But perhaps the coolest new feature is the Kansas City Air Travel Experience Simulation, a room that lets travelers walk through every part of the flying experience before actually heading to their gate-including scanning tickets, walking down the jetbridge, stowing their suitcases, and watching the in-flight safety videos. Each small cluster of gates featured its own checkpoint, a rare setup among airports nationwide.The terminal also offers 10 nursing rooms, service animal relief areas, all-inclusive play areas for children, and a sensory room-a calming space for neurodivergent travelers. Much has changed since then, including the introduction of the Transportation Security Administration, which took a lot of the convenience out of the existing facility.

After all, the existing Kanas City airport opened in 1972, back when Trans World Airlines was headquartered in Kansas City. Meyer and many supporters of a new Kansas City International Airport knew that the current aging facility had run its course.

The opposition was strong, but Justin Meyer, the city's deputy director of aviation, kept his head held high. Yet here we are, nearly a decade later, on the cusp of the opening of the glistening new Kansas City International Airport (MCI) terminal - a project filled with blood, sweat and tears for many locals and politicians. They also didn't want to run the risk of using taxpayer dollars to fund the new $1.5 billion facility, among other issues. They liked the convenience of the original facility, which offered the ability to park and practically walk onto the plane. For years, the naysayers put up a big fight against a new airport terminal in Kansas City, Missouri.

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