Key Takeaways
• United Airlines ends all Landline bus services by September 2025, including Denver and Newark routes.
• Denver to Fort Collins/Loveland service ends July 31, 2025; Newark to Allentown/Bethlehem ends September 1, 2025.
• American Airlines expands Landline services, offering new routes starting September 22, 2025.
United Airlines is ending all of its Landline bus services by September 2025, a move that will affect travelers in several regions and change how some passengers connect to the airline’s global network. This decision marks a major shift in United’s approach to connecting smaller cities to its main hubs, especially in places like Denver and Newark. The last day for the Denver to Fort Collins/Loveland route is July 31, 2025, while the Newark to Allentown/Bethlehem route will end on September 1, 2025. United has confirmed there are no plans to bring back or replace these Landline bus connections.
What Is Happening and Who Is Affected?
United Airlines, one of the largest airlines in the United States 🇺🇸, is permanently discontinuing its Landline bus services. These services connected smaller regional airports to United’s main hubs, making it easier for people in cities like Fort Collins, Loveland, Allentown, and Bethlehem to reach major airports in Denver and Newark. The end of these services means that travelers in these areas will lose a direct, seamless way to connect to United’s flights.
Key Dates to Remember:
– Denver (DEN) to Fort Collins/Loveland (FNL): Last day of service is July 31, 2025
– Newark (EWR) to Allentown/Bethlehem (ABE): Last day of service is September 1, 2025
Why Is United Airlines Making This Change?
United Airlines has not given an official reason for ending the Landline bus services. Internal memos and public statements do not explain why the airline is making this move. However, aviation experts believe United is focusing more on its main air travel operations and stepping away from ground-air partnerships that may not be as cost-effective as hoped.
How Will This Affect Travelers?
For people living in Fort Collins, Loveland, Allentown, and Bethlehem, this change means they will no longer have a direct bus connection to United’s main hubs in Denver and Newark. Instead, they will need to:
- Drive themselves to the nearest major airport
- Use other ground transportation options, such as local shuttles or taxis
- Fly from other regional airports that still have connections to United’s network
United Airlines says it will help customers who already booked tickets on these routes. The airline will rebook them through other hub airports or airports within a 300-mile radius. For passengers traveling from Allentown, United is offering alternative connections through Chicago O’Hare. Partial refunds are also being offered to affected travelers.
What Was the Landline Bus Service?
United’s Landline bus service was designed to make travel easier for people in smaller cities. The service allowed passengers to:
- Book a bus ride as part of their United Airlines ticket
- Check their bags through to their final destination
- Clear security at the origin airport
- Earn frequent flyer miles for the entire trip
The buses themselves offered comfortable features, such as leather seats, Wi-Fi, entertainment, and power outlets. The goal was to make the bus ride feel as much like a flight as possible, giving travelers a smooth and easy experience from start to finish.
Background: How Did United’s Landline Partnership Begin?
United Airlines started working with Landline, a company that specializes in airport shuttle services, to connect smaller cities to its main hubs. This partnership aimed to help people who live far from big airports avoid long drives or complicated transfers. By booking a Landline bus as part of their United ticket, travelers could enjoy a single, seamless journey.
Over the past two years, United slowly reduced the number of Landline routes it offered. Now, with the decision to end the last two routes, United is leaving the Landline model behind completely.
What Happens Next for United Airlines and Landline?
United Airlines has made it clear that it does not plan to bring back Landline-style services in the future. This means that, for now, travelers who want a seamless ground-air connection will need to look at other airlines or book independent shuttle services.
Landline, the company that provided the buses, will continue to operate with other partners. In fact, American Airlines is now the main U.S. airline expanding Landline-style bus services. American recently announced new routes and features, including a new connection from Trenton-Mercer Airport to Philadelphia International Airport starting September 22, 2025.
Industry Analysis: Why Are Airlines Making These Choices?
Aviation analysts say United’s decision shows a shift in strategy. The airline is focusing on its main air travel business and moving away from multimodal partnerships that combine buses and planes. These partnerships can be expensive and complicated to manage, especially if not enough passengers use them.
At the same time, American Airlines is taking a different approach. By expanding its Landline network, American is betting that more travelers want the convenience of booking a single trip that includes both ground and air segments. This difference in strategy could shape how other airlines think about connecting smaller cities to their networks.
What Does This Mean for Regional Airports and Communities?
The end of United’s Landline bus services will have a real impact on people living in Fort Collins, Loveland, Allentown, and Bethlehem. These communities will lose a direct link to United’s global network, making it harder for residents to access flights without long drives or extra connections.
