Guest Pass Program

Important Facts to Know Before Applying

• What is the MCI Guest Pass program and how does it work?

  What is the MCI Guest Pass program?

  The Guest Pass is available for non-ticketed airport guests that would like to access the terminal post-security. The pass permits users to assist family and friends to their gate or greet them arriving on domestic flights right as they deplane. The pass can also be used to discover the airport's extensive restaurants and shops, immerse oneself in award-winning art, practice/prepare for an upcoming flight, participate in MCI-sponsored events, or to simply spend time watching airplanes move around the airfield.

  How does the MCI Guest Pass program work?

  Step 1: Read all the program’s Frequently Asked Questions on this webpage to understand the Guest Pass rules. Then apply online below no more than seven days in advance of your desired visit date. You may apply on the same day as your visit if spots are available. The secure electronic form will ask you to provide your date of birth, sex, and full legal name exactly as it appears on your TSA-approved photo ID(i.e., passport or valid REAL IDdriver’s license), and your email address. Make sure your device camera is enabled and allowed by your browser. Hold your IDsteady in front of the camera and ensure it’s well-lit and fully visible in the frame. To ensure safety and security, we do not permit uploads of scanned IDs to reduce the risk of tampered or manipulated uploads. The application will require you to select a one-hour entry window and you will only be granted access during that time slot. 

  Step 2: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will review your application and determine access based on its air travel screening policy. If you’re applying for same-day access, you’ll receive an email with your approval/non-approved status within 15minutes. If you’re applying in advance, you’ll receive an email from [email protected] with your status after midnight on the day of your approved visit. Your Guest Pass will be attached in this email. For security reasons, TSAis not able to provide approvals more than one day prior to your visit and understand this may make planning more difficult. Guest Passes are granted on a first-come, first-served basis and may not be available at peak times. If you’re unable to select a specific date, it means the program has reached the capacity for that day. Please choose a different date. 

  Step 3: If approved for entry, you’ll proceed to the standard TSAsecurity checkpoint (not PreCheck or Clear) where you will go through security screening, with the same security protocols applied to an airline passenger. When entering the checkpoint, make sure to open the Guest Pass attachment in your email and present it on your device along with your government photo IDto the screening officer for review. Advise the officer that you have a Guest Pass. PRINTED GUEST PASSES ARE NOT PERMITTED. Entry is not permitted before the approved reservation start time. You must exit the terminal by 10:00PMthe same day, unless meeting a late-arriving aircraft. No stays longer than 6 hours are permitted. Once through security, you can access all of the terminal’s public areas, which includes concourses, restaurants, shops, artwork, historical display, and specialty rooms.

• Security Rules and Guidelines

  Program participants are subject to the same security regulations as ticketed passengers. You must comply with TSA’s screening procedures. Do not bring TSA-prohibited items and review the 3-1-1 liquids rules. This information can be found by visiting the TSA website tsa.gov. Guest Pass users are not permitted to bring outside food and beverage. Bringing prohibited items may lead to confiscation or denial of access. 

  Allow enough time to get through the security lines. MCI is not responsible for any missed timelines due to long security lines. You may exit and re-enter the terminal at any time during your registered day and program operating hours prior to checkpoint closure. However, if you depart the post-security area, you’re required to re-enter through the TSAsecurity checkpoint for screening again. Visitors re-entering the terminal may be delayed at the checkpoint due to the priority of screening ticketed passengers. 

  The electronic (not printed) Guest Pass must be presented at the checkpoint and at any time upon request. 

  A non-expired photo identification is required by TSA, such as a U.S. or international passport or valid state-issued REAL IDdriver’s license or identification card, to be presented at the security checkpoint with the Guest Pass e-mail.

  The Guest Pass does NOT grant expedited entry, such as PreCheck or Clear. Participants must wait in the general security line with ticketed passengers to be screened. 

  No rolling or hand-carried luggage is allowed. Visitors are limited to only one (1) personal item such as a laptop bag or purse. Personal items will be screened at the security checkpoint.

