Last Updated on July 28, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Flying Southwest Airlines at Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is simpler than many older airport guides suggest: MCI now has one passenger terminal, and Southwest operates from Concourse B. This guide explains exactly where to check in, which gates Southwest currently uses, how security works, and what changed with Southwest seating and baggage rules in 2026.
Quick Answer
Southwest Airlines operates from Concourse B of MCI’s single terminal. FlyKC lists Southwest in the B54–B69 gate area, while Southwest currently lists B54, B56, B58, B60, B62–B66, and B68. Check your boarding pass for the final gate because assignments can change. There is no separate “Terminal B” building.
Key Takeaways
- Kansas City International has one passenger terminal with Concourse A and Concourse B; Southwest uses Concourse B.
- Southwest’s current MCI page lists gates B54, B56, B58, B60, B62, B63, B64, B65, B66, and B68, although day-of-travel assignments can change.
- The new terminal opened February 28, 2023, replacing MCI’s old multi-terminal configuration.
- Security is centralized before the concourses, so you do not pass through a separate Southwest-only checkpoint.
- Southwest switched to assigned seating and boarding Groups 1–8 on January 27, 2026.
- Two checked bags are no longer free for every Southwest fare. Bag charges or exemptions now depend on your fare, status, and eligible credit-card benefits.
- Southwest has no lounge at MCI, and a Southwest boarding pass alone does not provide access to the Delta Sky Club.
At a Glance
| Terminal | MCI’s single Main Terminal |
| Concourse & Gates | Concourse B; Southwest currently lists B54, B56, B58, B60, B62, B63, B64, B65, B66, and B68 |
| Check-in | Southwest counters, kiosks, and self-tagging in the main Check-In Hall |
| Security | Centralized security area with general screening, TSA PreCheck, TSA Touchless ID, and CLEAR access |
| Suggested Arrival | At least 2 hours before a domestic flight; allow additional time for international travel, busy periods, or Economy Parking |
| Lounge Access | No Southwest lounge. Delta Sky Club access requires qualifying Delta eligibility; a Southwest ticket alone does not qualify. |
| Wi-Fi | Free airport-provided Wi-Fi |
How to Find Southwest Airlines at MCI
Start by following airport roadway signs for Departures. All airlines use the same terminal building, so you do not need to search for an old Terminal B entrance. Southwest’s ticket counters and self-service facilities are in the main Check-In Hall.
- Check your flight in the Southwest app before leaving for the airport and confirm the current gate.
- Follow signs for Departures and enter the single terminal.
- Use the Southwest ticket counters, kiosks, or self-tagging area if you need to check baggage.
- Proceed through the centralized security area. MCI’s April 2026 layout places general boarding, TSA PreCheck, TSA Touchless ID, and an accessible lane near the middle of the Check-In Hall, while CLEAR entry remains available at the ends of the security area.
- After security, follow signs for Concourse B. Moving walkways help with the longer walk through the terminal.
- Recheck the gate number before boarding. Southwest’s current MCI information lists B54, B56, B58, B60, B62, B63, B64, B65, B66, and B68, but operational changes can move a flight.
Southwest recommends a 120-minute arrival buffer for MCI on its current airport-information page. Kansas City International’s broader travel guidance recommends completing check-in at least two hours before domestic departures and giving yourself more time for international travel. Travelers using Economy Parking should also budget roughly 20–25 extra minutes for the shuttle trip.
Pro Tip: Southwest’s MCI ticket counter opens 90 minutes before the airline’s first departing flight of the day. For an unusually early departure, checking the day’s counter hours in the Southwest app or airport information page can prevent an unnecessary wait.
The New MCI Airport: An Introduction
A Modern Single-Terminal Design
Kansas City International’s new terminal officially opened on February 28, 2023. It replaced MCI’s old three-terminal configuration with one modern terminal containing Concourse A and Concourse B. Terminal A had already been demolished for construction, while the old B and C facilities remained in use until the new building opened.
