A First for MCI, Escape Lounge Opens This Winter

Construction Begins On Lounge For All Passengers At Kansas City International Airport

Aug 29, 2024

Kansas City, Mo.; August 29, 2024: Kansas City International Airport (MCI) concession manager Vantage Group today announced a new amenity landing this winter in the terminal: Escape Lounges, a pay-per-visit airport lounge open to all passengers. Construction is now underway in Concourse A North.

This new lounge will offer travelers a relaxing ambiance and premium food and beverage favorites. The lounge is designed to evoke a unique sense of place through design elements inspired by Kansas City’s moniker, the City of Fountains.

In collaboration with local partners, brands, and suppliers, a specially crafted menu from the Escape culinary team featuring regional flavors and recipes will be available daily for guests to enjoy. Local beverages available will include offerings from Martin City Brewing Company, Crane Brewing Company, and The Roasterie.

Additionally, by exceeding Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (ACDBEs) participation requirement in the lounge, this new amenity is another example of how the MCI concessions program celebrates and supports ACDBEs and local businesses at every level.

All MCI travelers can access the lounge, located in Concourse A North near gate A5, regardless of airline, status, or credit card in hand.

Premium amenities available in the lounge include:

  • Chef-curated menu – breakfast, lunch, and dinner offerings that change seasonally, highlight local flavors, and accommodate all dietary requirements
  • Local wines, beer, and spirits
  • Power outlets, high-speed Wi-Fi, and up-to-date flight information
  • Digital library with more than 7,000 publications from 120-plus countries, courtesy of PressReader

“The Kansas City International Airport terminal is a world-class facility, built with intentionality and all travelers in mind.  Complete with a playground, a sensory room, pet relief stations, and cuisine for all palettes, each day we continue to enhance the traveling experience for families, business travelers, tourists, and everyone in between,” said Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas. “The new Escape Lounges is a premiere lounge that all may utilize—particularly ​those with flight connections at Kansas City International.  Kansas City is proud to be a world-class destination, and we look forward to continuing to build on the early success of the new MCI Terminal.”

“A pay-per-visit premium lounge experience available to all passengers will further round out the Kansas City-inspired experience we’re delivering at our terminal,” said Kansas City Director of Aviation Melissa Cooper. “Whether guests are traveling alone on business or with family or friends, Escape Lounges will provide another great option for a great pre-flight experience at MCI.”

An overhead view of a terminal, showing travelers, gate signs, and retail shops.

“We are pleased to partner with the Escape Lounges team to enhance the guest experience for Kansas Citians and visitors to Kansas City International Airport’s new terminal,”  “The lounge rounds out the range of amenities, shopping, and dining options available to passengers traveling through this award-winning airport terminal.”

Marsha Chesmore headshot
Vantage Group’s General Manager at Kansas City International Airport

“We’re delighted to be extending our network of Escape Lounges further, and to be partnering with Kansas City International Airport. We’re confident we’ll be able to deliver an ‘Escape to Remember’ to all guests flying out of the city, through a combination of food and drink, our service, and the physical lounge itself – all of which will be inspired by local flavor,” said Kevin Shrier, Chief Experiences Officer for CAVU, parent company of Escape Lounges.

Escape Lounges will also offer complimentary access to American Express Centurion®, American Express Platinum®, American Express Business Platinum®, American Express Corporate Platinum®, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve* and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Card* members, as well as Priority Pass and DragonPass, among more.

*Must be on a Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight for that day.

About Escape Lounges

Escape Lounges are all-inclusive premium airport lounges open to all travelers. Guests entering an Escape Lounge receive a wide variety of amenities, including hot and cold food and beverages, plush and relaxing seating with ample power outlets, high-speed Wi-Fi, up-to-the-second flight information, and access to 7,000+ digital publications in 60+ languages from 120+ countries. Visit us at escapelounges.com and connect with us on Facebook, X and Instagram for more information.

About CAVU

CAVU is the parent company of Escape Lounges. Founded by MAG (Manchester Airports Group) and backed by 80 years of aviation expertise, CAVU strives to revolutionize airport travel, creating value for passengers and the businesses that serve them. It seeks to address evolving passenger needs today and exceed them as we move forward into tomorrow. Its name is taken from the aviation meteorology term, ‘Ceiling And Visibility Unlimited’ (CAVU), which designates the perfect flying condition where the ceiling is more than 10,000ft, and the visibility is more than ten miles. Visit ca.vu to learn more. Connect with us on X and LinkedIn.

About Vantage Group

Vantage Group is a global leader in airport and transportation investment, development, management, and advisory services. Since 1994, Vantage’s corporate and network-wide team has managed an award-winning portfolio, building strong partnerships that integrate global expertise and local know-how to solve complex transportation challenges at every network location. Over three decades, Vantage has built a track record of creating customized solutions to transform airports and transportation centers that benefit the passengers, stakeholders, and communities they serve. Vantage is a wholly owned strategic platform of Investcorp Corsair Infrastructure Partners for capital deployment in the airport and transportation sectors. Visit vantagegroup.com or our LinkedIn to learn more.

About the New Terminal at Kansas City International Airport

At just over 1 million square feet, the Kansas City International Airport New Terminal project is the largest single infrastructure project in the City’s history. Opened in February 2023, the facility replaced the aging three-terminal complex with a single, modern terminal and 6,000-plus space garage that will improve the traveling experience for residents and visitors. Visit FlyKC.com for more information. Find us on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

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