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!
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Sometimes it's worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. In exchange for the annual fee, you'll unlock access to the Amex Membership Rewards program that let you access airline and hotel transfer partners, along with new lifestyle and travel credits. This card is also incredibly rewarding for travel purchases, helping you rack up a ton of Membership Rewards points for your next award trip.Pros
- The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. TPG values it at $1,600.
- This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, at least $500 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more. (Enrollment required for select benefits.)
- The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway.
Cons
- The high annual fee is only worth it if you’re taking full advantage of the card’s benefits. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost.
- Outside of the current welcome bonus, you’re only earning higher rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so it’s not a great card for other spending categories.
- The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards.
- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
- Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups are excluded.
- American Express has expanded The Centurion® Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. There are even more places your Platinum Card® can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline.
- $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
- Get up to $300 back per calendar year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. Enrollment required. Learn more.
- Breeze through security with CLEAR® lanes available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your membership when you use your Card. Learn more.
- $695 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees