In a move that’s already making headlines, United Airlines will discontinue Landline bus service in 2025—bringing an end to a travel model that had become a lifeline for regional passengers. The United Express Landline service offered a seamless, comfortable, and cost-effective connection between smaller cities and major United hubs. It was more than just a shuttle—it was a critical part of regional travel with United Airlines.
Originally created to simplify and modernize regional travel, the Landline bus program provided airport-style service on wheels: coordinated baggage transfers, onboard Wi-Fi, and one-ticket booking from hometowns to large airports. For many in less-connected regions, it served as a gateway to the world.
But now, with the Landline bus service ending, travelers must rethink how they’ll get to the airport—especially in areas where air service is limited or non-existent.
If you’ve ever relied on a United Express Landline bus to get to a flight, this guide breaks down what’s changing, why United made this decision, and what your best alternative travel options will be in 2025 and beyond.
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What Was the Landline Bus Service by United Airlines?
United Airlines partnered with Landline to offer a convenient, airport-style experience for travelers coming from smaller or underserved cities. Instead of booking separate transportation to the airport and then catching a flight, passengers could book one seamless itinerary that included a Landline-operated bus ride and a connecting United flight—all on the same ticket.
This service, known as the United Express Landline, was designed to feel like an extension of the airline itself. The buses weren’t your typical shuttles—they featured comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, coordinated baggage transfers, and United-branded staff. For many travelers, it felt like flying without leaving the ground.
It was especially popular in places like Fort Collins, Colorado, and Allentown, Pennsylvania, where there were no major airports nearby. Instead of driving for hours or dealing with expensive regional flights, travelers could take a Landline bus to a major hub like Denver, Chicago, or Newark, then catch their connecting flight.
But now, with the announcement that United Airlines will discontinue Landline bus services in 2025, many regional travelers are wondering what’s next. This move signals a shift in regional travel strategy by United Airlines, leaving behind what was once a promising model for small-town connectivity.
With the Landline bus service ending, passengers will lose a valuable link between their hometowns and United’s larger network. It’s more than just the end of a bus route—it’s the end of a unique way to travel.
Why Is United Airlines Discontinuing the Landline Bus Service?
The decision to discontinue the Landline bus service by United Airlines has raised questions among frequent flyers, especially those relying on this hybrid travel option. While United hasn’t provided a detailed public statement yet, several factors appear to be behind the move—reflecting a broader shift in regional travel by United Airlines.
1. Reduced Demand for Hybrid Travel
As post-pandemic travel habits stabilize, fewer passengers seem to be using ground-to-air travel combinations. The Landline bus service, while innovative, was most useful during times when regional flights were limited or expensive. Now, with more flight options and open airports, demand for these shuttle-style services has decreased. This decline may have played a major role in why United Airlines decided to discontinue Landline bus routes.
2. High Operational Costs
Operating luxury buses with airline-level service isn’t cheap. From fuel prices to staffing, branding, and maintenance, United Express Landline required considerable investment. When ridership is inconsistent, those costs become harder to justify. Unlike flights that can be optimized by capacity, ground transportation doesn’t scale the same way—making it less efficient over time.
3. Strategic Business Shift
Experts believe this move signals a strategic shift in how United plans to connect passengers from smaller cities. Rather than relying on Landline bus routes, the airline may double down on air-based connections, or possibly partner with car rental agencies or ride-share platforms for last-mile solutions. The emphasis seems to be on building a more flexible and scalable model for regional travel with United Airlines, especially as customer expectations evolve.
How United Airlines Discontinuing Landline Bus Routes Impacts Regional Travelers
If you live in a smaller town where Landline buses were your go-to connection to the airport, the news that United Airlines will discontinue Landline bus service in 2025 is more than just a minor inconvenience—it could completely reshape how you travel.
