Ever worried about missing a short connecting flight just to go up in the air and come right back down? Now travelers have another option to ease travel woes and expenses—American Airlines is partnering with The Landline Company to launch a motorcoach connection service that'll help passengers to and from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) from several local regional airports.
RECOMMENDED: Philadelphia International Airport is ranked last in customer satisfaction, again
Instead of driving to PHL, travelers will be able to relax and ride the motorcoaches—all while earning miles and accessing amenities they'd find on a flight. No need to brave the highway to make your connecting flight, no need to find parking at multiple airports and no need to go through security twice.
The service is available to flyers traveling to/from Philadelphia via Wilmington Airport (ILG) in Wilmington, Del.; Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) in Atlantic City, N.J.; Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) serving Allentown/Bethlehem, Pa.; and Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport (AVP) serving Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Pa. The coach can be used for both international and domestic flights.
Here's how it works: book the coach at the same time you book a flight with American and pick one of the participating airports as your point of origin or final destination, for example, ILG in Wilmington (the cost of the coach is included in your flight purchase). Check in 24 hours before your trip (as if you're flying), check your luggage to your final destination, and clear security at ILG. Then, board a luxury motorcoach and arrive right at your connecting gate in PHL to board your flight—no need to go through security in Philadelphia.
If you're flying into Philly, the process works similarly. Once you land in Philly, simply go to the gate listed on your boarding pass to get on the shuttle to be driven to your final destination.
The service also has another perk—travelers flying into Philadelphia from one of the participating airports will be able to board the motorcoach airside without leaving security. Any checked luggage will be transferred automatically to the motorcoach, and passengers will pick up their bags upon arrival at their destination. Plus, the experience will be just as if (if not more, frankly) comfy than a flight because each Landline motorcoach is handicap accessible and has 35 leather seats with extended legroom, free Wi-Fi, in-seat power outlets, and an onboard restroom.
Visit the websites of the above regional airports for more airport-specific information and timetables.