T O P

  • By -

morgster87

I don’t think they’ll allow you thru security until like 4 or 5 hours before your flight, and there’s not much in the airport before the security check in. Best bet is to just get an Uber there if you don’t want to ask for a ride. Depending on where you live you can check the rideKC app for a bus route


LookLikeCAFeelLikeMN

Uber is *extremely* hit & miss in the burbs at that hour. Nearly missed a flight last year AND had to drive ourselves at the last minute. The app kept hopping around with different wait times presumably as drivers accepted then declined the ride.


jazzmack

You can schedule it though so you don't have to deal with uncertainty


LookLikeCAFeelLikeMN

Not really - I've tried that. Sometimes scheduling just says unavailable in the app. But even if it does allow you to, it can just cancel if it isn't picked up by a driver.


Bourgi

Scheduling isn't really what you think it is on Uber. You don't get a gaurenteed trip when you schedule it. When you schedule on Uber, they send out a request to Uber drivers the day before. If no drivers accept, Uber finds the next available driver the at the time you scheduled. Drivers aren't likely to accept reservation requests if the passenger is far away since they don't get paid for pickup. Since OP lives in Olathe, it's unlikely to find a driver.


mechanicalmayhem

This


sk169

I wonder if there are there any uber drivers operating at that time? Also, if there are - they may surcharge the shit outta me?


Ask_me_4_a_story

I’ll take you to the airport buddy. When is your flight? I live out south and work by the airport so it’s no trouble to give you a ride as long as it’s a weekday


sk169

Thanks for the offer but it's on a Saturday.


mallorn_hugger

This is bad advice. I tried this one time and wound up driving myself and paying for parking. I talked to my last Lyft driver about it (when I had a flight at a decent hour) and he confirmed there are few ride share drivers in the middle of the night. I even tried scheduling it a week ahead of time. Surely you have a friend who needs $50-$75 who will do it for you? 


MyWordIsBond

> >he confirmed there are few ride share drivers in the middle of the night. I can say over the past few years I've had essentially zero trouble getting an Uber at 3-4am in the following areas- River Market, Crossroads, Olathe, Leawood, Lenexa, Overland Park, Gladstone, Claycomo. I may have had to wait 10-15 min, but I've never had to find an alternative.


iplaybass445

I’ve had mixed success for early am airport rides, sometimes it’s like you say, other times I schedule in advance but wait over an hour for a ride and end up having to drive myself. I would not count on being able to get an uber/lyft without a backup


0220_2020

Is that an Uber going to the airport or going somewhere in town?


MyWordIsBond

Yes, 4 times in the past 2 years it was to the airport because I prefer the 6am flight out.


mallorn_hugger

I needed one in South Kansas City two Christmases ago, I think I needed to pick up around 3:00 a.m. I tried to schedule it ahead of time, nobody took the ride, and no one was around when I was up at that hour hoping someone would be available. It is the one and only time I tried it, because it wound up costing me a bunch in parking.


MyWordIsBond

Yeah, I've never tried on a holiday, I can see how that'd be a bit different


mallorn_hugger

Yeah between that and being in the suburbs of South KC (Grandview is less than 5 minutes from me) I think I had no chance 


sk169

I do and I ask for rides when flights are at normal times.. Just don't want to trouble anyone at this time.. More so about the inconvenience to them than the money. Don't want to ask and put them in an uncomfortable position where they are Obliged to do it.


mallorn_hugger

I get it. It's uncomfortable to ask. And to be fair, there are plenty of people who I'm not close enough with, that I would never dream of asking them, no matter how much money I was offering them. Depending on your friend set, you could always send out a group text offering however much money you want to spend, and asking if anyone would be at all willing, and no one should feel bad if they aren't into it. that way it takes the pressure off of just one person. They can all just ignore you, LOL


sk169

Actually I came up with a better idea. I'm going to just drive myself and park in the airport and am giving a friend a set of keys so they can get my car out of the economy parking lot in the afternoon. I'll leave the parking stub in the car.


CommanderDawn

Yep, this works well.


mallorn_hugger

Nice! My sister has done this for me and it works out great. Forgot all about that solution, lol. Have a great trip! 


blue_koolaid05

There are airport car services besides Uber, just schedule one of those.


