South Bend International Airport today announced American Airlines will connect passengers to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport beginning Oct. 6.
The service will run four times daily, in both directions, on a luxury motorcoach operated by The Landline Company. Similar to a regional jet, the 35-seat motorcoach will feature in-seat power, Wi-Fi, legroom and leather seats.
Passengers will begin online check-in 24 hours before departure, just like a flight. They will arrive at South Bend International Airport, check their bags and clear TSA security. Travelers will board the motorcoach for O’Hare. They will then go to their connecting gates and board their flights. Checked baggage will be transferred to their flight.
“We know American Airlines-loyal passengers are driving to O’Hare for flights,” said Mike Daigle, South Bend International Airport CEO and executive director, in a press release. “These ‘flights’ offer greater flexibility for all travelers allowing the ability to make use of the drive time doing work or streaming on high-speed Wi-Fi while avoiding the headaches of traffic, parking and long lines in Chicago. The airside-to-airside operation offers another option for passengers to get where they need to go conveniently from SBN.”
Tickets for travel from South Bend International Airport to over 150 destinations through O’Hare are available for purchase as of July 21. Passengers book by selecting South Bend International Airport as the departing city and specifying the final destination.
This marks American Airlines’ third hub to be served from South Bend International Airport.
“American looks forward to welcoming travelers on this innovative service connecting South Bend with our Chicago O’Hare hub,” Jordan Pack, American Airlines director of domestic network planning, said.
