Uh-oh: American’s new bus service will be missing a key feature at launch
American Airlines' new bus connections are going to be less seamless than initially promised.
When first announced back in April, American shared that its ground transportation provider, Landline, would work with the TSA to allow travelers originating in either Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) or Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) to clear security at the outstation before proceeding directly on the bus.
Upon arrival at the airline's Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) hub, the bus would pull directly up to a gate in the regional terminal (F). Then, travelers would be able to directly enter the airside area.
Once inside the airport, travelers would be able to head straight to the gate for their flight, without needing to reclear security.
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However, American and Landline haven't received the necessary permissions to offer travelers the ability to board coaches on the ramp just as they would any other flight. The companies "continue to work with the TSA" on enabling this service, but until then, travelers will need to clear security in Philadelphia, according to a spokesperson for American.
In a statement, American shared:
As Landline works through approvals, customers will check in, check bags and board the coach pre-security at ABE and ACY. Coaches will arrive at PHL at Terminal F where customers will de-board and proceed directly through security while our team transfers checked bags. Agents will meet every arrival to assist customers. Departures from PHL will board post-security at Terminal F before heading to ABE and ACY.
As American and Landline get ready to inaugurate the new bus routes on June 3, this news is certainly disappointing for those who were planning to use the service to streamline the travel experience.
It's not immediately clear when American and Landline anticipate receiving the necessary approvals from the TSA, and a carrier spokesperson didn't have a timeline available to share.
While those originating in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and Atlantic City, New Jersey, will need to clear security upon arrival in Philadelphia, their checked bags will automatically be transferred to the plane; this eliminates the hassle for passengers who would otherwise need to collect their bags and re-check them.
Those who fly into Philadelphia and wish to connect to the Landline bus will do so from a dedicated gate in Terminal F — with no requirement to reclear security.
In fact, this revised travel process matches the one that Landline uses with its other airline partners, United Airlines and Sun Country. The bus provider was poised to debut airside connections with its American partnership, but that aspect of the experience will, unfortunately, need to wait.
American will begin serving ABE and ACY on June 3; on Aug. 16, it will begin serving Lancaster Airport (LNS).
In recent days, TPG received exclusive photos of the new bus — and it looks quite stylish with the blue wrap and American logo painted from top to bottom.
Once inside, the 35 seats are arranged in a 1-2 configuration — just like the Landline bus that operates for United in Denver — and there is complimentary Wi-Fi, streaming entertainment and power at each seat.
Itineraries that include bus segments operated by Landline are eligible for AAdvantage mileage and loyalty points accrual.
Stay tuned to TPG for more about American’s new bus partnership with Landline.
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Build your loyalty to Delta by applying for the carrier's mid-tier card option, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card. The annual fee is quickly recouped by the card's travel perks, such as an application credit to Global Entry or TSA Precheck, annual companion certificate and so much more. Plus you can fast-track to elite status simply through card spend.Pros
- Earn bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and an Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) waiver when you hit specific spending thresholds with your card within a calendar year
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year
- Statement credit for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee (up to $100)
- First checked bag free
Cons
- Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta
- SkyMiles aren't the most valuable airline currency
- Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
- New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Enjoy a per-visit rate of $50 per person for Card Members and up to two guests to enter the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees