The duration of a journey by air between Denver International Airport (DIA) and Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is typically influenced by factors such as wind conditions, air traffic control, and the specific route chosen by the airline. While direct flights generally offer the shortest travel duration, connecting flights will add significantly to overall travel time.
Knowing the typical duration of this journey is crucial for travelers planning itineraries, scheduling connecting flights or ground transportation, and managing expectations. Accurate time estimations allow for efficient travel planning and reduce the likelihood of missed connections or delays. Historically, this route has served as an important connection between the Rocky Mountain region and the Midwest, facilitating business and leisure travel.
This article will further explore relevant topics such as average flight durations for direct and connecting flights, factors impacting travel time, and resources for checking real-time flight information. It will also delve into the historical significance of this air route and its role in regional connectivity.
1. Direct Flight Duration
Direct flight duration represents a critical component of overall travel time between Denver and Kansas City. Understanding this factor allows for more accurate planning and helps travelers minimize time spent in transit. This section explores the core elements influencing direct flight duration on this particular route.
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Scheduled Flight Time
Airlines publish scheduled flight times, which represent the estimated duration of a direct flight under typical conditions. For the Denver to Kansas City route, this typically ranges from 1 hour and 20 minutes to 1 hour and 40 minutes. This estimate serves as a baseline but can be affected by various factors.
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Air Traffic Control
Air traffic control procedures, including holding patterns and rerouting, can influence the actual flight duration. Delays due to congestion at either Denver International Airport or Kansas City International Airport can add to the time spent in the air. While not a routine occurrence, these delays can significantly impact overall travel time.
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Wind Conditions
Prevailing winds along the flight path can impact flight times. Headwinds increase travel time, while tailwinds can shorten it. The variability of wind conditions makes this a dynamic factor that can lead to deviations from the scheduled flight time, though usually within a relatively small margin.
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Aircraft Type
While less significant than other factors, the type of aircraft used can marginally affect flight duration. While airlines generally use comparable aircraft on this route, some variations in cruising speed can exist. This factor is generally less impactful than wind conditions or air traffic control.
Considering these factors provides a more comprehensive understanding of direct flight durations between Denver and Kansas City. While scheduled flight time provides a starting point, recognizing the influence of wind conditions and air traffic control allows travelers to develop more realistic expectations and plan accordingly. These insights contribute to more efficient travel planning and reduce the potential for unexpected delays.
2. Connecting Flight Duration
Connecting flight duration significantly impacts overall travel time between Denver and Kansas City when a direct route isn’t chosen. Understanding the components of connecting flight duration is crucial for managing expectations and planning accordingly. This involves considering the various factors that contribute to extended travel times.
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Layover Duration
Layover duration, the time spent at the connecting airport, represents a substantial portion of connecting flight duration. Layovers can range from as short as 45 minutes to several hours, significantly impacting the overall trip length. A short layover may introduce the risk of missing a connection if the initial flight is delayed, while a long layover can add unnecessary waiting time to the journey.
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Number of Connections
The number of connections required to reach the destination directly influences the total travel time. Each connection introduces additional layover time and potential delays. Flights with multiple connections typically result in significantly longer journeys compared to direct or single-connection flights. For the Denver to Kansas City route, multiple connections can extend the trip by several hours.
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Connecting Airport Location
The location of the connecting airport plays a crucial role in overall travel time. Connecting through a busy hub, like Chicago O’Hare or Dallas/Fort Worth, may introduce the risk of delays due to air traffic congestion. Furthermore, the size and layout of the connecting airport can impact the time needed to navigate between gates. This factor adds complexity to estimating the total travel time and emphasizes the need for careful planning.
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Connecting Flight Schedule
The scheduled departure and arrival times of the connecting flight influence the overall travel experience. A late-night connection may offer lower fares but requires overnight accommodations or extended waiting times. Conversely, a tightly scheduled connection may create stress due to the risk of missing the subsequent flight. Analyzing the connecting flight schedule is essential for a smooth and efficient travel experience.
These factors highlight the complexity of connecting flight durations. While connecting flights may offer cost savings or route options not available through direct flights, they introduce significant variability in total travel time. Careful consideration of layovers, connections, airport locations, and flight schedules is essential for accurate planning and a less stressful travel experience between Denver and Kansas City. Choosing a direct flight, when feasible, often provides the most time-efficient option.
3. Airlines Servicing the Route
The airlines operating flights between Denver International Airport (DIA) and Kansas City International Airport (MCI) play a significant role in determining both the availability and duration of flights. Understanding the landscape of airlines servicing this route allows travelers to make informed decisions based on schedule, price, and potential layover options.
