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MCI Layover Ideas Kansas City Airport Layover Guide

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Top 5 Layover Ideas for Kansas City Airport

Whether you're stuck in a layover or just have some time to kill before your flight, Kansas City Airport offers plenty of nearby activities to keep you entertained. Here are the top five layover ideas that can be done within 12 hours.

1. Arthur Bryant's

Get a taste of Kansas City's famous barbecue at Arthur Bryant's. This rustic joint, located at 1727 Brooklyn Ave, is considered by many to be the best barbecue spot in the city. Their offerings include excellent beef briskets, BBQ ribs, and greasy fries. It's a perfect place to munch and people watch.

2. Oak Room

Experience Kansas City's culinary scene at the Oak Room. This elegant restaurant overlooks Country Club Plaza and Brush Creek and offers delightful dishes like blue crab omelets, French toast, and eggs benedict. On Sundays, the Oak Room features a fabulous gourmet-caliber buffet brunch.

3. Oklahoma Joe's Barbecue

For more barbecue, head to Oklahoma Joe's Barbecue. Located at 3002 W 47th St, this place may look like a swanky corner mart, but it serves some of Kansas City's best BBQ. From the brisket sandwich smothered in hot sauce to tender pork ribs served with red beans and rice, Oklahoma Joe's knows how to keep its regulars satisfied.

4. Country Club Plaza

Take a stroll around Country Club Plaza, the heart and soul of Kansas City. This pedestrian-friendly area along the banks of Brush Creek is a true shopper's haven, boasting Saks Fifth Avenue, Victoria's Secret, Barnes & Noble, and Pottery Barn. At night, the Plaza hums with new energy as scores of locals and tourists head over, looking to take advantage of the many dining and nightlife options.

5. Westport Historic District

Explore the Westport Historic District, which dates back to the 1830s. The rough, red-brick buildings now house trendy boutiques and specialty shops, along with hip bars and upscale restaurants, making the Landing one of the hubs of Kansas City's social scene.

Helpful Tips & Resources

Need help navigating your way through an unfamiliar airport? Look no further than iFly.com for expert tips and advice. Here are some helpful tips to help you travel stress-free through MCI Airport:

  • Don't let heavy bags slow you down! Make use of our airport's complimentary baggage carts, available for all travelers in the baggage claim area.
  • If you have some time before your departure, relax, grab a bite at one of MCI's restaurants, peruse the shops, or jump on the free internet and surf galore!
  • If you are flying in business or first class (or are a member), check out where the airline club lounges are located.
  • Once you have passed through security, you can use the airport map to find your gate, as well as the various restaurants and shops that are available on your route.
  • Surf to your heart's content. Jump on Kansas City airport's internet (free!)
  • For those (dreaded) early-morning flights, consider one of the airport hotels on or near MCI to spend the night prior to your flight. In many cases your parking for the trip's duration is free!
  • Have a flight arriving and want a fast way to get to your destination? Here are a few taxi and limo airport service providers that service the airport.

Nearby Attractions for an Extended Layover

If you find yourself with an extended layover of 12 to 48 hours, there are several attractions within reasonable proximity to Kansas City Airport that are worth exploring. Below are some suggestions on how to spend your time.

1. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Considered one of the best comprehensive art museums in the United States, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art houses over 35,000 works of art. From ancient to contemporary, this museum provides a global perspective on the world's diverse cultures. You could easily spend a few hours exploring the extensive collections and beautiful grounds.

2. Kansas City Zoo

Get up close and personal with animals from around the world at the Kansas City Zoo. With over 200 acres and 1,700 animals, this zoo is a must-visit for animal lovers. Don't miss the chance to feed the giraffes or watch the penguins in their naturalistic habitats.

3. Worlds of Fun

If you're a thrill-seeker, you won't want to miss Worlds of Fun. This amusement park has everything from high-speed roller coasters to more relaxed family rides. There's also an attached water park, Oceans of Fun, perfect for cooling off during the warmer months.

4. The National WWI Museum and Memorial

Dive into history at The National WWI Museum and Memorial. As the only American museum solely dedicated to preserving the artifacts of the World War I, it's a fascinating place to learn about the Great War and its impact on our world today.

5. Boulevard Brewing Company

Beer enthusiasts should make a stop at Boulevard Brewing Company. As the largest specialty brewer in the Midwest, Boulevard offers tours that include a brief overview of the brewing process, a visit to the tasting room, and of course, samples of their finest brews.

Updated on: November 22, 2023