For some, this could mean:
- Longer travel times to reach major airports
- Higher costs for ground transportation or parking
- Less convenience when booking trips, especially for families or older travelers
Local businesses and tourism boards may also feel the effects, as fewer travelers might choose to fly through these regional airports.
How Are Other Airlines Responding?
With United Airlines stepping away from Landline bus services, American Airlines is now the main U.S. carrier offering this type of connection. American is expanding its Landline network and adding new features to make the experience even smoother for travelers.
For example, American’s new route from Trenton-Mercer Airport to Philadelphia International Airport will start on September 22, 2025. This shows that some airlines still see value in connecting smaller cities to their main hubs through ground transportation.
What Should Affected Travelers Do Now?
If you have a booking on a United Airlines Landline route that is ending, here’s what you should do:
- Check your email and United Airlines account for updates about your reservation.
- Contact United Airlines customer service for help with rebooking, refunds, or finding alternative travel options.
- Consider other transportation options, such as driving to a major airport, using local shuttles, or booking with another airline that offers ground-air connections.
For the latest travel advisories and customer service information, visit the official United Airlines website.
What Are the Broader Implications for Immigration and Mobility?
For immigrants, international students, and families who rely on easy access to global air networks, the end of United’s Landline bus services could make travel more complicated. Many people who move to the United States 🇺🇸 or travel for work, study, or family reasons choose to live in smaller cities for affordability or quality of life. Losing direct connections to major airports can make it harder to visit family abroad, attend important events, or manage work and study commitments.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, changes like these can have a ripple effect on regional mobility. When airlines cut back on services that connect smaller cities to the world, it can limit opportunities for immigrants and other travelers who depend on easy, affordable transportation.
What Solutions Are Available for Affected Communities?
While United Airlines is ending its Landline bus services, there are still some options for travelers:
- Book with American Airlines: American is expanding its Landline network, offering similar ground-air connections in some regions.
- Use independent shuttle services: Landline, the company, continues to offer airport shuttles for other partners and through its own booking platform.
- Advocate for more local transportation options: Community leaders and local governments can work with airlines and transportation companies to bring new services to their regions.
What Should Airlines and Policymakers Consider Going Forward?
The end of United’s Landline bus services raises important questions about how airlines and policymakers can support regional connectivity. Some ideas include:
- Investing in better ground transportation: Improving bus, train, and shuttle services can help people in smaller cities reach major airports more easily.
- Encouraging airline partnerships: Airlines can work together or with local governments to offer more seamless travel options.
- Listening to community needs: Regular feedback from travelers can help airlines design services that work for everyone, including immigrants, students, and families.
What Can Travelers Expect in the Future?
For now, United Airlines has no plans to bring back Landline-style services. The future of ground-air connections in the United States 🇺🇸 will depend on how successful American Airlines and other partners are with their own programs. If enough travelers use these services, other airlines may reconsider their strategies.
Travelers who want the convenience of booking a single trip that includes both ground and air segments should look at American Airlines or check Landline’s independent shuttle offerings. It’s also a good idea to stay informed about new routes and services that may become available in your area.
Where Can You Find More Information?
- United Airlines official website: united.com
- Landline official website: landline.com
- American Airlines Landline information: aa.com
For official government information about travel and transportation in the United States 🇺🇸, you can visit the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Summary and Takeaways
United Airlines is ending all Landline bus services by September 2025, affecting travelers in Denver, Fort Collins/Loveland, Newark, and Allentown/Bethlehem. The airline has not given a public reason for this decision, but experts believe it is focusing on its main air travel business. Passengers will need to find new ways to reach United’s main hubs, either by driving, using other ground transportation, or flying from different airports.
American Airlines is now the main U.S. carrier expanding Landline-style services, offering hope for travelers who want seamless ground-air connections. For immigrants, students, and families in smaller cities, these changes mean planning ahead and exploring new travel options.
If you are affected by these changes, check your reservation, contact United Airlines for help, and consider other airlines or transportation services. Stay informed about new developments, and remember that your feedback can help shape the future of travel in your community.
By understanding these changes and exploring available solutions, travelers can continue to connect with the world, even as airlines adjust their strategies and services.
Learn Today
Landline bus service → A bus connection integrated with United Airlines tickets for seamless ground-to-air travel.
Regional airports → Smaller airports serving local areas, connecting passengers to major hubs via various transport modes.
Hub airports → Major airports where airlines concentrate flights for passenger transfers and international connections.
Multimodal partnerships → Collaborations combining different transport types, such as buses and planes, for a seamless journey.
Frequent flyer miles → Points earned by travelers for flights or services, redeemable for travel benefits.
This Article in a Nutshell
United Airlines will stop all Landline bus services by September 2025, affecting regional city connections and forcing travelers to seek alternatives like driving or other airlines.
— By VisaVerge.com
