South Bend International Airport is set to enhance travel options with a new service in partnership with American Airlines. Beginning October 6, passengers will be able to travel between SBN and Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport via a luxury motorcoach operated by The Landline Company. The service will run four times daily in both directions.

The 35-seat motorcoach offers a premium travel experience with amenities typically found in first-class cabins on regional jets. Passengers can expect leather seats, ample legroom, in-seat power, and Wi-Fi during their journey.

The travel experience is designed for convenience. Passengers can check in online 24 hours prior to departure, just like a flight. Upon arrival at SBN, passengers can check their bags and clear TSA security before boarding the motorcoach. Once they reach ORD, they will head directly to their connecting gate, where their checked baggage will be transferred automatically to the next flight.

Tickets for this service, which connects passengers to over 150 destinations through ORD, will be available for purchase starting July 21 via aa.com or the American Airlines mobile app.

Mike Daigle, CEO and Executive Director of South Bend International Airport, expressed excitement about the new service, noting that many local American Airlines passengers already drive to O’Hare. “This service offers greater flexibility, allowing passengers to use their travel time productively with high-speed Wi-Fi while bypassing the typical hassles of traffic, parking, and long lines in Chicago,” said Daigle.

This new motorcoach service further expands travel options for South Bend residents, complementing existing flights and providing comprehensive access to destinations from Hawaii to Greece.