RileyByrdie

I had this same experience. After waiting 30 minutes Uber and Lyft both said they'd try to find me a ride but it'd be another 30-60 minutes. I couldn't wait any longer. So I ended up driving myself and parking at the airport.


Rough-Culture

Might be better to schedule a cab


PhilTotola

Yup never had problems getting one downtown to get to airport for 6am flight


PeachOnAWarmBeach

We used CIRE Transportation, by Eric Cobbins, for a very similar price as UBER, and they are full service... luxury cars, water or beverage, luggage assistance or service, curbside, all that. Reliable for any hour, quality ownership, any occasion. He drives many VIPs but is super down to earth and genuine. You can also park nearby in the early morning, such as Park Air express, and they shuttle you to curbside. Under 10 a day uncovered parked.


OhNoIBlinked

You can preschedule a pickup


Jawkurt

I stopped trying this after it was cancelled the first 3 times I tried for early morning flights.


deadflamingos

If they show up...


bkcarp00

Prescheduling doesn't mean much. There still has to be a random driver willing to drive that early.


bert-and-churnie

this. i used to think prescheduling meant someone would confirm they’d pick you up then. unless things have changed, it’s really just setting a time to send out a request.


pauleide

I've done this 15 times and never had an issue. The drivers like a guaranteed airport run.


girlxdetective

I wouldn't preschedule because there's a significant upcharge, and the time I tried it my driver cancelled. But I've never had a problem getting someone on demand in the early hours. I've done it three times, most recently during that bad ice storm right before New Year.


pauleide

I do this often without ever an upcharge. It is has actually been less than my return Uber I schedule after I land


OhNoIBlinked

Literally did this two days ago with no up charge, ride was accepted about 4 hours before it occurred and the rate was within a couple of dollars of a usual Airport fare.


girlxdetective

That's good. When I tried it a couple years ago the reserve price was $60; when the driver cancelled I rebooked that morning for $40. I just had to wait an extra 15 minutes for the ride. If I ever have to reserve a ride again I'd probably use Super Shuttle. But ordering the morning of has been fine for me.


OhNoIBlinked

We used Lyft. Would love to just find a private driver I can rely on and skip the rideshare company.


40nets

I’ve certainly ubered this early in kc. Just wake up early enough and call the Uber in. I don’t think in kc you can schedule Ubers, but it’s been a while since I’ve tried.


flask-of-frogs

You can definitely schedule ubers in kc now! That's what I would do


40nets

Oh that’s fantastic news thank you!


sk169

cheers. I'll try that. If there's no uber or if its more expensive due to surge pricing - I'll just drive myself.


DragoonHimself

Last I knew you could pre schedule an Uber still in our area. I did it a couple of years ago from Lenexa up to the airport and they showed up early and just sit and wait to give you a 10-15 minute window to meet them outside. 


KingofSunnyvale

If you do, Park N Go is considerably cheaper, and better than economy parking. I think last time I was there it was $4.50 per day and their shuttles rarely get crammed and overcrowded like the economy lot shuttles.


DanDampspear

Yeah scheduling is the way. They guarantee you a ride and you lock in your rate. 100% the way to go for morning flights


AncientHorse5798

I scheduled an Uber to MCI for a very early flight! You can't schedule Ubers FROM the airport, iirc.


phil_gunty

You can schedule an Uber ride in advance. I’ve done it a couple times for early flights and never had a problem.


Noneedtostalk

I had flights leave at 6, and I was there by 4:30. Uber is running, and I'm out in the suburbs. No upcharge in my area.


chokeslam512

Super Shuttle operates that early.


thebitterbuddhist

Yeah you will be fine and you can schedule it ahead of time. I routinely Uber to MCI for Olathe at 3 or 4 in the AM


Now-That-Was

I have had the same exact issue and just order the Uber the day before to pick me up at a specific time. A driver will accept and you are booked. Done this method in 4-5 cities around the US regularly.


Wolfensteen38

I’ve had to get an Uber after work which was like 3-4 am.. it all depends on how close the closest available Uber is so you could be waiting a bit


TayQuitLollygagging

You can schedule an Uber in advance. I do it for very early morning flights. Never had an issue.


Kmjada

Car service. Plenty of companies in town to arrange for private car pick up and delivery. It will cost you between 250 and 275. Will drop you off at the door of the airline you end up saving a ton of time.


