Tuesday, July 22, 2025
American Airlines extends reach in region by launching new motorcoach service to Chicago O’Hare International Airport from Rockford (RFD) and South Bend (SBN) The service’s goal is to provide Northern Illinois and Northern Indiana travelers more convenient access to one of the airline’s largest connecting hubs. The motorcoach service offers customers point-to-point convenience to Chicago O’Hare without the added time of intermediate stops and connecting flights, reducing travel time and providing an efficient and lower-stress experience. American Airlines American offers simple and convenient air travel to four daily round trips to South Bend and five from Rockford, connecting passengers to more than 150 destinations worldwide.
Building on the success of its motorcoach routes to Philadelphia, American Airlines is extending this innovative service to Chicago O’Hare, giving travelers an alternative to traditional flight connections. The service offers passengers a high-quality travel experience with many of the same amenities available on a plane, all while improving regional travel options.
Expanding Regional Connections
The introduction of the Landline motorcoach service to Chicago O’Hare is a strategic move to improve connectivity for passengers from Rockford and South Bend. This expansion will provide these travelers with an efficient and convenient link to over 150 destinations served by American Airlines and its partners from O’Hare.
The South Bend route is set to begin on October 6, 2025, with four daily round trips, while the Rockford route will start on October 20, offering five daily round trips. By offering these new routes, American Airlines is providing a quicker, more direct way for passengers from Northern Illinois and Northern Indiana to connect to their flights at O’Hare, eliminating the need for extended travel times and complicated transfers.
Previously, travelers from Rockford and South Bend would have had to make longer connections at other airports. The new Landline service streamlines the travel process, offering an easy and direct connection to Chicago O’Hare, enhancing the travel experience.
Premium Motorcoach Amenities for a Comfortable Ride
What sets the Landline motorcoach service apart is the premium experience it offers passengers. Unlike traditional bus services, Landline motorcoaches provide airside-to-airside travel, meaning passengers are dropped off directly at Chicago O’Hare’s airside without needing to go through security again or recheck their bags.
For passengers traveling from Rockford and South Bend, the journey begins with checking in and clearing security at their local airport. After that, they can relax on the motorcoach, which takes them directly to the airside at O’Hare. Once there, they can proceed to their flight without having to go through another security checkpoint or worry about their checked baggage.
The motorcoaches are equipped with premium features, including leather seating in a 2-1 configuration, offering more legroom and comfort. In addition, passengers will have access to complimentary Wi-Fi, in-seat power, and entertainment options to make their journey more enjoyable. American Airlines staff will handle all checked baggage transfers from the motorcoach to the aircraft, ensuring a seamless and convenient travel experience for passengers.
Strengthening Chicago O’Hare’s Role as a Key Hub
The expansion of Landline service to Rockford and South Bend is part of American Airlines’ broader strategy to increase its presence at Chicago O’Hare. As one of the airline’s largest hubs, O’Hare currently handles 378,551 weekly seats and 3,335 scheduled flights per week. By adding these new motorcoach routes, American Airlines is not only improving convenience for travelers from regional cities but also strengthening the role of O’Hare as a key hub in the airline’s network.
The addition of these routes will help more passengers connect to American Airlines’ global network, making O’Hare an even more important gateway for both leisure and business travelers. The new service will offer an efficient, comfortable travel option for passengers, reducing the time and hassle typically involved with traditional flight connections.
Success in Philadelphia Paves the Way for Chicago Expansion
American Airlines’ Landline service has already proven successful in Philadelphia, where it offers regional connections to airports such as Allentown/Bethlehem (ABE), Atlantic City (ACY), Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AVP), and Wilmington (ILG). The service has garnered positive feedback from passengers, who appreciate the ease and comfort of traveling by motorcoach instead of connecting via flights.
Encouraged by the success in Philadelphia, American Airlines is expanding the Landline service even further. Starting on September 22, 2025, the airline will add a route from Philadelphia to Trenton-Mercer (TTN) with three daily round trips. This expansion underscores American Airlines’ commitment to offering efficient and flexible travel options for passengers, particularly those traveling to regional airports.
Philadelphia is currently the only airport with American Airlines’ Landline service, which makes the service an essential part of the airline’s regional strategy. Travelers can easily book the Landline service as part of their regular American Airlines flight booking, with the motorcoach service clearly indicated as “Operated by The Landline Company.”
Future Partnerships and Expanding Opportunities
American Airlines’ partnership with Landline, along with collaborations with other major airlines like United Airlines, Air Canada, and Sun Country Airlines, allows the service to extend its reach to more destinations globally. However, United Airlines recently announced it would discontinue two of its Landline routes as part of its evolving regional strategy.
As American Airlines continues to expand its premium motorcoach offerings, it is responding to the growing demand for efficient and comfortable travel options. The Landline service provides a unique solution for passengers, especially those traveling from regional airports where direct flights to major hubs are not always available. By offering this premium service, American Airlines is further differentiating itself in the competitive travel industry.
Landline service from Key to Chicago O’Hare and ongoing success in Philadelphia demonstrates the airline’s ongoing commitment of taking the stress out of travel for our customers. As additional routes are added in the future, American Airlines continues to innovate and deliver a more accommodating, more flexible travel experience for all customers.