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Frequency of Flights
Airlines offering more frequent flights provide greater flexibility for travelers, allowing for better coordination with connecting flights or other scheduled activities. A higher frequency of flights can also mean more competitive pricing. For the Denver-Kansas City route, airlines like Southwest and United typically offer multiple flights per day, increasing the likelihood of finding a suitable departure time.
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Direct vs. Connecting Flights
The availability of direct flights significantly impacts overall travel time. Some airlines may primarily offer connecting flights through hub airports, adding considerable time to the journey. Other airlines might specialize in direct routes, minimizing travel time. Choosing an airline that prioritizes direct flights between Denver and Kansas City is crucial for time-sensitive travelers.
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Aircraft Type and Amenities
The type of aircraft employed on this route influences passenger comfort and, to a lesser extent, flight duration. Some airlines may utilize larger aircraft with more legroom and in-flight entertainment options, while others might operate smaller regional jets. Understanding the typical aircraft used by each airline allows travelers to select a flight based on their preferred level of comfort and amenities.
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Baggage Policies and Fees
Airline baggage policies and fees can affect overall travel costs. While some airlines might include checked baggage in the ticket price, others may charge additional fees. Understanding these policies is essential for budget-conscious travelers and those traveling with multiple bags. Comparing baggage allowances across different airlines servicing the Denver-Kansas City route allows for informed decision-making.
Careful consideration of the airlines servicing the Denver-Kansas City route offers travelers greater control over their journey. By understanding the nuances of flight frequency, direct vs. connecting options, aircraft types, and baggage policies, travelers can make more informed decisions aligned with their individual needs and preferences. This awareness directly contributes to a more efficient and satisfactory travel experience.
4. Impact of Weather Conditions
Weather conditions represent a significant factor influencing flight times between Denver and Kansas City. Understanding the potential impacts of various weather phenomena allows for more realistic expectations and proactive planning. This exploration delves into the specific ways weather can affect air travel along this route.
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Winter Storms and Blizzards
Winter storms, common in both Denver and Kansas City, frequently cause flight delays and cancellations. Heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and high winds can create hazardous conditions for takeoff, landing, and ground operations. Flights may be delayed until conditions improve, or, in severe cases, canceled entirely. Travelers should anticipate potential disruptions during winter months and consider travel insurance to mitigate potential losses due to cancellations.
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Thunderstorms and Severe Weather
Thunderstorms, prevalent during the summer months, can also disrupt air travel. Lightning, strong winds, and heavy rain create unsafe flying conditions, leading to ground holds and flight diversions. While thunderstorms are often localized, they can still impact flights arriving and departing from affected airports, causing cascading delays throughout the air traffic network. Checking weather forecasts before departure and during travel is crucial for anticipating potential disruptions.
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Visibility Issues (Fog and Haze)
Low visibility due to fog or haze can significantly impact flight operations. Reduced visibility necessitates stricter adherence to instrument flight rules and can lead to delays as aircraft wait for conditions to improve. While less frequent than disruptions from winter storms or thunderstorms, visibility issues can still cause significant delays, particularly during early morning hours or in specific geographic areas.
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High Winds and Turbulence
Strong winds, particularly crosswinds, can make landing challenging and sometimes unsafe. High winds can also create turbulence during flight, impacting passenger comfort and potentially causing minor flight delays. Pilots often adjust flight paths to minimize the impact of strong winds, which can slightly increase flight duration. While not always a cause for cancellation, strong winds represent a notable factor affecting flight operations.
Considering the potential impact of these weather conditions is crucial for effectively planning air travel between Denver and Kansas City. Monitoring weather forecasts, checking flight statuses regularly, and considering alternative travel dates or routes during periods of inclement weather can help mitigate potential disruptions and contribute to a smoother travel experience.
5. Air Traffic Control Delays
Air traffic control (ATC) delays represent a significant, though often unpredictable, factor impacting flight times between Denver and Kansas City. These delays, stemming from a variety of operational and environmental factors, can ripple through the aviation network, affecting departure times, arrival times, and connection possibilities. Understanding the nature and potential impact of ATC delays is crucial for realistic travel planning and managing expectations.
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Ground Delays and Stops
Ground delays, frequently caused by congestion at the departure airport or en route, directly increase travel time. Aircraft held on the ground before takeoff contribute to delayed departures, affecting subsequent flight segments and potentially causing missed connections. Similarly, ground stops, implemented to manage traffic flow within the national airspace system, can hold aircraft at their origin airport, delaying departures for extended periods and impacting arrival times in Kansas City.
