^I think AA was involved in the initial request circa 2019 for this additional lounge space (it was not in the original plans), possibly because they foresaw a BA flight from MCI-LHR, and an Admirals Club would have been therefore indicated. There had been an Admirals Club in KC from the 1970s until 2012, first upstairs in Terminal A and then in the secure area of Terminal C in the old horseshoe structures (all now demolished).

Of course COVID interrupted all sorts of plans, so who knows when AA will commit to an Admirals Club for Kansas City.

It looks like the construction permit was issued on August 14, 2024, so that would explain the lack of any visible progress.

A press release for the lounge came out today - Construction Begins On Lounge for All Passengers At Kansas City International Airport

The release notes that it's expected to open this winter, and implies that it will also be a Priority Pass lounge as well.

Hopefully this means they'll always have barbeque.

The MCI Facebook page shared a couple images as well. Looking forward to seeing actual signs of progress vs. obsessively checking the city permit website for details :p

At least the construction enclosure is now set up inside.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3d4915e7e.jpeg

Don't have access to the article so until somebody can share it, I'll share that the Business Journal reports the target opening date is the end of January.

I was able to load the article on my iPhone and quickly enter the reader view before it locked me out--

Key points

• Targeting "early 2025" for opening, with end of January their goal
• Potentially $35-$45 fee for entry (though obv waived for "those who pay for an annual membership or have a qualifying American Express credit card")
• Martin City & Crane Brewing Beer, as well as disgusting Roasterie coffee
• "Curated breakfast, lunch and dinner items inspired by regional dishes and flavors"

Any more updates? I will be flying through MCI in February, and it would be neat to have a lounge option.

I haven’t heard anything official - when I flew out yesterday, I walked down to the gate area and it’s still boarded up and you can’t tell anything has been done. As I walked away, a group of corporate looking folks walked over to the door and entered with some miniature metal trash cans and other supplies. With that, I’m hopeful they are getting close.

I think you're talking about the Regal Lounge. I saw the banner too when I was there last week. From what I gathered, it’s a multi-airline lounge, so it should be open to people flying with different carriers. It looks like a decent addition to Terminal B—it’s got a pretty modern setup. I haven't had a chance to check it out myself yet, but I’m hoping it’ll be a good spot to relax before a flight.

The City's website says the project is "Ready for Permit" so it would seem there are still a few bureaucratic hoops to jump through.

No, I was referring to the Escape Lounge that is under construction in Terminal A. I have never heard of a “Regal Lounge.”

The lounge has "soft" opened, but apparently is still awaiting it's liquor license. The location is also now showing for me on my Priority Pass app.

Thanks for letting us know! The lounge is also up on the Escape Lounge website with menus: https://escapelounges.com/us/airport...sas-city/menu/

I assume this is placeholder language but it also says the hours are 8 to 5, seven days a week. It's still listed as "Coming Soon".