The fall colors, down-home yet sophisticated city, and extensive music and people watching made our recent visit to Kansas City worth writing about. But what really got me excited was the airport. I have never seen a design like this, and probably never will again, unless in KC.
The Kansas City International Airport has 3 terminals, all in the shape of a horseshoe, or ‘C’ configuration. The style is mid-century modern, and the ease of accessing one’s gate and baggage claim is unheard of. Picture this; you find the terminal you need based on the airline you are flying. You get dropped off, or park in the front of the horseshoe (across from your corresponding gate) and voila, you need not move an inch more. You walk into the airport at your gate, which has the check-in table, and right next door, 3 or so gates share the security check-in. It took us about 8 minutes to check our luggage, go through security, and sit at our gate. Conversely, when you arrive at KCI, you de-board, and your baggage claim is literally steps away.
Living in the Savannah area, life is definitely easier while navigating the small and quaint Savannah airport, rather than the Midway (Skidway) and O’Hare (O’Scare) airports of my past. But KCI wins, hands down, with their sweet 60’s lines and ease of their airport design. Too bad there is talk of restructuring it, due to the increased operation costs of having separate security for every 3 gates or so. This same problem is what made TWA move to St. Louis years after commissioning the airport with the architectural firm of Kivett and Meyers.