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Airspace Congestion and Rerouting
Congestion within the airspace between Denver and Kansas City necessitates precise management by air traffic controllers to maintain safe separation between aircraft. This can lead to delays as aircraft are required to hold at specific altitudes or alter their flight paths. Rerouting around weather systems or areas of high traffic volume adds to the overall flight duration, even under normal operating conditions. These tactical adjustments, while crucial for safety, contribute to variability in flight times.
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Airport Arrival Rates and Sequencing
Arrival rates at Kansas City International Airport influence the sequencing and spacing of arriving flights. High arrival volumes, often experienced during peak travel periods, can cause delays as aircraft are placed in holding patterns to manage the flow of traffic onto the runway. This queuing system, while necessary for safe and efficient airport operations, adds time to the overall journey from Denver. Travelers should anticipate potential arrival delays, especially during peak hours or periods of inclement weather.
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Impact on Connecting Flights
ATC delays originating in Denver or encountered en route significantly impact connecting flights in Kansas City. Even relatively short delays can lead to missed connections, requiring passengers to be rebooked onto later flights, sometimes resulting in significant disruptions to travel plans and extended overall travel time. Travelers with tight connections should consider the potential for ATC delays and factor in buffer time when planning itineraries.
Considering the potential for ATC delays is crucial when planning travel between Denver and Kansas City. While not always predictable, understanding the various contributing factors allows for more realistic expectations and facilitates proactive planning. Building buffer time into itineraries, especially for connecting flights, can mitigate the impact of these delays and contribute to a smoother travel experience.
6. Time Zone Difference
The time zone difference between Denver and Kansas City plays a crucial role in accurately calculating travel time and scheduling activities. Denver observes Mountain Standard Time (MST) or Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) depending on the time of year, while Kansas City observes Central Standard Time (CST) or Central Daylight Time (CDT). This one-hour time difference impacts not only flight schedules but also logistical planning upon arrival.
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Scheduling Challenges
The time change necessitates careful consideration when booking flights and scheduling subsequent activities. A flight departing Denver at 8:00 AM MST arrives in Kansas City at 10:00 AM CST, effectively losing an hour. Travelers must account for this shift when arranging ground transportation, hotel check-ins, meetings, or other time-sensitive engagements.
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Impact on Body Clock
While only a one-hour difference, the time change can still affect travelers’ internal clocks. Eastbound travelers may experience a shortened day, potentially leading to fatigue. Adjusting sleep schedules in advance and staying hydrated can help mitigate the effects of the time zone shift.
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Meeting Deadlines
Business travelers, especially those with tight schedules, need to precisely account for the time difference. A meeting scheduled for 1:00 PM CST in Kansas City requires a flight from Denver departing no later than 11:00 AM MST, allowing for travel time and potential airport delays. Ignoring the time difference can result in missed meetings or other critical deadlines.
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Event Timing
Attending events or activities in Kansas City requires careful calculation of start times based on Denver’s time zone. An evening concert beginning at 7:00 PM CST requires travelers from Denver to account for the time difference when planning their departure and pre-event activities.
Accurate awareness of the time zone difference between Denver and Kansas City is essential for effective travel planning. Considering the impact on scheduling, adjusting to the time change, and accurately calculating event times ensures a smooth and efficient travel experience, minimizing potential disruptions and allowing travelers to maximize their time in Kansas City.
7. Seasonal Variations
Seasonal variations play a notable role in influencing flight times between Denver and Kansas City. These variations, primarily driven by weather patterns and fluctuating travel demand, can impact scheduling, flight availability, and overall travel experience. Understanding these seasonal influences allows for more informed planning and proactive adaptation to potential disruptions.
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Winter Weather Disruptions
Winter months often bring snowstorms and blizzards to both Denver and Kansas City, leading to flight delays and cancellations. These weather systems can create hazardous conditions for takeoff and landing, impacting flight schedules and potentially stranding travelers. The increased likelihood of disruptions during winter necessitates flexible travel plans and consideration of travel insurance.
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Summer Thunderstorm Activity
Summer months, while generally milder in terms of large-scale storms, introduce the potential for thunderstorm activity. Thunderstorms, though often localized, can still disrupt air travel due to lightning, strong winds, and heavy rain. These storms can cause ground holds, flight diversions, and delays, impacting travel times and potentially leading to missed connections.
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Peak Travel Seasons and Demand
Peak travel seasons, such as holidays and school breaks, experience increased demand for flights. This heightened demand can lead to higher fares and reduced flight availability, making it crucial to book flights well in advance. Peak season travel often coincides with increased airport congestion, potentially contributing to delays during check-in, security screening, and baggage claim.
