American Airlines Expands Landline Bus Service to Chicago
American Airlines has been offering bus services between smaller markets and major hubs for several years, with most of its operations centered around the Philadelphia hub. However, the airline is now taking this concept further by expanding its Landline bus service to its Chicago (ORD) hub. The new route connects South Bend, Indiana (SBN), with O’Hare International Airport in Chicago.
Starting October 3, 2025, American Airlines will introduce a daily bus service between South Bend International Airport and Chicago O’Hare. This service will operate four times a day, as reported by Ishrion Aviation on X. The Landline bus service is specifically designed to help passengers make connections more efficiently.
How the Landline Bus Service Works
Passengers traveling from South Bend will follow the same process as they would for a regular flight. They will check in at the airport, hand over any checked baggage, and go through security. Instead of boarding an airplane, they will board an American Airlines-branded bus that will take them approximately 110 miles to O’Hare Airport. The journey typically takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes, depending on the route.
Buses are scheduled to depart South Bend at 6:45 a.m., 7:11 a.m., 9:15 a.m., and 1:35 p.m. Upon arrival at O’Hare, passengers will enter the airport as post-security travelers and can directly proceed to their connecting flight’s gate. American Airlines will manage any necessary baggage transfers. This process works in reverse if South Bend is the final destination.
The buses are equipped with Wi-Fi and air conditioning to ensure a comfortable travel experience for all passengers.
Limited Ticket Availability
As of now, tickets for the Landline bus service between South Bend and Chicago cannot be purchased separately. Only passengers with connecting itineraries that include a flight from or to Chicago will have access to this service. This means that the bus is not intended for standalone trips but rather as a convenient way to connect to a larger flight network.
Expansion of Landline Services
This new route marks the expansion of American Airlines’ Landline program beyond its traditional East Coast operations. Currently, the airline offers Landline services primarily in the eastern United States, connecting Philadelphia with nearby cities such as Atlantic City (ACY), Allentown/Bethlehem (ABE), Trenton-Mercer, New Jersey (TTN), Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AVP), and Wilmington, Delaware (ILG).
Other airlines have also partnered with Landline to provide similar services. For example, Sun Country Airlines operates at Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP), while Air Canada uses the service at Toronto-Pearson (YYZ). Previously, United Airlines had a partnership with Landline at Denver (DEN), but this collaboration has since ended.
Benefits of the Landline Concept
The Landline bus service is particularly beneficial for passengers who need to connect between smaller cities and major airports. It eliminates the need for short regional flights, which can often be less efficient and more expensive. By using a bus, passengers can enjoy a smoother and more cost-effective way to reach their final destination.
Future Developments
With the introduction of this new route, American Airlines continues to explore innovative ways to enhance its connectivity options. As the airline expands its Landline network, more passengers may soon benefit from this convenient and efficient mode of transportation.
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Conclusion
American Airlines is making significant strides in improving its service offerings by introducing the Landline bus service between South Bend and Chicago. This initiative not only enhances connectivity but also provides a more comfortable and efficient travel experience for passengers with connecting itineraries. As the airline continues to expand its Landline network, it is likely that more routes will follow, offering even greater convenience for travelers across the country.
