You can soon check bags, clear TSA at Rockford airport before flying American Airlines at O’Hare
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
Get our mobile app
ROCKFORD — American Airlines is launching a new premium motorcoach service that lets you check your bags and clear TSA security at the Rockford airport for flights departing from O’Hare.
The service, which is operated by Landline, is billed as a way to travel in comfort between regional airports including the Chicago Rockford International Airport and O’Hare. Tickets are on sale at AA.com or on the American Airlines app. Service begins Oct. 20.
“With this service, our passengers will be able to combine the hassle-free experience of RFD with the domestic and international connections with American Airlines,” Zachary Oakley, executive director of RFD, said in a news release. “We are very excited for the opportunity to partner with both American Airlines and Landline to bring this service to the region.”
The airport said the service is “not your normal airport shuttle.” First, passengers will check their baggage and clear security at RFD just like any other flight.
“Passengers can then relax in leather seats on your way to and from ORD to seamlessly board their connecting flight – with complimentary entertainment, Wi-Fi and power at every seat,” the airport said in a news release. “This premium motorcoach experience offers many of the same amenities as a flight and is booked just like any other connection flight in the American Airlines network.”
How it works
To use the service, you book your flight through American Airlines as normal, choosing RFD as your starting destination. Your itinerary will note “includes travel on luxury bus.” The price for the motorcoach is wrapped into the total cost of your flight at booking. The difference in cost between arriving at ORD or using the motorcoach in Rockford can vary depending on your route and booking class.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Mobile check-in: Check in for your trip 24 hours before your departure, just like a flight.
- Security: Go to the Rockford airport, check your bags and clear security as if you were flying out of Rockford.
- Board: Board the motorcoach and travel to O’Hare
- Connect to flight: Go to your connecting gate at ORD and board your flight. Your check luggage will automatically be transfered.
There will be five daily departures in each direction. The motorcoach ride is expected to last 1 hour and 35 minutes.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