With the United Express Landline program ending, travelers in areas like northern Colorado, the Pennsylvania suburbs, and parts of Minnesota will no longer enjoy the ease of hopping on a United-branded luxury bus and seamlessly connecting to a flight.
Here’s what the change means for regional travelers:
- No more integrated ground-to-air travel. The convenience of booking a single itinerary that included a Landline bus ride and a United Airlines flight is gone.
- You’ll now need to arrange separate ground transportation—whether that means driving yourself, booking a local shuttle, carpooling, or relying on rideshare apps.
- Checked baggage will no longer be automatically transferred. One of the biggest perks of the Landline service was luggage handling between the bus and your flight. Now, you’ll need to manage that separately.
- Expect longer travel times and higher costs. Without the Landline bus service, the alternatives may not be as affordable or efficient—especially for early morning or late-night flights.
This shift particularly affects regional travel with United Airlines, where options are already limited. The termination of the Landline bus service could mean more stress, extra steps in your journey, and fewer streamlined solutions for reaching major hubs.
For many travelers, the United Airlines decision to end Landline bus routes won’t just change the way they travel—it might influence whether they choose United at all.
What’s Next for United Airlines’ Regional Strategy?
With the United Airlines discontinue Landline bus announcement now official, many travelers are wondering: what’s next for regional connectivity? While the airline hasn’t confirmed any direct replacement for the United Express Landline service, there are a few emerging possibilities that could shape the future of regional travel with United Airlines.
1. Enhanced Regional Flight Routes
United may begin expanding its short-haul flight options from smaller cities that were previously connected by Landline. Instead of luxury buses, these towns might soon have more direct flights to major hubs—offering a quicker, more traditional alternative.
2. Strategic Ride-Share and Rental Partnerships
Another likely direction is for United to team up with ride-share platforms like Uber or Lyft, or with car rental companies. This could allow customers to book ground transportation as part of their United itinerary, offering bundled pricing or airport pickup options—all aimed at making regional travel smoother without relying on buses.
3. Smart Mobility Integration via the United App
Looking ahead, United Airlines discontinue Landline bus in favor of smart mobility integrations that aim to deliver everything from first-mile pickups to international flights—all in a single digital platform. Imagine planning your entire journey within the United app: from a local Uber or shuttle, through airport navigation, and right onto your board.
This is more than speculation. As recently as June 2025, United rolled out intelligent app features—including personalized turn-by-turn directions, real-time flight updates, and automated rebooking tools—all designed to enhance the end-to-end journey experience prnewswire.com+5travelandtourworld.com+5numotion.com+5. It’s a clear move away from traditional ground-based transfers, like the United Express Landline, and toward fully integrated, app-powered experiences.
United Airlines is pivoting away from ground-based bus routes and focusing on air and app-based solutions to keep regional travelers connected.
These developments reflect how the industry is tackling the “first mile–last mile” problem, offering seamless regional travel with United Airlines without relying on buses. Whether this evolves into ride-share partnerships, digital ground transport booking, or enhanced navigation tools within the app, it is already reshaping how travelers experience their journeys.
How to Travel Without the Landline Bus Service in 2025
With United Airlines discontinuing the Landline bus service, regional travelers are now left seeking reliable alternatives to reach major airports. Whether you relied on the United Express Landline service for convenience or affordability, there are still solid travel options that can help you stay connected—without compromising your itinerary.
Here are the best travel alternatives in 2025, especially for those affected by the landline bus service ending:
1. Drive Yourself to the Airport
For many, the most direct solution is to drive to the nearest major airport. While this may involve more planning, it gives you full control over your schedule. Be sure to look into long-term parking options—economy lots, off-site shuttles, or valet services can help reduce costs while maintaining convenience.
This option is particularly useful now that the United Airlines Landline bus routes are no longer available.
2. Use Regional Shuttle Services
Even though United Airlines has discontinued Landline bus routes, you may still have access to independent regional airport shuttles. Many third-party providers operate routes between smaller towns and larger airports, offering similar convenience at competitive prices.
