I read in an earlier post that theplane was 60 miles SouthEast of MCI when it hit turbulence. MCI was 10 minutes flying time to over the top of the airport (direct) Even at a relaxed 2000fpm, the plane would have been over the top at about 14000feet or so. Vectors for final and descent another 10 minutes or so and that is being pretty conservative.
Granted, the crew would have had to declare an emergency to get priority handling and I don't know what the surface wx was at MCI.
I've got alot of respect for a nearby first class airport with a major city nearby. But flying another hour plus 26 minutes isn't my first choice.
(didn't know thay had dropped the DCA rule...thanks)