American Airlines Launches Bus Service Between South Bend and Chicago O’Hare

Travelers in northern Indiana will soon have a new way to reach global destinations, as American Airlines teams up with The Landline Company to launch a luxury bus service between South Bend International Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Starting October 6, 2025, this service will run four times daily in each direction, offering a seamless travel experience that combines the comfort of a premium motorcoach with the convenience and integration of a regular airline flight.

A New Kind of “Flight” for the Midwest

American Airlines is introducing this innovative service to help travelers in the South Bend area connect more easily to its worldwide network at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The new bus route, which American calls a “Landline flight,” is not just a regular bus ride. Instead, it is fully integrated into the airline’s ticketing and baggage systems. Passengers check in at South Bend International Airport just as they would for a flight, check their bags, and clear TSA security before boarding a 35-seat luxury motorcoach. Upon arrival at Chicago O’Hare, travelers enter the airport airside—meaning they are already past security—and can go straight to their connecting gate. Checked baggage is automatically transferred to the next flight.

This approach is a first for American Airlines in the Midwest, expanding a concept that has previously been limited to the East Coast. The move reflects a growing trend among airlines to use luxury buses for short-haul connections, especially where running small planes is not practical or cost-effective.

How the Service Works: Step-by-Step

For passengers, the process is designed to be as smooth as possible:

1. Booking: Travelers book their trip on the American Airlines website or app, choosing South Bend International Airport as their starting point and their final destination. The bus segment appears as a “flight” in the itinerary.
2. Check-In: Passengers can check in online 24 hours before departure, just like for any American Airlines flight.
3. Airport Arrival: On the day of travel, passengers arrive at South Bend International Airport, check their bags, and go through TSA security.
4. Boarding: At the scheduled time, travelers board the American Airlines-branded Landline motorcoach.
5. The Journey: The bus ride to Chicago O’Hare International Airport takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes. During the trip, passengers enjoy amenities such as Wi-Fi, in-seat power, leather seats, and extra legroom—features that rival or even surpass those found in many regional jets.
6. Arrival at O’Hare: Upon arrival, passengers enter the airport airside, meaning they do not have to go through security again. They can go directly to their connecting gate, and their checked bags are automatically transferred to their next flight.
7. Connecting Flight: Passengers board their next American Airlines flight as usual.

Key Features and Benefits

• Integrated Airline Experience: The entire process—from booking to baggage handling—is managed as if the bus ride were a flight. This means travelers do not have to worry about separate tickets, baggage transfers, or security checks at Chicago O’Hare.
• Seamless Connections: By arriving airside at O’Hare, passengers avoid the long security lines and busy terminal traffic that can make connecting flights stressful.
• Premium Amenities: The Landline motorcoaches offer Wi-Fi, power outlets, leather seats, and plenty of legroom, making the ride comfortable and productive.
• Loyalty Program Integration: Passengers earn and redeem AAdvantage miles on these bus “flights,” just as they would on a regular American Airlines flight.
• No Standalone Bus Tickets: The service is only available to passengers with a connecting American Airlines flight. Standalone bus tickets are not sold.

Why American Airlines Is Making This Move

This new service is part of a larger trend in the airline industry. Airlines are increasingly using luxury buses to connect smaller cities to major hubs, especially when there is not enough demand to support frequent flights with small planes. By offering a bus service that is fully integrated into the airline’s system, American Airlines can:

• Expand Its Network: Reach more passengers in smaller markets without the high costs of operating additional flights.
• Retain Customers: Offer a seamless, branded experience that keeps travelers loyal to American Airlines, even if they live far from a major airport.
• Support Sustainability: Buses can be more fuel-efficient than planes on short routes, helping the airline reduce its carbon footprint.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, this approach allows American Airlines to maintain strong connections with regional travelers while managing costs and supporting environmental goals.

What This Means for South Bend and the Region

For South Bend International Airport, the new service is a major boost. The airport already offers nonstop flights to American’s hubs in Charlotte and Dallas, as well as seasonal flights to New York and Washington, D.C., during football season. The addition of the Landline bus service to Chicago O’Hare International Airport effectively adds a third major hub connection, giving local travelers access to American’s global network.

Mike Daigle, CEO and Executive Director of South Bend International Airport, highlights the benefits for the community: “This service offers greater flexibility and convenience, especially for American Airlines-loyal passengers who previously drove to O’Hare. Travelers can work or stream during the journey and avoid Chicago’s traffic and parking challenges.”

The economic impact could be significant. By making it easier for people to start their trips in South Bend, the airport may attract more passengers, reduce the number of people driving to larger airports, and support local businesses.

Industry Trends and Broader Context

American Airlines is not alone in exploring this model. Other airlines, such as Sun Country and Air Canada, have also partnered with bus companies to connect smaller cities to major hubs. American itself already operates similar Landline services from Philadelphia to several regional airports.

The South Bend–O’Hare route is especially notable because it is American’s first Landline service in the Midwest. The airline is also launching a similar service from Rockford, Illinois, to O’Hare, starting October 20, 2025, with five daily roundtrips. These moves suggest that American is testing the Midwest market and may expand the concept to other cities if it proves successful.

