American Airlines expands bus routes from Rockford & South Bend to Chicago O'Hare

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American Airlines expands bus routes from Rockford & South Bend to Chicago O'Hare

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Ben Humphrey, Vice President of ORD Operations at American Airlines | Official Website

By Sky Industry News

Jul 24, 2025

American Airlines is expanding its premium motorcoach service to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with two new routes from Rockford (RFD) and South Bend (SBN). Operated by Landline, this service aims to provide passengers with seamless connections to one of the airline's major hubs.

The new routes build on the success of American Airlines' existing motorcoach service in Philadelphia and align with the airline's expansion at ORD. Passengers can book the Landline service as an alternative to connecting flights, enjoying amenities similar to those offered on flights.

The Chicago-South Bend route will commence on October 6, 2025, offering four daily roundtrips. The Chicago-Rockford route will start on October 20, providing five daily roundtrip services. This expansion offers a unique connection between Rockford and Chicago O'Hare, allowing passengers from Northern Illinois and Northern Indiana access to over 150 destinations served by American Airlines and its partners from ORD.

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Ben Humphrey, Vice President of ORD Operations for American Airlines, stated: "We are always looking for new ways to serve our customers, and this innovative and convenient option for short-haul travel will provide more Midwesterners access to American’s robust network from O’Hare."

The premium motorcoach service facilitates airside-to-airside transportation at Chicago O'Hare without requiring additional security screening or baggage re-checking. Passengers can check their bags at their local airport before boarding a motorcoach that takes them directly airside at ORD. Checked baggage is transferred conveniently between coaches and aircraft by AA staff.

Passengers can book this service through American Airlines' website and earn AAdvantage miles on Landline travel. The motorcoaches seat up to 35 customers with features such as leather seats in a 2-1 configuration, ample legroom, complimentary WiFi, entertainment options, and in-seat power.

This regional connectivity comes amid American's broader expansion efforts in Chicago. According to Cirium data as of July 2025, ORD ranks as AA’s fourth-largest hub by seat capacity after Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Charlotte Douglas (CLT), and Miami International (MIA).

In addition to expanding in Chicago, Philadelphia remains a significant hub for American Airlines' Landline service. Currently available connections include Allentown/Bethlehem (ABE), Atlantic City (ACY), Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AVP), Wilmington (ILG), with plans for further expansion.

Landline also collaborates with United Airlines but will end its partnership soon due to United discontinuing two bus transfer routes.