Escape Lounge
★4.8(316 reviews)MCI · Main Terminal · airside
MCI's flexible pay-per-visit lounge — DragonPass, Priority Pass or a walk-in day pass.
The Escape Lounge is Kansas City International's independent airside lounge, found in the main terminal by the A gates near gate A5. It's the most flexible way in at MCI — DragonPass and Priority Pass members are welcome, and a walk-in day pass is sold, so you don't need to be flying a particular airline or hold elite status. The lounge has a contemporary, calm feel, with warm wood accents, soft lighting and large windows giving a runway view. A complimentary hot and cold buffet covers snacks, fruit and warm dishes, and the bar pours house wine, beer and liquor at no charge, with premium drinks for sale. Wi-Fi, charging stations and flight monitors round out the offering. Because it's the only contract lounge in the terminal and covers so many access types, it's the default recommendation for most travellers leaving Kansas City.
Crowding · busy at peak
A workable spot before a flight, with complimentary Wi-Fi, charging stations and a mix of communal tables and armchairs you can use for a laptop. Fine for email and light work, though it isn't a dedicated business lounge and stays are capped at three hours.
A complimentary hot and cold buffet with snacks, fruit and warm dishes, paired with a bar serving complimentary house wine, beer and liquor plus soft drinks, with premium drinks available to buy. The spread suits early-morning departures and later flights alike, and there are vegetarian options.
Dietary: Vegetarian options
After passport control and the security check, turn right and proceed to the A gates; the lounge is by gate A5.
- 01Check in at the main terminal
- 02Clear security (and passport control if applicable)
- 03Turn right and head toward the A gates
- 04Arrive at the Escape Lounge by gate A5
Landmarks: A gates · Gate A5
ℹ Airside - After passport control and security check, turn right and proceed to the A gates, the lounge is located by gate A5.
DragonPass
Priority PassIncluded: Complimentary snacks · Complimentary soft drinks · Complimentary house wine and beer · Complimentary liquor · Premium drinks for sale
Facts checked by LoungeDeal on Jul 17, 2026
- —Children under 2 enter free
Airside members pay $44.50 — save $3.45Join Airside
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Make the most of it.
Booking a walk-in day pass online ahead of time is usually cheaper than paying at the door.
DragonPass and Priority Pass both work here — either membership gets you in.
Stays are capped at three hours, so time your arrival to your boarding.
Grab a seat by the windows for the runway view.
The lounge opens early (around 04:30) and closes in the evening, so it suits most departures — but check the times for a late flight.
Quick answers.
Yes — Priority Pass is accepted at the Escape Lounge at MCI. DragonPass also works here. Entry is subject to capacity at busy times.
Yes — a walk-in day pass is sold, so you can pay per visit without a membership. Booking online ahead of time is usually cheaper than paying at the door.
Yes — the hot and cold buffet, snacks, fruit and house wine, beer and liquor are complimentary, with premium drinks available to buy.
