TSA Wait Times at Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
MCI airport does not have family-friendly "Families on the Fly" lanes yet.
MCI airport no longer requires taking shoes off at TSA.
Plan ahead and minimize your wait at Kansas City International Airport security checkpoints. The data below shows historical maximum wait times by day and hour to help you choose the best time to arrive.
Peak Wait Time
34 min
Mondays at 1 PM
Best Times to Go
Under 5 minutes
109 time slots with minimal wait
Morning Wait Times (AM)
| Hour | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 AM | 1m | - | - | - | - | 1m | 1m |
| 1 AM | - | - | - | - | - | 1m | - |
| 2 AM | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 3 AM | 3m | 2m | 3m | 3m | 1m | 3m | 3m |
| 4 AM | 8m | 4m | 4m | 7m | 5m | 4m | 7m |
| 5 AM | 19m | 5m | 7m | 10m | 9m | 16m | 9m |
| 6 AM | 5m | 4m | 4m | 5m | 9m | 5m | 5m |
| 7 AM | 6m | 6m | 6m | 4m | 8m | 4m | 3m |
| 8 AM | 3m | 3m | 5m | 4m | 4m | 4m | 4m |
| 9 AM | 9m | 4m | 5m | 9m | 3m | 4m | 6m |
| 10 AM | 17m | 4m | 4m | 7m | 6m | 3m | 5m |
| 11 AM | 6m | 4m | 4m | 3m | 4m | 4m | 3m |
Afternoon & Evening Wait Times (PM)
| Hour | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 PM | 4m | 3m | 8m | 4m | 3m | 6m | 5m |
| 1 PM | 34m | 8m | 8m | 5m | 9m | 5m | 3m |
| 2 PM | 19m | 9m | 5m | 5m | 3m | 5m | 4m |
| 3 PM | 18m | 9m | 6m | 4m | 5m | 7m | 3m |
| 4 PM | 19m | 14m | 3m | 4m | 6m | 5m | 7m |
| 5 PM | 17m | 3m | 3m | 5m | 6m | 3m | 6m |
| 6 PM | 15m | 2m | 3m | 3m | 3m | 2m | 4m |
| 7 PM | 1m | 1m | 1m | 2m | 3m | 2m | 2m |
| 8 PM | 2m | 1m | 1m | 2m | 3m | 2m | 2m |
| 9 PM | 1m | 1m | 1m | 1m | 2m | 2m | 1m |
| 10 PM | 1m | 1m | 1m | 1m | 1m | 1m | 1m |
| 11 PM | 1m | - | 1m | 1m | 1m | 1m | 1m |
Wait Time Legend
Tips for MCI Security
- Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights
- Consider TSA PreCheck or CLEAR for expedited screening
- Check peak times above and plan to arrive during lower-traffic periods when possible
- Have your ID and boarding pass ready before reaching the checkpoint
- Remove laptops and liquids from bags if you don't have TSA PreCheck
MCI TSA Wait Times FAQ
How long are TSA wait times at Kansas City International Airport?
TSA wait times at MCI vary by day and time. Peak waits can reach 34 minutes on Mondays around 1 PM. The best times to go through security are early morning or late evening, with 109 time slots showing waits under 5 minutes.
What is the best time to go through security at MCI?
The best times to go through TSA security at MCI are typically early morning (before 6 AM) and late evening. Our data shows 109 time slots with wait times under 5 minutes. Avoid Mondays around 1 PM when waits are longest.
Should I get TSA PreCheck for MCI?
TSA PreCheck can significantly reduce your wait time at Kansas City International Airport. PreCheck members enjoy expedited screening with shorter lines, and don't need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets. If you fly more than twice a year, the $78 fee (valid for 5 years) is usually worth it.
How early should I arrive at MCI airport?
For domestic flights at Kansas City International Airport, arrive at least 2 hours before departure. For international flights, arrive 3 hours early. During peak times (like Mondays at 1 PM), consider arriving even earlier as waits can exceed 34 minutes.