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Seasonal Wind Patterns
While less impactful than major storms, seasonal wind patterns can subtly influence flight times. Prevailing winds along the Denver-Kansas City route can vary throughout the year, impacting aircraft speed and potentially affecting arrival times. While these variations are usually minor, they contribute to the overall variability in flight durations.
Recognizing these seasonal variations is essential for effectively planning air travel between Denver and Kansas City. Anticipating potential weather-related delays, booking flights in advance during peak seasons, and understanding the potential impact of wind patterns contribute to a more informed and adaptable travel strategy, minimizing potential disruptions and maximizing the likelihood of a smooth journey.
8. Airport Layouts and Taxiing
Airport layouts and taxiing procedures contribute to overall travel time between Denver International Airport (DIA) and Kansas City International Airport (MCI), impacting both departure and arrival times. The layout of each airport, including runway configuration, taxiway complexity, and gate locations, influences the time required for aircraft to navigate between the gate and the runway. At DIA, the extensive taxiway system and geographically dispersed concourses can lead to longer taxi times, particularly during periods of high traffic volume. Similarly, navigating the layout of MCI, while less complex than DIA, still contributes to overall travel time. Taxiing time can vary significantly depending on the assigned gate and runway, adding several minutes to both departure and arrival times. This variability emphasizes the importance of factoring in potential taxiing delays when calculating total travel time.
For example, a flight departing from a gate located a significant distance from the departure runway at DIA will experience a longer taxi time compared to a flight departing from a gate closer to the runway. This difference can be amplified during peak hours when multiple aircraft are maneuvering simultaneously. Similarly, upon arrival at MCI, the assigned gate’s location relative to the arrival runway influences the taxiing time to the gate. These variations in taxiing times, while seemingly minor, can impact connecting flight schedules and overall travel efficiency. Real-time flight tracking tools can sometimes provide estimates of taxiing times, allowing travelers to better anticipate potential delays.
Understanding the influence of airport layouts and taxiing procedures provides a more comprehensive perspective on total travel time between Denver and Kansas City. While flight time represents a significant component, considering the variability introduced by taxiing at both origin and destination airports contributes to more accurate planning and realistic expectations. This awareness is particularly crucial for travelers with tight connecting flights, as even minor taxiing delays can impact the ability to make a connection.
9. Real-time Flight Trackers
Real-time flight trackers offer crucial insights into the dynamic nature of flight times between Denver and Kansas City. These tools leverage data from multiple sources, including air traffic control systems and aircraft transponders, to provide up-to-the-minute information on flight status, current position, estimated arrival times, and potential delays. This real-time information empowers travelers to make informed decisions and adapt to unforeseen circumstances, enhancing the overall travel experience.
Consider a scenario where a flight from Denver to Kansas City experiences an unexpected delay due to air traffic congestion. A real-time flight tracker allows travelers to monitor the flight’s progress, providing updates on the estimated departure time and anticipated arrival time. This information proves invaluable for connecting passengers, allowing them to assess the likelihood of making their connection and potentially explore alternative arrangements if necessary. Similarly, during periods of inclement weather, real-time flight trackers provide critical updates on delays and cancellations, enabling travelers to adjust plans proactively. For instance, a traveler tracking a flight during a winter storm can receive timely notifications of delays or cancellations, allowing for prompt rebooking or alternative arrangements.
Real-time flight trackers not only provide situational awareness but also facilitate proactive decision-making. Access to current flight information allows travelers to anticipate potential delays and adjust plans accordingly. This capability is particularly valuable for time-sensitive travel or situations involving connecting flights. While scheduled flight times offer a baseline, real-time trackers provide the dynamic, up-to-the-minute information necessary to navigate the complexities of modern air travel, ensuring a smoother and more informed travel experience between Denver and Kansas City.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding flight durations between Denver International Airport (DIA) and Kansas City International Airport (MCI). Understanding these frequently asked questions provides clarity and facilitates informed travel planning.
Question 1: What is the average direct flight time between Denver and Kansas City?
Direct flights typically range from 1 hour and 20 minutes to 1 hour and 40 minutes, depending on specific flight paths, wind conditions, and air traffic control.
Question 2: How do weather conditions affect flight times on this route?
Weather, particularly during winter and summer months, can significantly impact flight times. Winter storms can cause delays and cancellations, while summer thunderstorms may lead to ground holds and diversions. Checking forecasts is crucial for proactive planning.
Question 3: What airlines offer direct flights between Denver and Kansas City?
