I’ve learned that the way you start a journey often sets the tone for the entire trip. And in the U.S., with its sprawling geography, that beginning is usually a flight. My most recent adventure took me from Nashville, Tennessee, to Kansas City, Missouri — two cities steeped in music, barbecue, and culture. What could have been just a short domestic flight turned into a surprisingly memorable travel experience, one that reminded me why airfare research is worth the effort.
I’ll share my own flight experience flying Economy Class from Nashville to Kansas City, provide practical tips on how to find the best airfare deals, compare one-way and round-trip ticket costs, highlight four recommended airlines for this route, and detail the nearby airports and what travelers should expect. If you’ve ever wondered how to save money on flights while still enjoying a smooth journey, this guide is for you.
My Flight Experience: Nashville to Kansas City
I booked my ticket on Southwest Airlines, flying Flight WN2341 from Nashville International Airport (BNA) to Kansas City International Airport (MCI).
• Flight Number: WN2341
• Aircraft: Boeing 737-700
• Departure: 9:45 AM, Nashville International Airport (BNA)
• Arrival: 11:20 AM, Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
• Duration: Approximately 1 hour 35 minutes
• Cabin Class: Economy
Boarding and Seating
Southwest Airlines uses an open seating policy, which is a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, you can choose your seat as soon as you board, which feels liberating compared to pre-assigned seating. On the other hand, if you board late, the only seats left might be squeezed between two strangers.
I checked in online exactly 24 hours before departure and secured a spot in the A boarding group. That small win allowed me to grab a window seat near the front of the aircraft, giving me both legroom and a quick exit in Kansas City.
The seat itself was standard Economy: no frills, no extra cushioning, but clean and comfortable enough for a short-haul flight. The legroom was modest, around 31 inches, but manageable. Since I’m not particularly tall, I had no issues stretching out just enough to stay comfortable.
In-Flight Service
One thing I’ve always appreciated about Southwest is their friendly crew. As soon as I boarded, the flight attendants greeted me with genuine smiles and lighthearted jokes over the intercom. That casual warmth set the tone for the entire flight.
In-flight service included a complimentary beverage and a small snack pack of pretzels. For such a short journey, it was exactly what I needed. Wi-Fi was available for $8, and I used it to check emails and map out my Kansas City itinerary. Streaming movies was also an option, but I chose instead to look out the window as the Tennessee hills gradually gave way to the flat Midwestern plains.
Personal Feelings
Flying Economy can sometimes feel like a chore — cramped, noisy, and impersonal. But this flight was different. The cabin atmosphere was cheerful, perhaps because so many passengers seemed excited to be visiting Kansas City for leisure rather than business. For me, watching the aerial view of the Mississippi River winding its way through the landscape was a reminder of why I love flying. It isn’t just transportation; it’s an experience in itself.
Arriving at Kansas City International Airport, I felt refreshed, not drained. That’s a rare thing for Economy Class, and it reminded me that even budget-friendly flights can be enjoyable if you plan ahead.
Ticket Pricing and Booking Platforms
Finding the right price for flights is both an art and a science. For this trip, I did plenty of research before deciding on Southwest.
One-Way Ticket Pricing
• Southwest Airlines: $109 (including two free checked bags)
• American Airlines: $127 (basic Economy, no checked bag)
• Delta Air Lines: $135 (includes carry-on, seat selection extra)
• United Airlines: $118 (basic Economy, restrictive on changes)
I chose Southwest because their $109 fare included two free checked bags — a rare perk these days. I was traveling with a carry-on and one larger suitcase, so avoiding baggage fees saved me at least $60 round-trip.
Round-Trip Ticket Pricing
Booking a round-trip can often save money, but it depends on your flexibility. Here’s what I found during my research:
• Southwest Airlines: $197 round-trip
• American Airlines: $235 round-trip
• Delta Air Lines: $249 round-trip
• United Airlines: $225 round-trip
In my case, the round-trip price with Southwest was only $197, which felt like a bargain compared to booking two separate one-way fares.