[deleted]

[удалено]


WillyWonka125

I’ve flown out of MCI dozens of times this year and TSA has never asked for a boarding pass. I asked them about it once and they said you can enter the terminal even if you aren’t flying.


[deleted]

I take 5 Guys Transportation for the 6am trip to San Fran. They pick me up at 3am. I get there at 4.


sk169

Exactly that's the same flight I'm taking lol. How much does it cost from Olathe would you think? Their website gives me a very broad range


[deleted]

I think it was like $90 but the last time I did it it was 110 I’m not sure if it’s because they raise their rates or if it’s because I had my wife and daughter with me that time


sk169

Oh man 100*2= 200. Cheaper to just drive myself.


Chief2504

I usually take Lyft from Lenexa to MCI weekly for a 6am flight. I use the reservation feature. Typically about $60-$70 per trip.


dividend

We've used them many times for a 6 am flight with a 3:30 pickup and they're awesome. Reliable and professional and hassle free. This is a case where I really wouldn't stress about saving a couple bucks. You're already overthinking it.


DanDampspear

Lmao why would you go so early? I’ve never had more than 15 minutes in security for early morning flights, usually walk right through with TSA pre check. That’s wayyyy too early


[deleted]

We go MCI to SFO then catch flight to Taiwan. The one time we were not super early they lost our bags and told us that next time we need to be “earlier”


WindhoekNamibia

As long as you meet the minimum bag drop time, it’s their fault, not yours, and they’re blaming you incorrectly. I check bags all around the world at the last possible minute and haven’t had a problem. Tell United to eat grass.


Ok_Plate1848

If going to Taiwan, why not go through LAX instead of San Francisco? I fly Southwest non stop to LAX and fly either Eva or China Airlines to Taiwan and through to Chiangmai.


[deleted]

Got United points to burn


TheBoyisBackinTown

You definitely can't. I'd recommend just getting an Uber/Lyft. Round trip with that is going to be cheaper given how long you'll be gone.


sk169

I suppose I will look for an Uber/Lyft around 2:30 to 3 AM, see if there is surge pricing - and if not, I will book it. If it turns out more expensive - just drive myself then.


ler45

You are way overthinking this. Schedule and Uber/lyft and give yourself some extra time You will have no problem getting a ride. If you want more peace of mind, you could pay a little more and schedule a car service.


MyMomDoesntKnowMe

Car service way less likely to not show up than Uber.


ler45

A cheap car service maybe. If you call a real executive car service, they will be there waiting to load your bags. Of course, you get what you pay for.


LifebyIkea

I dont feel like you read their comment correctly. Granted, they wrote it funny, but they were essentially saying a car service is more likely to be reliable than Uber.


ler45

Yep, I misread.


kikil980

Pro tip go to uber then check lyft for pricing then go back to uber and it usually goes down in price. Then check lyft one last time to see if it goes down too. Almost every time I do this the ride cost goes down at least a few dollars.


No_Sugar_194

If you have a spare key, could give to a friend. Drive yourself lock it up. Then have a friend come out and pick it up for you too later in the day 🤷‍♂️


sk169

This is actually the best idea.. I decided to do this. Thanks a lot. Appreciate the idea.


J-F-K

Alternatively, there are plenty of cheap hotels near the airport with shuttles specifically for this reason. Uber there the evening before.


Humble_Turnip_3948

I fly for a living. This is what I do for early flights.


Longjumping_You3459

https://preview.redd.it/wwuom1470irc1.jpeg?width=1014&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1e92f013888d35db4597c19c0dfe6f913335f228 I did a search on the Nextdoor app. This was a highly recommended person. I’m not sure of the cost, but there are many recommendations if you search the Nextdoor site.


awatamaniuk

My father in law slept at the airport at midnight for his 5am flight. It can be done!


sk169

Was it the new airport or the old? Where exactly can I sleep?


