Accessibility

Kansas City (MCI) Airport Accessibility & Wheelchair Services

Wheelchair assistance at Kansas City International Airport is provided free by your airline — request it at booking for best results. For security screening help, call TSA Cares at 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before travel to have a Passenger Support Specialist waiting at the checkpoint. Family lanes, service animal relief areas, and sensory rooms are covered below.

Airline-provided service

Wheelchair assistance

Wheelchair assistance is arranged through your airline — request it when booking or at the ticket counter/check-in desk on the departures level; passengers who requested assistance in advance will find a wheelchair waiting at the gate on arrival. The airport's guest services line, 816-243-5237, can also help direct you to the right contact if you need help before you reach your airline's counter.

Tip: request at booking rather than at the airport — airline wheelchair assistants are in higher demand at peak times and early requests are filled first.

TSA Cares

Free security screening assistance

TSA Cares is a free helpline and on-site assistance program for travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, or other circumstances that may affect the security screening process.

How to use: Call 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before travel. A Passenger Support Specialist will meet you at the MCI security checkpoint and guide you through screening at no charge.

A TSA Cares Passenger Support Specialist can meet you at MCI's single security checkpoint (16 lanes serving both Concourse A and Concourse B) and walk you through screening. Call the TSA Cares helpline at 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before travel, or submit a request at tsa.gov/contact-center/form/cares.

Security lanes

MCI does not have a permanently signed dedicated family lane at all checkpoints. Ask any TSA agent at the checkpoint for assistance — agents are trained to help travelers with special needs and can route you around standard queue lines.

Service animal relief areas

Four relief areas: two indoor, post-security areas near Gate A8 and opposite Gate B54; one inside the secure U.S. Customs and Border Protection area near Gate A18 for international arrivals; and one outdoor courtyard at the north end of the baggage claim area on the arrivals level, before security. All are outfitted with artificial grass, a wash-down basin, and waste-bag supplies; ask airline staff to escort you if needed.

Note: service animals are permitted throughout all airport areas without restriction. Emotional support animals follow individual airline policies — check with your carrier before travel.

Quiet and sensory room

Quiet/sensory room available — Molly's Sensory Room is in the Concourse B amenity node next to the Auntie Anne's pretzel stand. It's an interactive, low-stimulation space for neurodivergent travelers with tiered tactile activity zones, fidget chairs, cushioned and carpeted flooring, and no loose objects. Open to ticketed passengers 24/7 with no reservation required. MCI also has a separate all-inclusive children's play zone with kid-sized plane and control-tower features, including transfer stations for wheelchair users.

Wheelchair and mobility device rentals

MCI does not operate its own public wheelchair or mobility-scooter rental counter — wheelchair assistance is provided free through your airline instead. For a personal mobility scooter with delivery to the terminal, third-party services like KC Mobility Scooter Rentals (913-775-1098) and Scootaround (1-888-441-7575) serve the Kansas City area and can arrange airport drop-off.

Motorized scooters and power wheelchairs are generally available from airlines for gate-to-gate use; contact your carrier directly if you need a motorized device beyond a standard transport chair.

Pro Tip

MCI's 2023 terminal was built to be elevator-free from curb to gate — there's only one small sloping ramp per concourse instead of stairs, which is a real advantage for travelers with mobility limitations. The airport also participates in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program; ask at any information point for a free lanyard that signals to staff you may need extra time or patience.

Frequently asked questions

Is wheelchair assistance free at MCI airport?

Yes — wheelchair assistance at MCI is provided free of charge by your airline or their contracted ground handler. Request it at booking or check-in. The airline arranges and covers the cost; no tipping is required, though it is appreciated.

How do I contact TSA Cares before my flight from MCI?

Call TSA Cares at 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before your flight. The helpline is open weekdays 8 a.m.–11 p.m. ET and weekends/holidays 9 a.m.–8 p.m. ET. You can also submit a request online at tsa.gov/contact-center/form/cares. A Passenger Support Specialist will meet you at the MCI security checkpoint at no cost.

Does MCI airport have a family security lane?

Kansas City International Airport does not have a permanently signed dedicated family lane at all checkpoints, but TSA officers are trained to accommodate travelers who need extra time. MCI's single consolidated checkpoint does not have a separately signed family/special-assistance lane — it has standard lanes plus TSA PreCheck and CLEAR+ lanes. Ask any TSA officer at the checkpoint for extra time or assistance if you're traveling with strollers, small children, or need additional accommodation; officers can route you through a standard lane at a slower pace.

Where is the service animal relief area at MCI airport?

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