KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Millions of Americans are traveling this week ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.
The CDC recommends canceling your travel and enjoy Thanksgiving virtually this year. As many as 50 million people are ignoring that advice, according to AAA.
In Kansas City, 400,000 people are expected to travel through KCI Airport this Thanksgiving week. It’s the busiest the airport will be since mid-March.
If you haven’t been to KCI Airport in months, remember that construction is underway on the city’s new terminal. That means you’ll likely encounter changes on the way to your gate.
Plan to arrive early, making sure you have plenty of time to deal with COVID-19 precautions as well as construction.
KCI Airport changed many procedures to improve safety protocols and it may take longer to get through security.
The traffic patterns to and from terminals B and C have also changed over the past few months.
The speed limit also drops to 20 mph as you approach the terminals and traffic is down to one lane. If you’re heading to Terminal B head to the right. Terminal C customers should stay to the left. Detour signs are also in place.
Airport Police will be watching parking at terminal curbs and enforce parking restrictions there. You may receive a ticket, or your car could be towed, if you leave it unattended at the curb.
Everyone at the airport is required to wear a facial covering of some kind.
According to the TSA, travelers should wear masks through security screening. Keep in mind that a TSA officer, or other airport employee, may ask you to adjust your mask to confirm your identity while checking your travel documents.
You may also be asked to adjust your mask if it triggers an alarm during screening.
Airport employees are also frequently disinfecting all high-touch surfaces, like check-in screens. Crews check and restock soap, paper towels and hand sanitizer regularly. Restrooms are being cleaned more often than before the pandemic began.
You will also be reminded about the pandemic There are markers placed around the terminals to remind travelers to social distance from each other. The airport is playing announcements throughout the terminals and on electronic screens.
You’ll also see Plexiglas dividers at customer service counters.
When it comes to your actual flight, each airline has its own unique precautions.
Overall, you’ll be required to wear a mask or another type of face covering. They are also making hand sanitizer available to passengers.
As always, travelers are asked to check flykci.com to keep an eye on flight schedules and delays.