The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued a short-term security program amendment to assess the security effectiveness of an industry-first program that will bus passengers between two Pennsylvania airports.
The program enables travelers from Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) to be screened by TSA at the airport and then be transported by bus directly to a gate inside Philadelphia International Airport’s (PHL) secure area to catch a flight to their destination without being rescreened at Philadelphia and allows American Airlines customers traveling on Landline-operated motorcoaches from Lehigh Valley to fly out of Philadelphia. The program has been operating in a curb-to-curb manner since June 2022 and now offers airside-to-airside motorcoach operations.
Customers arrive at ABE, check-in with American, clear security at the airport like any other flight, and then board their coach on the secure side of the terminal. Customers will arrive at a terminal gate at PHL and proceed straight to their connecting flight without having to go back through security screening.
“This program enables travelers to travel out of a large international airport conveniently by going through our security screening process from a smaller international airport,” said Karen Keys-Turner, TSA’s federal security director for the 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.”
“With a legacy of prioritizing convenience for passengers, Lehigh Valley International Airport becomes a more attractive travel option with the implementation of American Airlines and Landline’s first ever ‘tarmac to tarmac’ operation starting this week,” said Thomas R. Stoudt, executive director, Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority. “This partnership provides excellent connectivity to Philadelphia International Airport and allowing passengers to process through the TSA Checkpoint at ABE elevates the customer experience while reducing stress for leisure or business travelers.”
Travelers arriving in PHL will continue to board their Landline coach airside and arrive directly at ABE. Checked baggage will be directly transferred between Landline’s vehicles and American’s network.
