We invite you to have an escape to remember in Escape Lounges at Kansas City International Airport, where you’ll find everything you would expect of an airport lounge and more. Our usual premium amenities are all provided in a space inspired by the Kansas City region, enhanced by pieces from local artists. Here we explore the lounge, its zones, the local menu and artists, and the inspiration behind the interiors.

Kansas City: the city of fountains

The interior of the new lounge is heavily influenced by Kansas City’s reputation as the City of Fountains, with over 100 fountains in and around the area. When you enter the lounge, the first thing you see is our spectacular Lodes suspension pendant, Rain, which falls from the lobby ceiling like water droplets from a fountain spray. Meanwhile, the ceiling over the bar mimics rings formed by water droplets on a pool, with pendant lights hung in an undulating pattern reminiscent of water droplets.

The interiors are also inspired by water more broadly: the Moroso sofas in the reception area evoke river rocks sculpted by water over time, while the blue glass penny tiles lining the alcoves of the beverage counter reference the linings of many fountain pools. Even Kansas City’s bespoke lounge stamp shows a splash from a fountain.

Discover the taste of Kansas City

At Escape Lounges, our menus are carefully curated to give a taste of the local cuisine. Kansas City is known for its BBQ scene, so the menu is packed with regional BBQ favorites including Brisket Hash Skillet, BBQ Chicken Wings, and Bourbon Molasses Baked Beans. These sit perfectly alongside national staples including mac & cheese, roasted potatoes, and cheesy corn.

We’ve also partnered with local supplier The Roasterie Coffee Company so you can enjoy the best of Kansas City coffee while you wait for your flight. The company specializes in sustainable coffee, with blends including Kansas City Dark, American Restaurant, and Super Tuscan Espresso.

Space for every traveler, whatever your needs

The Kansas City lounge has been carefully designed to ensure there’s a space for every traveler. The sofas and armchairs in the lounge all have built in power outlets, so you can plug in and work or charge your devices before your flight. The tables and chairs in the area by the wall coverings are ideal for those traveling in pairs, while the central bar zone is surrounded by Nienkamper Radius chairs, so you can enjoy your favourite drink in comfort.

For those looking for something a little more private, there’s a rest and relaxation zone with a wall covering influenced by the city’s many public gardens to give a tranquil atmosphere. This zone supports various activities for individuals or pairs traveling together, from informal dining or catching up on work, to quiet reading.

The relaxation area also features two private rooms with closing doors, chairs, side tables, and bespoke lighting, making them ideal spaces for families or meetings.

A space enhanced by local artists

The finishing touches of the new lounge’s interior are provided by local artists including Suze Ford, Nathan Neufeld, and Holly Swangstu. Glass features heavily in the space in reference to Kansas City’s long history of glass making and the many studios across the city. When you first enter the lounge, two display cases house locally made, handblown glass pieces, while the bespoke glass stemware comes from local foundation Belger Arts.

Kansas City weaver Debbie Barrett-Jones has provided two textile pieces for the lounge – Woven Landscape no. 5 and Spring Aurora – while Holly Swangstu’s Broomtail Sunset Meditation I and II comprise thin strips of hand-dyed fabric to form a kind of ‘textile painting’. There are three vases from Nathan Neufeld in the lounge, as well as three Suze Ford circular oil painting and resin pieces. The artworks each have a QR code so that you can discover more about the artist and their work.

Next time you fly out of Kansas City, pre-book your trip to Escape Lounges, located on concourse A by Gate 5, for an escape to remember!