You Looking For a Space? - Kansas City Airport Has It

With so many more spaces, the city-owned airport cannot offer such services. But its lots are closer to the terminals.

The economy lot has three sections, each dedicated to one of the airports three terminals. Buses are designated for each section so that they take passengers straight to their desired terminal.

At the former satellite lot, buses and lots were not dedicated to a terminal, so a traveler who was flying out of Terminal C would have to ride a bus that would first go around the entire parking lot and then through Terminals A and B.

The airport also has parking lots adjacent to the terminals, but their daily rates are higher.

We have tried to stay ahead of the curve by having a variety of parking and price options, KCI spokesman Joe McBride said.

The frequent-user rewards program for the economy lot offers points to travelers each time they use the lot. Once they accumulate a certain number of points, they can receive prizes ranging from a free day of parking to luggage and electronics.

It marks the first time that the airport has offered such perks at its parking facilities to compete with other businesses.

The program is unique among public agencies that operate airports, said Tom McKenna, KCI marketing director.

The Parking Spot has a rewards program that offers points for every dollar spent, Waspi said. An accumulation of points allows customers to receive free parking.

Duncan Heydon, a Lees Summit resident who was riding an economy lot shuttle bus on Monday, said he used to be a customer of the Parking Spot but grew frustrated by the lack of available parking spaces.

There were too many times that they had to get a valet to park my car, Heydon said.

Waspi said valets move a car to a parking space when it becomes immediately available. Such situations, he said, are exactly why the expansion is necessary.