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

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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).

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.

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.

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!