The roughly $1.5 billion project was the largest single infrastructure project in Kansas City’s history. Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) served as lead architect. The terminal opened with 40 gates and was designed so capacity can eventually expand to 50.
Kansas City Aviation Department’s official opening announcement also highlights the terminal’s all-glass boarding bridges, expanded gate areas, centralized security facilities, charging stations, accessibility features, and adjacent parking garage.
Passenger Comfort and Convenience
The terminal puts all airline ticket counters into one Check-In Hall and connects both concourses behind the same security area. That is the biggest difference for travelers who remember the old MCI layout: you no longer drive to a separate circular terminal based on your airline.
Dining and shopping are also heavily Kansas City-focused. The airport’s concessions program was designed around local operators and brands, with roughly 80% of its offerings classified as local. This program is managed through Kansas City Aviation Department and its concessions partners rather than by Southwest itself.
A State-of-the-Art Travel Experience
The terminal continues to handle substantial passenger volume. According to the Kansas City Aviation Department, MCI served about 11.5 million passengers in 2025. That was down 5.5% from the airport’s record 12.1 million passengers in 2024, so recent traffic should be described as high but not as uninterrupted year-over-year growth.
MCI is one terminal with two concourses. For a Southwest flight, think “Concourse B,” not “Terminal B.”
Southwest Airlines’ Operations at MCI Airport
Southwest Airlines has been a major carrier at Kansas City International Airport for years. The airport’s official airline directory places Southwest in Concourse B and broadly identifies its gate area as B54–B69.
For a more precise current list, Southwest’s own MCI airport-information page lists B54, B56, B58, B60, B62, B63, B64, B65, B66, and B68. Gate assignments are operational information, however, so the gate displayed in your boarding pass or Southwest app on the day of travel should always take priority.
Note: MCI has no separate passenger building called “Terminal B.” Older articles may use that wording because Southwest operated from the old Terminal B before 2023. Today, Southwest uses Concourse B inside MCI’s single Main Terminal.
Southwest Assigned Seating and Boarding in 2026
A major Southwest policy change took effect January 27, 2026. The airline ended its long-running open-seating system and moved to assigned seating and boarding Groups 1 through 8.
Most travelers can now select a seat based on their fare and benefits. Basic fares normally receive a Standard seat assignment at check-in unless another benefit applies. Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra provide progressively broader seat-selection options, including Preferred or Extra Legroom seating at higher fare levels.
This also means old advice about checking in exactly 24 hours early simply to secure an A/B/C boarding position is obsolete for current flights. EarlyBird Check-In and the old numbered A/B/C boarding structure ended with the move to assigned seating.
Southwest Checked-Bag Rules Have Changed
Southwest also ended its universal “two bags fly free” policy. Checked-bag benefits now depend on fare type, elite status, eligible credit-card benefits, route, and ticketing date.
Warning: Do not rely on older Southwest guides that promise two free checked bags to every passenger. Under Southwest’s current optional travel-charge rules, bag fees apply to many Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred tickets, while Choice Extra and several qualifying status or card benefits can include free checked baggage. Check the allowance attached to your exact reservation before arriving at MCI.
Southwest Airlines’ Facilities and Amenities at MCI Airport
Southwest’s gate area benefits from the new terminal’s wider boarding spaces, plentiful seating, device charging, airport-provided Wi-Fi, and nearby food and retail. The airline’s MCI facilities also include self-tagging for checked baggage.
Concourse B has a strong mix of Kansas City-based concessions and familiar national options. Atrium B includes several local concepts, while additional food, coffee, retail, and grab-and-go choices continue toward Southwest’s gates.
Pro Tip: Need something during very early or late travel? MCI’s current shops and dining directory lists an &Go grab-and-go location near Gate B58 as open 24 hours. Restaurant hours can change, so check the airport directory before relying on a specific location.
Does Southwest Have a Lounge at MCI?
No. Southwest does not operate a dedicated lounge at Kansas City International Airport.
MCI does have a Delta Sky Club in Concourse B, but it should not be treated as a pay-per-visit lounge for Southwest passengers. Under Delta’s current Sky Club access rules, most qualifying memberships and credit-card benefits require eligible same-day Delta or partner-airline travel. A Southwest boarding pass by itself does not qualify you for entry.
