American Adds Landline Bus Routes to Chicago O’Hare Hub

American Airlines is expanding its Landline bus service to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), launching two new regional connections that integrate motorcoach travel into its flight network. Starting October 6, American will offer 4X-daily Landline service between South Bend International Airport (SBN) in Indiana and ORD. A second route, running 5X-weekly between Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) and ORD, begins October 20.

Operated by Colorado-based Landline, the buses function like regional flights under capacity-purchase agreements and are booked directly through American. Each coach features 35 airline-style seats in a two-by-one layout, 36–40 inches of pitch, tray tables, in-seat power, and free WiFi.

Both new routes are secure-to-secure, meaning passengers clear security at the departure airport and are dropped off airside at O’Hare without re-screening. Checked baggage is transferred directly to connecting flights, streamlining the experience for travelers.

The SBN-ORD route takes approximately 2.5 hours by road, while the RFD-ORD trip takes about 1.5 hours. These new options complement American’s existing secure-to-secure Landline routes from five airports to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), where Landline also operates.

South Bend becomes the third American hub connection for the airport, joining Charlotte Douglas and Dallas-Fort Worth. The timing aligns with increased travel demand for University of Notre Dame football games, with American offering additional weekend flights to SBN through November 23.

Landline currently partners with American, United, Air Canada, and Sun Country Airlines, and is in talks with three more carriers. The ORD expansion brings its annual North American seat capacity to 1.5 million—a 50% year-over-year increase.

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