenger demand grows. In 2025 MCI served roughly 11.5 million passengers, and the airport continues to add nonstop routes as demand rebuilds.
Southwest Airlines’ Operations at MCI Airport
Southwest Airlines has been a key carrier at Kansas City International Airport for years, and the move into the new single terminal further solidified that presence. Southwest operates numerous daily flights from MCI to destinations across the United States, serving both leisure and business travelers with its point-to-point route model, which favors direct flights over connections through a central hub.
Note: MCI is a single terminal, not multiple separate terminal buildings. Southwest operates from Concourse B; some airport signage and older guides may still reference “Terminal B” out of habit, but it’s part of the same unified facility as Concourse A.
Southwest’s operational efficiency at MCI is reflected in strong on-time performance, supported by its fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft. The airline’s transparent pricing and flexible policies — including no fees for the first two checked bags — continue to underpin its loyal customer base.
Southwest Airlines’ Facilities and Amenities at MCI Airport
At a Glance
| Concourse & Gates | Concourse B, generally gates B54–B69 |
| Check-in | Self-service kiosks and staffed ticket counters in the main terminal |
| Security | One shared checkpoint, 16 lanes, including TSA PreCheck and CLEAR |
| Lounge Access | Delta Sky Club in Concourse B (Southwest has no dedicated lounge) |
| Wi-Fi | Free — connect to “MCI_FREE_WiFi” |
The terminal’s design puts passenger comfort front and center, and Southwest’s gate areas reflect that: spacious boarding zones, comfortable seating, and charging stations throughout. Self-service kiosks for check-in and bag drop help streamline the process before security.
Dining options near Southwest’s Concourse B gates lean heavily local — the City Market Food Hall includes outposts of KC favorites alongside familiar national chains, and retail shops offer last-minute essentials and souvenirs before boarding.
Pro Tip: Southwest doesn’t operate its own lounge at MCI, but travelers can pay to access the Delta Sky Club in Concourse B, which is open from 4:15 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. and includes seating, snacks, Wi-Fi, and workstations.
The Impact of the New MCI Airport on Southwest Airlines
The move into the new single terminal has meaningfully changed how Southwest operates in Kansas City.
With a unified terminal, shared security, and modern gate infrastructure, Southwest is better positioned to handle rising passenger demand at MCI.
Faster boarding processes and upgraded baggage handling systems support consistent customer satisfaction. The new facility has also drawn additional carriers to MCI, sharpening competition and pushing Southwest to keep innovating on service and routes from Kansas City.
Southwest Airlines’ Expansion Plans at MCI Airport
Recognizing Kansas City’s Growth Potential
With the new terminal’s added capacity and rising passenger traffic, Southwest continues to evaluate its route map out of Kansas City, viewing the metro as a growth market for both leisure and business travel.
Expanding Route Network and Flight Frequencies
Southwest periodically adjusts its Kansas City schedule, adding and dropping routes as demand shifts — including recent changes to some nonstop California service. Travelers should always check current route maps directly with Southwest, since schedules change more frequently than most guides can track.
Solidifying Position and Providing More Options
Continued investment at MCI supports Southwest’s broader goal: keeping air travel accessible and affordable while expanding options for Kansas City-area travelers.
Customer Experience at Southwest Airlines’ MCI Airport Terminal
Southwest’s customer experience at MCI benefits directly from the terminal’s layout. Clear signage and a straightforward path from check-in through the single security checkpoint to Concourse B reduce confusion for passengers unfamiliar with the new building. Southwest’s transparent baggage and change policies add to a low-stress experience from curb to gate.
Southwest Airlines’ Sustainability Efforts at MCI Airport
Southwest has invested in fuel-efficient aircraft to reduce emissions per passenger mile, and the airline participates in terminal-wide recycling and waste-reduction programs. MCI itself supports these efforts as the first U.S. airport with electric buses, and the new terminal is the first in the country with wireless electric bus charging — infrastructure that aligns with Southwest’s own environmental goals.
Southwest Airlines’ Partnerships and Collaborations at MCI Airport
Southwest works with local Kansas City businesses to bring regional flavor into its terminal dining options, giving passengers a taste of local cuisine while supporting area entrepreneurs.
Southwest also coordinates with airport authorities on infrastructure and passenger-flow planning, helping ensure operations run smoothly as the terminal matures.
These collaborations strengthen Southwest’s footprint at MCI while contributing to the local economy.
The Future of Southwest Airlines at MCI Airport
Southwest is well positioned to grow at MCI as travel demand continues to build. Ongoing technology and infrastructure investment in the terminal should help the airline handle rising passenger volumes without sacrificing service quality, and its environmental commitments will likely keep appealing to eco-conscious travelers.
Southwest Airlines’ Role in the Success of the New MCI Airport
As one of the primary carriers at MCI, Southwest plays a real role in the terminal’s success — supporting local jobs, regional business partnerships, and a smoother travel experience for Kansas City passengers. As both Southwest and MCI continue to adapt, their combined presence will keep shaping air travel in the region.
FAQs
What is the new MCI airport?
The new MCI airport is Kansas City International Airport’s single terminal, which opened February 28, 2023, replacing the previous two circular terminals. It’s split into Concourse A and Concourse B, sharing one security checkpoint.
Where is Southwest Airlines located at the new MCI airport?
Southwest Airlines operates from Concourse B, generally in the B54–B69 gate range. There is no separate “Terminal B” building — Concourse B is part of MCI’s single unified terminal.
How can I get to Southwest Airlines at the new MCI airport?
After checking in at the main terminal ticket counters, follow signage to the shared security checkpoint, then continue through the concourse connector to Concourse B, where Southwest’s gates are located.
Are there any amenities near Southwest Airlines at the new MCI airport?
Yes. Concourse B includes the City Market Food Hall, retail shops, charging stations at the gates, free Wi-Fi (“MCI_FREE_WiFi”), and paid access to the Delta Sky Club lounge.
Sources
- Kansas City International Airport — Wikipedia — terminal opening date and construction history
- Visit KC: New Single Terminal at MCI — terminal features, gate count, sustainability initiatives
- The Points Guy: Complete Tour of the New MCI Terminal — concourse layout and Southwest gate assignments
- Southwest Airlines: Airport Information — official airport and terminal details
- Remitly: What’s New at MCI — project cost and construction background