The Impact of the New MCI Airport on Southwest Airlines
The move into one terminal significantly simplified the airport layout for Southwest passengers. Ticketing, baggage processing, security, arrivals, and ground transportation are now organized around one building instead of separate airline terminals.
For Southwest travelers, the practical benefit of the new MCI is straightforward: one check-in hall, one centralized security area, and a clearly marked route to Concourse B.
MCI has continued refining that system since opening. On April 10, 2026, the airport changed its security queue layout after reviewing traveler-flow data. General screening, TSA PreCheck, TSA Touchless ID, and an accessible lane were grouped near the center of the Check-In Hall, while CLEAR entry remained available at the ends of the security area.
The terminal’s central baggage system and flexible gate infrastructure also give airlines a more modern operating environment. Those improvements are real, but they should not be presented as proof of Southwest-specific on-time performance or customer satisfaction without current airline performance data.
Southwest Airlines’ Expansion Plans at MCI Airport
Recognizing Kansas City’s Growth Potential
Kansas City remains an important Southwest market, and the new terminal gives airlines more flexible infrastructure than the old MCI configuration. However, future Southwest growth should not be treated as guaranteed. Airlines regularly adjust destinations, frequencies, and seasonal service according to demand and fleet availability.
Expanding Route Network and Flight Frequencies
Southwest periodically adds, removes, or changes Kansas City flights. A route listed in an older article may therefore disappear, become seasonal, or operate on different days.
For trip planning, use Southwest’s current booking system and route information rather than relying on a static list of MCI destinations. This is especially important for seasonal leisure and international routes.
Solidifying Position and Providing More Options
The terminal’s 40-gate design and planned ability to expand to 50 gates leave room for future airport growth. Whether Southwest itself adds flights will depend on its network strategy rather than the terminal alone.
Customer Experience at Southwest Airlines’ MCI Airport Terminal
The strongest part of the Southwest experience at MCI is the straightforward layout. Drivers follow one Departures roadway, all airline check-in counters are in the same main hall, and passengers pass through the centralized security area before following signs to Concourse B.
For 2026 travelers, it is also important to arrive with current expectations about Southwest itself. Assigned seats have replaced open seating, boarding now uses Groups 1–8, and baggage benefits vary by fare and traveler status.
Arrivals, Baggage Claim, and Pickup
Arriving Southwest passengers leave Concourse B and follow signs to the lower Arrivals/Baggage Claim level. Check the airport display for the carousel assigned to your flight rather than assuming Southwest always uses the same carousel.
Drivers picking someone up should follow signs for Arrivals and use the lower roadway. MCI asks drivers to approach the curb when the passenger is ready for pickup rather than waiting at the curb while the traveler is still inside.
Economy Parking passengers can use the airport’s free Blue Bus service. According to FlyKC ground-transportation information, Economy buses operate 24/7 and generally arrive every 15–20 minutes.
Southwest Airlines’ Sustainability Efforts at MCI Airport
Southwest’s environmental strategy extends beyond Kansas City. The airline says its current plan includes fleet modernization, operational fuel-efficiency improvements, sustainable aviation fuel, electrification of eligible ground equipment, and a goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Southwest also states that the Boeing 737 MAX 8 is approximately 14% more fuel-efficient than the 737-800.
Those airline initiatives are separate from MCI’s own sustainability infrastructure. The Kansas City Aviation Department was an early U.S. airport adopter of electric transit buses and installed wireless inductive charging for electric parking shuttles as part of the new-terminal project.
More detail is available from Southwest’s environmental sustainability program and the airport’s electric-bus charging project documentation.
Southwest Airlines’ Partnerships and Collaborations at MCI Airport
Kansas City’s local flavor inside the terminal comes primarily from the airport’s concessions program, not from a Southwest-operated restaurant partnership. Kansas City Aviation Department selected Vantage Airport Group to lead a concessions strategy centered on local brands, local employment, and opportunities for small and disadvantaged businesses.
