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Photos: American's new bus service gears up for its big launch

June 01, 2022
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3 min read
American AIrlines Landline Bus
Photos: American's new bus service gears up for its big launch
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Your next American Airlines flight to or from Philadelphia may not be operated by a plane.

Instead, the carrier is teaming up with ground transportation provider Landline to offer bus connections between its hub at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and three regional airports:

  • Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
  • Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) in New Jersey.
  • Lancaster Airport (LNS) in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Travelers headed to or from these three cities can book connecting itineraries through American which will include a segment operated by a Landline bus. Service to Allentown and Atlantic City begins on June 3, followed nearly two months later with rides to and from Lancaster commencing on Aug. 16.

(Photo courtesy of a TPG reader)

In advance of the launch, American and Landline are working with the airports to familiarize the ground handling staff with operating and servicing the bus operation.

TPG received several photos of the new bus — and it looks quite stylish with the blue wrap and American logo painted from top to bottom.

American Airlines bus
(Photo courtesy of a TPG reader)

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.

(Photo courtesy of a TPG reader)

There's even a lavatory at the rear of the bus, located next to what appears to be a mini-fridge and bar area.

(Photo courtesy of a TPG reader)

It remains to be seen if American and Landline will stock drinks and/or snacks for passengers, but we'll be sure to report back when we try the service ourselves.

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(Photo courtesy of a TPG reader)

In terms of the passenger experience, the bus operation is poised to be seamless.

If you’re beginning your journey at one of the connecting airports served by Landline, you’ll check in with American upon arrival. Your checked bags will be tagged and collected, and you’ll clear security there (a new feature that Landline is debuting with its American partnership).

(Photo courtesy of a TPG reader)

But, instead of walking down the jet bridge to board a flight, there’ll be a Landline bus, waiting to whisk you off to Philadelphia.

(Photo courtesy of a TPG reader)

Upon arrival in Philadelphia, the bus will pull up airside (past security) and you’ll disembark at the terminal. Your checked bags will be automatically transferred to your connecting flight, and you won’t need to reclear security.

(Photo courtesy of a TPG reader)

Meanwhile, if your journey ends in Allentown, Atlantic City or Lancaster, you’ll land in Philadelphia, and then follow signs for a dedicated bus gate from which the Landline vehicle will depart. Once again, your checked bags will be automatically transferred.

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!

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

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  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.