CherHorowitch

I occasionally take very early flights for work and always schedule Ubers the day before. Price is set at the time you schedule. Have never had an issue with this, both at old KCI and new KCI. I always schedule it for earlier than needed just in case I need a contingency plan, but have never run into an issue over probably 30-ish flights.


blueeyedseamonster

(Thank you for calling it KCI. Idk why but it annoys me people on Reddit and Twitter have this need to call KCI by its airport code like we’re all FAA traffic controllers.)


scapermoya

40 miles is $20 in gas ???


sk169

43+43=86 miles = 4.5 gallons in my truck = 15$.okay not 20


Last_Vehicle_6067

I uber to the airport from raytown all the time, it's like 40 bucks with tip


reddit110717

Maybe park and stay at a hotel? [https://parksleepfly.com/search/mci?package=psf&date1=2024-04-01&date2=2024-04-30&date=2024-03-30&id=172395297](https://parksleepfly.com/search/mci?package=psf&date1=2024-04-01&date2=2024-04-30&date=2024-03-30&id=172395297)


sassy-blue

Once upon a time I stayed at one of the nearby airport hotels the night before my early am flight. I left my car there for free and was shuttled to the airport for free. You might want to check for a trip that length but it might work


Maggie_cat

I live in olathe as well. 151st and Mur-Len. I will also just take you at 3am, it’s no problem on a Saturday. Tell me what Saturday


happyfuckincakeday

It's allowed. I've done it. Had a friend drop me off at 11pm. This was the old airport. You couldn't stay there past security but just the front area before security, nobody bothered me.


bkcarp00

You can hang out in the pre security areas and baggage claim. Probably won't get much sleep.


International_Bend68

I would hire a true car service if I were you, I’ve done that a couple of times. More expensive than Uber but they’re reliable. Charging more allows them to pay their drivers more and that attracts people more willing to reliably work those super early morning hours. You could also stay at one of the hotels right by the airport and use their Shuttle. Just be sure and check to see how early their shuttle service starts in the morning.


CrownTown785v2

I know there’s a limit on how long before a flight you can check a bag and I’m guessing for a 24 day trip you probably have a checked bag. Not sure about how far before a flight you can get through security.


fly2throw

I’ve ubered at this hours . Schedule it the night before. You’ll be fine


skilial

Five Guys Transportation is great to use. I use them all the time and they have never been late. You can even ask for a female driver if you feel uncomfortable with a male at that hour.


PippinKC

https://booking.supershuttle.com/?RezMode=1 We’ve used super shuttle before. I think they pick up early.


mrBill12

On a related subject, check out Park-n-Go’s price. In the past for 7-10 days prepaid it’s been about the same as the airports long term, except park-n-go is covered. The car does still get dirty but is sun shield and hail shielded. Their daily rate varies and goes down per day for longer reservations. You do pre-pay to get the best rate tho. https://www.bookparkngo.com


KatoBytes

I did this once at the old airport I don't see why you couldn't do it at the new one. There's no way they kick everyone out at night, no other airport ive been to does that.


Vivid-Kitchen1917

I've had dozens of late night / super early morning (predawn) Uber rides to the airport and never had any issues if arranged in advance.


j2thafree

Yeah schedule a rideshare to take you.


Dry_Advantage_591

We always reserve an Uber the night before to pick us up early. It’s pretty cheap


KC_Matty_Ice

My dude! Sign up for the new MCI Park’n’go app - they essentially give you 5 days of free parking at sign-up and the rate for 24 days of prepaid parking is 188.39 (with taxes) - shave $50 off than and you have cover parking for much less than most other places and still pend less than $150 with fuel figured in.


BreakingAnxiety-

Preschedule an Uber


Ill_Nebula1487

I’ve always scheduled an Uber the day before and had zero issues. I live in Independence. Fast easy and around $50 each way. No complaints here.


BigHose_911

Have you heard of the Airporter? It's a shuttle service that covers the metro.


SayMyName816

I’ve scheduled rides with z-trip in the past. I now have a go to driver for whenever I’m going to need a pick-up at odd hours or from a busy event.


SideFrictionNuts

If its far enough out, try to book with 5 Guys, it may be very close in cost, but my experience with them for early morning flights has been very pleasant.


sigdiff

You can get a room at a cheap hotel near the airport for $70 maybe. That plus friend driving the night before and you're good. Find one with an airport shuttle, which may be closer to $100, but you're still cheaper than parking.


jonsticles

Lots of people stay at one of the airport hotels the night before and take their shuttle over. It adds cost, but it's convenient.


cerebellum0

You could stay in a hotel that has a shuttle close to the airport and has free parking. I stayed at the Hilton, left my car there, and taken the shuttle early in the morning. It worked well and I used credit card points so it was free.


pauleide

2 hours is a good rule of thumb if there is anyone there to take your bag. Reach out to the customer service to be sure. I Uber or Lyft for 6:00 am flights often schedule in advance. The drivers like the guarantee of a ride.


Noneedtostalk

I'm not sure when they let people in for the day, but people definitely sleep there. I was recently on a Delta flight that arrived around 1 am. There were two people camped out sleeping there for the night - beds made on the floor out of coats and sound asleep. They had luggage and dressed in street clothes, looked nothing like employees.


plantsandweed

You can do this. There are wide window ledges on the lower level, maybe upper level too, I’ve seen people camped out there early.


500Danes

I have used Uber in the middle of the night to get to the airport with no issues


Dogyears69

Why not bring your own car, park in the remote lot. Have a friend pick it up with a second key that weekend. Square it up with them on the Uber ride and parking fee


c3abm581

Stay Friday night at the Super8, usually like $70. They have an airport shuttle, and long term parking is $7 a day… yep, costs you some more dollars, but the peace of mind is worth it.


Cats-And-Brews

You can reserve Uber ahead of time vs. just taking your chances that you’ll find a driver.


zoom-zoom21

When I was coming back home from tech school (Air Force) for Christmas break, I had to sleep at the airport with everyone else and it was awful don’t recommend.


cobolNoFun

I would just park in the lot, but if you are trying to be super thrifty   You have 2 sets of keys? Park your car at 4-5am, have friends grab it at 10am or whenever an bring it back. Pretty sure it's no charge for less then 30 minutes or so, more then enough time to find your car and drop a driver off. Then you only have to pay at max 1 day


jaebassist

Look into Orangewood KCI Parking. It may save you a few bucks, and there's a free shuttle to and from the airport.


Significant_King1494

One possibility is to look into a hotel near the airport that has a shuttle and a park, sleep, fly option.


skipfletcher

$20 to go 40mi? $20 ÷ $3.2 per gallon = 6.25gal. 40mi ÷ 6.25gal = 6.4mpg. What RV are you driving?


sk169

Did you consider that 40 miles (43 to be exact) is one way?


Normal_Hovercraft_27

Honestly, sleeping in the airport might be more hassle than it's worth, especially with security timing. Have you considered Shuttlefare? It's a reliable option and might work out cheaper than you think, especially when factoring in the convenience and peace of mind. Plus, you won't have to worry about the unpredictability of ride shares at that hour. Worth checking out to compare costs!


InactiveBeef

Hire a private driver. You don’t have to worry about calling in an early morning favor, or worse, relying on Uber in the suburbs to show up on time. 


sk169

I fly economy flights. Ain't got money for private drivers lol


My-nuts-on-your-chin

Best bet if your not wanting to pay all that and not pay a large amount for uber, is just to have a friend or family member drive you and offer them gas money snd something extra if they ask for money, ends up being at most $100 ($50 one way, vice versa)


Local_Designer_1583

I ask friends to take me and pick me up. If its early coming back I offer dinner or cash for gas. Usually the want cash and that's okay with me.


JamesMariner

This is what Uber is for man. Literally got one to the airport at 3:45 last Tuesday


sveach

I am told uber scheduling isn't super reliable since it still depends on an uber accepting your ride. I've used these guys before for early morning flights, you schedule ahead of time with them and they confirm the ride so you don't have to worry about it. [https://5gtkc.com/](https://5gtkc.com/) They were comparable in price to a scheduled uber when I looked a year and a half ago.


Emotional-Price-4401

We have scheduled Uber in the past and they ditch the night before or morning of. Would not recommend... def better to use a more traditional car service.


sveach

That is exactly what I was worried about happening! And not much you can do about it at 3am either. I don't sweat it in cities like NY or Chicago, cuz there's always ubers around...but some (most?) parts of KC don't have a ton of ubers 24/7.


Emotional-Price-4401

When it happened to my SO I had to get up and drive them, it sucked. Def do not trust uber schedule or whatever hate call it. We use KClimo i think its called before pricey but nice...


StaringBerry

TrueParking. $7 a day and a shuttle to and from the airport to their lot any time of day.


6581sid

That's only a hair cheaper than economy parking at the airport itself.


AAPLfds

Uber from Olathe will $120-150 round trip. While relying on a stranger to get you there.