Practical Implications for Travelers

For passengers, the new service offers several clear advantages:

• Avoid Traffic and Parking Hassles: Travelers can skip the stress of driving to Chicago, finding parking, and dealing with busy airport terminals.
• Save Time and Energy: By checking in and clearing security at South Bend, passengers can relax or work during the bus ride, making better use of their time.
• Easy Baggage Handling: Checked bags are automatically transferred, so there is no need to collect and re-check luggage at O’Hare.
• Consistent Loyalty Benefits: AAdvantage members earn miles and enjoy the same benefits as on regular flights.

However, there are some limitations:

• No Point-to-Point Service: The bus cannot be booked as a standalone trip between South Bend and Chicago. It is only for passengers with a connecting American Airlines flight.
• Reliability Is Key: The success of the service will depend on its ability to deliver a smooth, on-time experience. Delays or baggage problems could affect passenger satisfaction.

Stakeholder Perspectives

• American Airlines: The airline sees the service as an innovative way to connect smaller communities to its global network. By working with Landline, American can offer a high-quality experience without the costs of running more flights.
• The Landline Company: As the operator, Landline is responsible for providing the motorcoaches and ensuring that the service meets airline standards for comfort and reliability.
• Local Officials: Leaders in South Bend and similar communities welcome the service as a way to improve regional connectivity and give residents more travel options.

Expert and Industry Analysis

Industry experts say this move is a practical response to the economics of regional air service. Small jets are expensive to operate, especially on routes with low demand. By using buses, airlines can keep smaller cities connected to their networks without losing money on empty flights.

Passenger advocates note that the integrated check-in and baggage transfer are major advantages. However, they also point out that passengers will want clear information about what happens if there are delays or missed connections. American Airlines is expected to treat these bus segments as protected connections, similar to regular flights, but travelers should confirm the details when booking.

Common Questions and Answers

• Can I book the bus as a standalone trip? No, the service is only available as part of a connecting American Airlines itinerary.
• What if my bus is delayed and I miss my connection? American Airlines is expected to treat these as protected connections, meaning the airline will help you rebook if you miss your flight. However, check the specific policies when you book.
• Is the bus accessible for people with disabilities? While not specifically stated in current reports, Landline buses usually meet ADA standards. Passengers with special needs should contact American Airlines in advance.
• Will I earn frequent flyer miles? Yes, the bus segment earns AAdvantage miles and should count toward elite status, but check with American Airlines for details.

Looking Ahead: Future Developments and Challenges

The launch of the South Bend–Chicago O’Hare Landline service could set a new standard for regional air travel. If successful, more small and mid-sized airports may see similar connections, reducing the need for short regional flights and making travel easier for people in smaller communities.

However, the service’s long-term success will depend on several factors:

• Passenger Adoption: Will enough travelers use the service to make it sustainable?
• Reliability: Can the service maintain the high standards of punctuality and comfort that travelers expect from an airline?
• Regulatory Issues: As these services blur the line between air and ground transportation, regulators may need to clarify rules about baggage, security, and passenger rights.

How to Book and Learn More

Travelers interested in using the new service can book tickets and find more information on the American Airlines website. For updates and customer service, South Bend International Airport provides resources at flysbn.com. The Landline Company also offers operational details at landline.com.

For official information about airport security procedures and travel requirements, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) provides up-to-date guidance.

Conclusion: A New Era for Regional Travel

American Airlines’ partnership with The Landline Company to offer luxury bus service between South Bend International Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport marks a major step forward in regional travel. By blending the best features of air and ground transportation, the service gives travelers in northern Indiana a new, convenient way to reach destinations around the world.

The service is tightly integrated with American’s operations, offering checked baggage, TSA screening at origin, and seamless connections at O’Hare, all while providing amenities that rival regional jet cabins. This model may well set a precedent for future airline–bus partnerships, especially in markets where regional air service is economically challenging.

Stakeholders—from passengers to airport officials—are cautiously optimistic, viewing the service as a practical solution to enhance regional mobility and airline network reach. As the industry continues to evolve, travelers can expect more creative solutions like this one, designed to make travel easier, more comfortable, and more accessible for everyone.

Learn Today

Landline Bus Service → A luxury bus integrated with airline operations for seamless ground-to-air travel connections.
TSA Security → Transportation Security Administration screening passengers must pass before boarding planes or integrated transport.
AAdvantage Miles → Frequent flyer points Earned and redeemed with American Airlines flights or connected services.
Airside → Airport area beyond security checkpoints where only ticketed passengers can go.
Connecting Flight → A subsequent flight passengers board after arriving from a previous flight or transport segment.

This Article in a Nutshell

American Airlines launches an innovative luxury bus linking South Bend and Chicago O’Hare, integrating check-in and baggage with flights. This new service offers travelers seamless connections, premium amenities, and loyalty benefits, aiming to enhance regional access and reduce costs by blending bus comfort with airline efficiency starting October 2025.
— By VisaVerge.com