American Airlines, Landline receive industry-first TSA approval

"This program streamlines the passenger experience and enables travelers to seamlessly travel out of a large international airport conveniently by going through our security screening process from a smaller international airport," said Gerardo Spero, TSA's Federal Security Director for Philadelphia International Airport. "We have put in numerous security requirements for the bus operators and all airline personnel to ensure robust security protocols are followed at all times."

Beginning this week, customers can now arrive at ABE or ACY, check-in with American, clear security at their local airport like any other flight, and then board their coach on the secure side of the terminal. Customers will then arrive airside at PHL and proceed straight to their connecting flight without having to go back through security screening.

"We are thankful to the TSA, our regulatory and airport partners, and Landline for the collective partnership and work to achieve this first-of-its-kind milestone," said American's Vice President of Corporate Security Gary Tomasulo. "We are excited to offer customers a more convenient experience to clear security at their local airport and arrive airside at our Philadelphia hub with a seamless connection to our global network."

"Since its launch last summer, the American Airlines Landline service has provided thousands of passengers with convenient access to hundreds of domestic and international flights at PHL," said PHL CEO Atif Saeed. "We applaud American and Landline for their successful, forward-thinking partnership and thank the TSA for making this experience even easier for passengers by approving the airside-to-airside operations."

American, Landline and airport partners have worked with the TSA to provide this unique, industry-first type of service to benefit American's customers and the two local communities.

"Airside service from ABE and ACY is a glimpse at the future of travel that Landline is creating, in which ground transportation is fully integrated into the travel day," said Landline Co-founder and CEO David Sunde. "Arriving airside via ground transportation and immediately boarding your flight reduces both time and stress associated with flight connections. We thank TSA and American for their partnership and support in this historic innovation for air travel."

Travelers arriving in PHL will continue to board their Landline coach airside and arrive directly at their local airport. Just like any other American-operated itinerary, checked baggage will be directly transferred between Landline's vehicles and American's network, and members of American's AAdvantage loyalty program will also earn miles and loyalty points when traveling on Landline-operated routes.

Landline coaches accommodate up to 35 customers and feature leather seating, complimentary Wi-Fi, streaming entertainment, and power at every seat. Tickets for itineraries with American and Landline service are available for sale at aa.com.