American Airlines is expanding its Landline bus network by adding two new routes out of Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).
Beginning on August 6, American will offer a Landline bus service from its Philadelphia hub to Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport (AVP) in Pennsylvania. Then, on October 7, the airline’s Landline buses will connect PHL to Wilmington Airport (ILG) in Delaware.
American’s partnership with airport shuttle bus provider Landline offers passengers convenient routes connecting regional airports to larger hubs, the ease of skipping security lines at those larger airports, and the comfort and level of service expected in a first class cabin of a regional aircraft.
The ‘tarmac-to-tarmac’ service will allow passengers to clear security at both regional airports, then board a luxurious motorcoach for a short trip to PHL, where they will arrive at Terminal F, beyond the security screening and conveniently close to the departure gates for their connecting flight. Baggage is also handled from check-in at AVP or ILG to their final destination.
Photo: Courtesy of Landline
The buses include 35 premium leather seats each, configured in a 2-1 seating plan. Each seat is comparable to American’s premium cabin offerings on regional jets, with a 36-inch pitch, power outlets, and free Wi-Fi throughout.
“We are pleased to expand our innovative partnership with Landline,” said Joe Sottile, director of short-haul network planning at American Airlines. “This new service will provide local residents access to American’s global network, including convenient one-stop service to more than 100 destinations around the world via our Philadelphia hub.”
American’s service from AVP to Philadelphia will run four times per day. The two-hour, 20-minute trip will depart AVP at 7:20 AM, 10:20 AM, 3:00 PM, and 5:30 PM each day, while the return trips will leave PHL at 10:40 AM, 1:35 PM, 6:35 PM, and 8:45 PM.
“Many passengers choose AVP for the convenience and low-stress environment,” said Carl R. Beardsley, Jr., Executive Director at AVP. “Being able to start your trip from AVP and connect through Philadelphia alleviates some of the stress when starting your travel from a larger airport.”
Meanwhile, the 50-minute service from Wilmington to Philadelphia will run six times per day. Buses are scheduled to leave ILG at 6:45 AM, 8:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:30 PM, 4:00 PM, and 6:00 PM, while the return legs will depart PHL at 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 1:55 PM, 3:35 PM, 6:35 PM, and 8:45 PM.
Photo: Courtesy of American Airlines
“We’re excited to welcome American Airlines’ Landline connecting service to our customer offerings at ILG,” said Thomas J. Cook, Executive Director of the Delaware River and Bay Authority. “The Wilmington Airport offers a refreshingly fast, smooth and simple hometown airport feel, complete with affordable parking and a superior customer experience.
“If you’re looking for quality service without the big city airport hassles associated with parking, check-in, or security screening, the American Airlines Landline connection service at ILG is for you!”
The two new routes will add to American’s existing Landline bus service from Philadelphia to Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) in New Jersey and Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) in Pennsylvania. American also serves Lancaster Airport (LNS) in Pennsylvania, although this service is set to end on June 5.
American Airlines and Landline’s network expansion comes amid shifting dynamics in the regional, short-haul airline industry in the United States. Several factors are contributing to dwindling numbers of regional air services, including a continued shortage of pilots since the pandemic, a reduction in the number of small aircraft, and increasing consumer demand for more sustainable travel over short distances.
Other carriers that have partnerships with Landline are United Airlines, Air Canada, and Sun Country Airlines.