Roughly 80% of MCI’s concession offerings are local brands, giving passengers access to Kansas City food, coffee, retail, and barbecue concepts throughout the terminal.
Southwest, like other airlines at MCI, works within the airport’s shared infrastructure and operating procedures. The airport authority, concession operators, TSA contractors, ground-service providers, and airlines together determine how the terminal functions day to day.
The Future of Southwest Airlines at MCI Airport
Southwest remains one of the principal airlines serving Kansas City, but future growth should be viewed as a possibility rather than a certainty. MCI handled about 11.5 million passengers in 2025, down from its record 12.1 million in 2024, while airline schedules continue to change with demand.
The terminal itself has room to grow from 40 to as many as 50 gates, so physical capacity exists for additional service over time. Travelers, however, should use live Southwest schedules for actual route availability rather than assuming a route or frequency will remain unchanged.
Southwest Airlines’ Role in the Success of the New MCI Airport
Southwest’s large presence at MCI makes it an important user of the new terminal and Concourse B. Its flights generate passenger traffic for the airport’s shops, restaurants, parking facilities, ground transportation, and other services.
At the same time, it is useful to separate Southwest’s role from airport-wide programs. Local concessions, terminal sustainability projects, security layouts, public art, and passenger amenities are primarily airport or concession-partner initiatives rather than Southwest programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new MCI airport?
The new MCI is Kansas City International Airport’s single passenger terminal, which opened February 28, 2023. It replaced the airport’s old multi-terminal configuration and contains Concourse A and Concourse B behind a centralized security area.
Where is Southwest Airlines located at the new MCI airport?
Southwest operates from Concourse B. Southwest’s current MCI page lists B54, B56, B58, B60, B62, B63, B64, B65, B66, and B68, although individual flights can be reassigned. There is no separate Terminal B building.
How can I get to Southwest Airlines at MCI?
Follow roadway signs for Departures, enter MCI’s single terminal, use the Southwest area in the main Check-In Hall if needed, pass through centralized security, and then follow signs to Concourse B. Confirm your final gate in the Southwest app or on airport displays.
How early should I arrive for a Southwest flight from MCI?
Plan on at least two hours before a domestic Southwest departure. Allow more time for international travel, holidays, major events, checked baggage, or Economy Parking. Economy Parking shuttle travel can add roughly 20–25 minutes.
Does Southwest have a lounge at Kansas City International Airport?
No. Southwest has no dedicated lounge at MCI. The Delta Sky Club in Concourse B has its own Delta eligibility rules, and an ordinary Southwest boarding pass does not qualify a passenger for general paid admission.
Are there amenities near Southwest’s MCI gates?
Yes. Concourse B has restaurants, coffee shops, retail, charging stations, free airport Wi-Fi, and grab-and-go food. MCI currently lists a 24-hour &Go location near Gate B58.
Can a non-ticketed person accompany a Southwest passenger to the gate?
Potentially. MCI operates a free Guest Pass program that can allow approved non-ticketed visitors through standard security to accompany or meet domestic travelers at the gate. Applications are subject to TSA screening, capacity, identification requirements, and airport program rules.
Details for non-ticketed visitors are available from the official MCI Guest Pass program.
Sources
- Kansas City International Airport — Airlines — official airline concourse and gate-range information.
- Southwest Airlines — Airport Information — current MCI gates, arrival guidance, ticket-counter timing, self-tagging, Wi-Fi, and security amenities.
- Kansas City Aviation Department — New Terminal Opening — February 28, 2023 opening date, $1.5 billion budget, terminal configuration, gates, security, and amenities.
- Southwest Airlines — Assigned Seating — January 27, 2026 assigned-seat launch and Groups 1–8 boarding system.
- Southwest Airlines — Optional Travel Charges — current checked-bag charges and qualifying baggage benefits.
- Delta Air Lines — Delta Sky Club Access — current eligibility requirements showing why a Southwest boarding pass alone does not provide general Sky Club access.