  Please do not arrive with an expectation of entering the terminal unless you have received an approved Guest Pass via email. 

  While in the terminal, Guest Pass participants are required to present their pass and IDat any time upon request from either the TSAor airport officials. 

  The Guest Pass does not grant access to the jet bridge or aircraft.

  Those who are preparing to go through security screening may have special circumstances, considerations or general questions about airport checkpoints and can get live assistance by posting questions and comments to @AskTSA or by messaging TSA on Facebook Messenger, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 10p.m. EDTand weekends/holidays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. EDT. Guest Pass users can also call the TSAContact Center at 866-289-9673. TSAalso offers TSACares, a helpline for travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, and other special circumstances. You may submit a request for assistance by calling TSACares at 855-787-2227, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 11p.m. and weekends/holidays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. TSACares is open 365 days a year. Guest Pass holders may also use the TSACares form available on the TSA website https://www.tsa.gov/travel/passenger-support.

  Guest Pass users shall be subject to all Kansas City Aviation Department rules and regulations, including those pertaining to public use of the airport, as well as all local, state and federal laws and regulations. Any person who refuses to comply with these applicable terms will be regarded as a trespasser. The Kansas City Aviation Department reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to revoke the Guest Pass of any individual who may pose a security risk, a nuisance or distraction to any airport personnel, passengers or other visitors and/or who violates any of the applicable terms, rules, regulations and laws as described above, or as the Aviation Department otherwise deems necessary for the safe and efficient operation of the airport. 

• Eligibility Information

  The Guest Pass is non-transferable and valid only on the date of issuance. 

  You cannot use the Guest Pass if you are a ticketed airline passenger for the same day. Scheduled or ticketed passengers obtaining an MCI Guest Pass on the same day as their scheduled MCI flight is a violation of TSA’s 49Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) § 1540.105(a)(2) - Security Responsibilities of Employees and other Persons, which prohibits the following: “(a) No person may: (2) Enter, or be present within, a secured area, AOA, SIDA, or sterile area without complying with the systems, measures, or procedures being applied to control access to, or the presence or movement in, such areas.”

  The Guest Pass is not to be used for personal expressive activities covered by the MCI-Kansas City Expressive Policy. Please call 816-243-3020 to apply for these activities.

  The Guest Pass cannot be used for commercial filming or news media purposes. Please send media requests to [email protected]. Please send filming requests to [email protected].

  Please note: Non-U.S. citizens are eligible for a Guest Pass. However, the Guest Pass does not grant access to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) area inside the terminal. If MCI is the first U.S. point of entry for a passenger, they will need to clear U.S. Customs first, which is a restricted area and not accessible for Guest Pass holders. If your passenger is connecting to another destination beyond MCI, you can use a Guest Pass to see them to the gate of their departing flight after they have cleared U.S. Customs.

  Applying for a family or group? Every non-traveling visitor must complete their own online registration form and be approved for entrance, regardless of age. Minors must apply and be accompanied by an adult who has also been approved for Guest Pass entry for the duration of their time in the airport.

  Certified service animals are permitted. Please note service animals are subject to TSAscreening. 

  The Guest Pass cannot be used to enter Escape Lounges or Delta Sky Lounge.

  Arrangements for picking up or dropping off an unaccompanied minor from a flight should be coordinated directly with the respective airline. Do not request a Guest Pass for this purpose. If you are a non-traveling adult who needs to escort or meet a traveling child beyond security, you must contact your airline directly. Gate passes are issued at the airline’s discretion, and the airline is responsible for verifying the identity and authorization of the escort.

