American Airlines is adding bus service connecting Chicago O’Hare to airports in Illinois and Indiana.
Starting Oct. 6, American will offer Landline bus service running four times a day between Chicago O’Hare and South Bend International Airport in South Bend, Indiana. Two weeks later, on Oct. 20, the carrier will launch five-times daily bus service between Chicago O’Hare and Chicago Rockford International Airport in Rockford, Illinois, which is about 70 miles northwest of Chicago.
“We are always looking for new ways to serve our customers, and this innovative and convenient option for short-haul travel will provide more Midwesterners access to American’s robust network from O’Hare,” said Ben Humphrey, American’s vice president of operations at Chicago O’Hare. “As we undergo a major expansion at ORD, there is no better time to bolster the region with more connectivity and more choices for local travelers, while ensuring their experience is as seamless and enjoyable as possible.”
American officials said travelers from Rockford and Sound Bend will check their bags and clear security at their local airport and arrive airside at Chicago O’Hare, with no additional screening and no need to recheck their luggage.
American currently offers Landline service connecting Philadelphia International Airport to four regional airports – Allentown/Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; Atlantic City, New Jersey; Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Pennsylvania; and Wilmington, Delaware – with service to a fifth, Trenton-Mercer, New Jersey, set to start in September.
The buses accommodate up to 35 passengers in a two-by-one seating configuration. They come with leather seats, free wireless internet, and in-seat power.
