Airport Service Animal Policies

Assistance animals are welcome to travel with passengers who have disabilities. Certain exemptions are provided to these animals, but some rules and restrictions still apply. To determine if your dog qualifies to be certified as a Psychiatric Service Dog and can be accepted as such for air travel, you can visit Pettable’s PSD service.

Kansas City Airport Pet Relief Areas

If you’re planning on traveling through the Kansas City (MCI) Airport with a pet sometime soon, you should know that there are five pet relief areas. Four areas are located outdoors, at each end of Terminal B and Terminal C. The fifth pet relief area is inside a departure lounge in Terminal C, after security.

There can be a lot of hoops to jump through when flying, and even more when you travel with a pet. That said, it is now easier than ever before to take a trip with your animal, and plan your trip in advance for an easier day of travel. Find more information on Kansas City Airport’s facilities and what to expect while traveling with your pet by reading the airport’s pet policies.

Animals in the Airport Terminal

If you are flying with your pet in the cabin, you will both need to pass through security together. Hold your pet or walk him on a leash through the metal detector while both of your belongings pass through the x-ray scanner. Follow the TSA agents’ instructions for a smooth passage through security.

If your pet will be flying on your flight as checked baggage, bring him to the baggage check-in. Your airliner will have instructions on when to feed and walk your pet before check-in, and how to prepare the carrier for their comfort.

MCI Airport Pet Cargo Locations

With most domestic airline services, there are three different transport options for you to choose from. Different airlines will have different policies on age, size, and breed of animals that they can accommodate. Depending on their specifications, you can fly your animal as checked baggage, as unaccompanied cargo, or even with you in the cabin. If you are flying with a service animal, read up on your airliner’s policies, but in general you will be able to bring your guide dog with you free of charge. Check with your chosen airliner for details.

If you’re sending your pet as cargo, you will need to take your pet and all of the necessary equipment to the cargo facility on the airport’s campus. It’s not a far drive from the main airport facility.

Delta Cargo
1044 Mexico City Ave,
Kansas City, MO 64153
(800) 352-2746

Southwest Airlines Cargo
992 Mexico City Ave
Kansas City, MO 64153
(816) 270-3220

Alaska Air Cargo
682 Mexico City Ave #130
Kansas City, MO 64151
(800) 225-2752

More Kansas City Airport Pet Policies

When traveling, an important thing to remember is that your animal will likely be a little nervous about all of the strange smells and new places you will encounter. It helps to make your pet as comfortable as possible with the carrier or crate before you travel. Consult your veterinarian to make sure your animal is fit to fly.

While in the terminals, keep your pet in their carrier whenever possible. There are other pets and working animals in the airport, and you should be aware of their presence. Find more information on the Fly KCI website.

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