  Non-traveling minors are eligible to participate:

  • Regardless of age, every person participating in the MCI Guest Pass program must complete a separate online registration and bring their own Guest Pass (electronic only…printed passes are not acceptable).
  • Visitors under the age of 18who have a TSA-approved photo IDmust complete registration online and bring the same photo IDused for registration, while being accompanied by an adult.
  • Parents or guardians of minors without a photo IDmust complete the online registration on their behalf. The parent or guardian (age 18or older) should be added first by scanning their ID. After that, select “Add Another Visitor” which allows the adult to manually enter the minor’s name, date of birth, and gender—without requiring an IDupload for the minor.
  • Every adult visitor must bring their own Guest Pass along with the Guest Passes for any minors they are supervising.
  • Minors under the age of 18 must remain under escort at all times by an approved Guest Pass adult participant.
  • One adult Guest Pass participant can accompany up to five minor participants.

  
  I'm a badged airport employee, am I eligible for a Guest Pass? Yes, you are eligible to receive a Guest Pass, but only when NOT on official business, you cannot use the Guest Pass to work. Prohibited:

  • You are not eligible if you’ve forgotten or lost your airport-issued employee badge, still employed at the airport but let your badge expire, or your badge was subject to suspension or revocation.  
  • During your visit, you’re strictly prohibited from using your badge to access areas of the airport not otherwise open to the general public. 
  • If you violate these terms, you may be subject to administrative fines, suspension, or revocation of your badge.

  
  I’m not badged for the airport, but I work on airport property. Can I get a pass? Yes, individuals who are not required to have a badge for their work at the Kansas City International Airport may be issued a Guest Pass for personal use.

• Other Helpful Facts

  Parking is at the expense of the Guest Pass user. Kansas City International Airport has a variety of parking facilities and prices. Please visit our parking page to review rates and locations. The availability of parking is not guaranteed. Ride share services are permitted.

  What about accessibility and wheelchair assistance? At MCI, we strive to make your experience as easy, safe, and comfortable as possible and welcome Guest Pass users to use a personal wheelchair or other mobility aid.

  Operating times vary, and not all shops, restaurants, or amenities may be open during your visit.

  In order to receive a Guest Pass, visitors are required to provide the personal information mentioned here to obtain TSAauthorization. 

  Questions about the MCI Guest Pass program may be sent through our Contact Us page https://flykc.com/contact-us. 

  Kansas City International Airport reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel the program or modify the rules at any time without prior notice. This is a permanent program with no expected end date. 

  At this time, there isn’t the option to edit or cancel your Guest Pass once it’s submitted. However, if you make a mistake—such as entering your name incorrectly—you can simply submit a new request without issue.

  TSACheckpoint hours: Checkpoint closing times can vary widely and change frequently depending on airline flight schedules and delays.

• Data and Privacy Information

  PRIVACY ACTSTATEMENT: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires us to collect information from you for purposes of watch list screening. Providing this information is voluntary; however, if it is not provided, you will be denied an MCI Guest Pass. 

  AUTHORITY: 49U.S.C. § 114(f). and the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. 

  PRINCIPAL PURPOSE(S): This information is collected by airport operators or their representatives in order to conduct checks of TSA’s Secure Flight watch lists on individuals who wish to access the Sterile Area at Kansas City International Airport (MCI) which is located beyond the screening checkpoint. TSAmay receive this information from airport operators or their representatives in order to resolve suspected or actual matches to this database.

  ROUTINE USE(S): TSAmay share this information with aircraft and airport operators, foreign air carriers, or appropriate Federal, State, or other agency regarding individuals who pose or are suspected of posing a risk to transportation or national security, or for other routine uses identified in TSAsystems of records, DHS/TSA019 Secure Flight Records. 

  DISCLOSURE: Voluntary failure to furnish the requested information will result in your inability to access facilities located in the airport beyond the screening checkpoint. Individuals are also reminded that should they have any questions or comments regarding this process they may contact TSA's Contact Center [email protected]. 

  For more on TSAPrivacy policies, or to view the system of records notice and the privacy impact assessment, please visit TSA's website tsa.gov. 

  MCI’s third-party vendor for the Guest Pass program is AptAero. For more information, please visit the AptAero website https://aptaero.com/privacy-policy/.