Where I Booked
I booked directly through the Southwest Airlines website. While I often use platforms like Google Flights or Expedia for research, I’ve learned that airlines sometimes offer exclusive promotions or easier refund policies if you book directly. With Southwest, that direct booking also allowed me to easily manage my flight changes without fees — another major advantage.
Recommended Flights & Airlines for Nashville to Kansas City
While my personal experience was with Southwest, I also researched other options and have flown some of these carriers on similar routes. Here are four recommended airlines:
- Southwest Airlines
• Pros: Two free checked bags, no change fees, fun staff, free snacks.
• Cons: Open seating can feel stressful if you board late.
• Best For: Budget-conscious travelers, families with luggage. - American Airlines
• Pros: Multiple daily departures, well-connected hub system.
• Cons: Basic Economy fares can be restrictive, baggage fees apply.
• Best For: Business travelers who value schedule flexibility. - Delta Air Lines
• Pros: Consistently reliable, good on-time performance, better in-flight Wi-Fi.
• Cons: Slightly pricier than competitors.
• Best For: Travelers willing to pay a bit more for reliability and comfort. - United Airlines
• Pros: Competitive fares, decent mileage program.
• Cons: Less generous with baggage and seat selection.
• Best For: MileagePlus members looking to earn or redeem points.
Airports: Nashville and Kansas City
Nashville International Airport (BNA)
Located about 8 miles east of downtown Nashville, BNA is a convenient starting point. It has four concourses, plenty of food options (including local favorites like Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge), and a straightforward TSA process if you arrive early. From downtown Nashville, it’s about a 15-minute drive or a $25–$30 Uber/Lyft ride.
Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
Kansas City International recently unveiled its brand-new single terminal, a massive improvement over the outdated setup. With 40 gates, wider security lanes, modern lounges, and local restaurants like Made in KC, it’s a traveler’s dream. Transportation into downtown KC is easy: a $40 taxi ride, a $25 Uber/Lyft, or public buses if you’re adventurous. The airport is about 20 miles northwest of downtown.
Tips & Tricks for Snagging the Best Deals
Over the years, I’ve honed some strategies for consistently getting the best airfare:
- Book Early, But Not Too Early
o The sweet spot for domestic U.S. flights is 1–3 months in advance. Any earlier and you may not see deals; any later and prices tend to spike. - Fly Midweek
o Tuesday and Wednesday flights are often cheaper than weekend options. My Nashville–Kansas City fare was lowest on a Wednesday. - Use Flight Alerts
o Tools like Google Flights Alerts or Hopper can notify you when prices drop. - Take Advantage of Loyalty Programs
o Even if you don’t fly often, joining programs like Southwest Rapid Rewards or Delta SkyMiles can help you earn free flights over time. - Pack Smart
o If you don’t need checked luggage, look at airlines like Delta or American. But if you travel with multiple bags, Southwest will almost always be the better deal.
Flying Economy from Nashville to Kansas City could have been just another ordinary trip, but it turned out to be a reminder of why I love traveling. I enjoyed the warm crew on Southwest, the thrill of choosing my own seat, and the satisfaction of knowing I had booked one of the best deals available. Watching the landscape change from the rolling hills of Tennessee to the flat plains of Missouri was more than just a visual treat — it was a metaphor for the transition from one vibrant city to another.
Airfare deals aren’t just about saving money; they’re about traveling smart. Every dollar saved on tickets can be spent on barbecue in Kansas City, museum tickets, or even a jazz show downtown. That’s why I believe mastering the art of finding deals is essential for every traveler.
If I had one final piece of advice, it would be this: plan ahead, but stay flexible. Whether you choose Southwest for the free bags, Delta for reliability, or American for convenience, what matters most is starting your Kansas City journey on the right note. For me, this short flight was the perfect prelude to exploring a city that hums with history, flavor, and heart.
And as I rolled my suitcase out of the sparkling new terminal at Kansas City International Airport, I realized that even in Economy Class, the journey itself can be as rewarding as the destination.