Airlines such as Southwest and United commonly offer direct flights on this route. Checking airline websites for specific schedules and availability is recommended.
Question 4: How does the time zone difference impact travel planning?
Kansas City is one hour ahead of Denver. Travelers must account for this time difference when scheduling connecting flights, ground transportation, and other activities.
Question 5: Are connecting flights significantly longer than direct flights?
Connecting flights add considerable time to overall travel due to layovers, potentially extending the journey by several hours. Layover durations, connecting airport locations, and connecting flight schedules all influence total travel time.
Question 6: Where can one find real-time flight information for this route?
Several websites and apps offer real-time flight tracking, providing updates on flight status, current position, estimated arrival times, and potential delays. Utilizing these resources provides valuable situational awareness and facilitates proactive adjustments to travel plans.
Careful consideration of these frequently asked questions promotes efficient and informed travel planning between Denver and Kansas City. Understanding the factors influencing flight times allows travelers to anticipate potential challenges and make proactive decisions, contributing to a smoother and more predictable travel experience.
Further exploration of specific airline schedules, real-time flight tracking resources, and detailed weather forecasts is recommended for comprehensive trip preparation.
Tips for Planning Travel Between Denver and Kansas City
Efficient travel planning hinges on understanding key factors influencing air travel. These tips offer valuable insights for optimizing journeys between Denver International Airport (DIA) and Kansas City International Airport (MCI).
Tip 1: Book Flights in Advance, Especially During Peak Season
Securing flights well in advance, particularly during holidays and school breaks, offers greater choice and potentially lower fares. Advance booking mitigates the risk of limited availability and price surges associated with peak travel demand.
Tip 2: Utilize Real-Time Flight Trackers for Situational Awareness
Monitoring real-time flight trackers provides up-to-the-minute information on flight status, potential delays, and gate changes. This awareness facilitates proactive adjustments to travel plans, especially for connecting flights.
Tip 3: Factor in the Time Zone Difference
Remembering the one-hour time difference between Denver (MST/MDT) and Kansas City (CST/CDT) is crucial for accurate scheduling of meetings, events, and ground transportation. Overlooking this difference can lead to missed appointments and logistical challenges.
Tip 4: Consider Airport Layouts and Potential Taxiing Delays
Airport layouts and taxiing procedures can add time to both departures and arrivals. Factoring in potential taxiing delays, especially at larger airports like DIA, contributes to more realistic travel time estimations.
Tip 5: Check Weather Forecasts and Plan for Potential Disruptions
Weather significantly impacts flight operations. Regularly checking weather forecasts for both Denver and Kansas City allows travelers to anticipate potential delays or cancellations due to winter storms, summer thunderstorms, or other inclement weather.
Tip 6: Compare Airline Baggage Policies and Fees
Airline baggage policies vary, and fees can add significantly to travel costs. Comparing baggage allowances and fees across different airlines allows for informed choices and avoids unexpected expenses.
Tip 7: Build Buffer Time into Itineraries, Especially for Connecting Flights
Incorporating buffer time between connecting flights mitigates the risk of missed connections due to unexpected delays. This practice provides flexibility and reduces stress associated with tight schedules.
Implementing these strategies enhances travel efficiency and reduces potential stress associated with air travel between Denver and Kansas City. Informed planning and proactive adaptation to dynamic circumstances contribute to a smoother, more predictable, and ultimately more enjoyable travel experience.
This information provides a solid foundation for planning travel between Denver and Kansas City. The subsequent conclusion will summarize key takeaways and offer final recommendations for a seamless journey.
Conclusion
Exploration of factors influencing air travel durations between Denver International Airport (DIA) and Kansas City International Airport (MCI) reveals the dynamic nature of flight times. Key influences include scheduled flight durations, weather conditions, air traffic control, airline choices, seasonal variations, airport layouts, and time zone differences. Direct flights typically offer the shortest travel time, while connecting flights introduce additional complexities and potential delays. Real-time flight trackers provide valuable situational awareness, enabling proactive adaptation to changing circumstances. Careful consideration of these factors equips travelers with the insights necessary for efficient and informed decision-making.
Accurate estimation of travel time between Denver and Kansas City requires a comprehensive understanding of these interconnected elements. Proactive planning, informed decision-making, and utilization of real-time information contribute significantly to a smooth and predictable travel experience. Further research into specific airline schedules, airport layouts, and prevailing weather patterns empowers travelers to optimize itineraries and navigate the complexities of modern air travel effectively. This knowledge facilitates seamless travel experiences, contributing to greater efficiency and reduced stress associated with journeys between Denver and Kansas City.
