Southwest is practically begging KC to let the airport build a new terminal

[MarketStEl]

Originally Posted by CrownVic95

Indeed, it makes no sense given the debate's history.

I've withheld further comment until I begin to understand what really happened here.

Since I wasn't there, I don't have a bead on it either, but I do know from interviews I had with the City Council member who chaired Council's Aviation Committee in connection with a column I wrote on the issue for 435 Magazine that one of the things that the proponents were going to stress was that the new terminal wouldn't cost city taxpayers a dime.

It was my impression that one of the sources of resistance to the new terminal was the belief that city taxpayers would be on the hook for an expensive new project that they couldn't see a compelling reason for. I recall reading reports in The Kansas City Star that stressed this aspect of the project.

If I were being asked to shell out for something I wasn't sure was necessary, I would have voted against it too. But if I'd not pay a cent unless I flew into or out of the airport, and everyone else who actually used it said this was needed (and I've used it, and agree it was needed), then the equation changes: Why not let them have what they say they need, especially if they're going to pay for it?

[kcmo]

While KC has basically jacked around with MCI for the last 30 years, Denver just passed a 1.5 Billion 39 gate expansion with a simple vote by the Denver city council with little fanfare and only a few questions. KCI has been obsolete since is opened, but nearly dysfunctional since 9-11. MCI could and should be a major airport with its central location, large local market and plenty of room to build up a large modern airport, but I honestly think KC may have blown it for the most part and missed the opportunity.

I'm so happy that KCMO voters passed the terminal, but I still wonder how much ground the city lost by dragging this out so long. Even if few flights are ever added, I still think this was needed though and KC will be a much better city with and nice airport terminal.

Hopefully the airport is aggressive in luring flights to MCI from surrounding airports like DEN and STL once it opens. Especially Southwest which expanded rapidly in those cities while doing very little at MCI even though Southwest originally planned for more flights at MCI than either Denver or St Louis.

https://www.bizjournals.com/denver/n...y-council.html

[kcmo]

Originally Posted by MarketStEl

Since I wasn't there, I don't have a bead on it either, but I do know from interviews I had with the City Council member who chaired Council's Aviation Committee in connection with a column I wrote on the issue for 435 Magazine that one of the things that the proponents were going to stress was that the new terminal wouldn't cost city taxpayers a dime.

It was my impression that one of the sources of resistance to the new terminal was the belief that city taxpayers would be on the hook for an expensive new project that they couldn't see a compelling reason for. I recall reading reports in The Kansas City Star that stressed this aspect of the project.

If I were being asked to shell out for something I wasn't sure was necessary, I would have voted against it too. But if I'd not pay a cent unless I flew into or out of the airport, and everyone else who actually used it said this was needed (and I've used it, and agree it was needed), then the equation changes: Why not let them have what they say they need, especially if they're going to pay for it?

Yea, the city basically did a good job educating voters most of which no know nothing about flying or the economics of the airport. I'm just surprised so many actually listened.

[Weaubleau]

I think people may have understated how bad the experience at the airport has gotten over the past 2-3 years since they closed terminal A. The last time I was there, I had to stand in a ridiculously long line AFTER I got my boarding pass in order to put my bag in the checked bag area. This means I had to stand in line 3 times, one to check in and pay for my checked bags, one to actually give my bag to someone and then the security line. KCI was tolerable for about 10 years between the time they changed the blue bus route to be terminal specific and until they closed terminal A. Now between the water outages and the ridiculous bag checking situation, it is like LAX. Good thing we are getting a new terminal someday!

[brooksider2brooklyn]

Kci is the only place I have seen where after you check your bags they tell you to take your bags back out to the concorse and put them in a pile in an unsecure area where everyone is walking by. Very wierd airport for sure.