Search local shuttle listings or check with nearby hotels that often have partnerships with these providers.
3. Coordinate With Ride-Share Apps
Apps like Uber, Lyft, or local cab services can now play a bigger role in your travel plans. They’re especially useful for last-mile airport transfers. Some airports even offer designated ride-share zones to speed up pickups and drop-offs.
This option has become even more relevant since the landline bus service ended and United regional ground transport is no longer available.
4. Fly From a Larger Nearby Airport
If you previously relied on the United Express Landline to connect from a small town, it might now be worth driving directly to a larger hub. Bigger airports often offer more competitive fares, direct flights, and flexible schedules.
It could require an extra hour of driving, but you might save time and money in the air—especially as regional travel with United Airlines shifts post-Landline.
5. Use Travel Aggregators to Plan Smart
Planning multi-leg journeys has never been easier. Use websites like Rome2Rio, Kayak, or even Google Maps to find combined routes with trains, buses, and flights. You can discover the fastest or cheapest ways to travel without depending on the now-retired Landline service.
As the United Airlines Landline bus ends, these tools become essential for crafting smooth, well-connected trips—especially for regional travelers.
✈️ Related Reads to Enhance Your 2025 Travel
While you’re adjusting your airport plans, why not discover some exciting travel inspiration for your upcoming adventures? Explore these trending and underrated travel gems in the U.S.:
- 🌕 Unknown Halloween Festivals USA 2025 – Discover spooky small-town festivals you’ve never heard of.
- 🎶 Small Town Music Fests USA 2025 – Skip Coachella. These are the real, intimate music experiences.
- 🏛️ Heritage and Cultural Festivals in the US 2025 – A deep dive into America’s vibrant and diverse cultural celebrations.
Why is United Airlines discontinuing the Landline bus service in 2025?
United Airlines is discontinuing the Landline bus service due to a combination of factors such as shifting travel demand, operational costs, and a possible strategic refocus on expanding air-based regional travel instead of ground transportation partnerships.
What cities or regions were using the United Landline bus service?
The United Landline service connected smaller cities like Fort Collins (CO), Allentown (PA), and others to major United hubs such as Denver, Chicago, and Newark. It helped passengers in underserved areas reach large airports without booking a flight from their local airport.
How will this affect regional travelers who relied on the service?
With the Landline bus service ending, regional travelers will now have to find alternative transportation, such as driving themselves, using ride-shares, or finding third-party airport shuttle services. The seamless experience of checking bags once and having them transferred automatically is also no longer available.
Will United Airlines replace the Landline service with something new?
As of now, United has not announced a direct replacement for the Landline partnership. However, it’s possible the airline may invest in regional flight expansions, ride-share partnerships, or other integrated ground transportation options in the future.
What should I do if I have a future trip booked that included Landline?
If your booking with United Airlines included a Landline segment, you should receive a notification with updated travel options or changes. Contact United customer service directly to confirm alternate arrangements and ensure your itinerary remains valid.
Final Thoughts: Will We Miss the Landline Service?
The recent announcement that United Airlines will discontinue Landline bus routes in 2025 is more than just a shift in transportation logistics—it signals the end of a bold attempt to modernize regional travel in the United States.
For many travelers in smaller towns, especially those without major airports nearby, the United Express Landline service was more than just a bus ride. It was a reliable bridge between their hometowns and United’s global flight network. With comfortable seating, easy luggage transfers, and integrated ticketing, it offered a unique alternative to expensive regional flights or long car rides.
Now, with the Landline bus service ending, these passengers will need to adjust. Whether that means relying on personal vehicles, booking rideshares, or seeking other shuttle services, this change reshapes how regional America connects to the skies.
For United Airlines, this move might be part of a larger strategy to focus on air travel or form new partnerships in the evolving mobility ecosystem. But for travelers who used this service regularly, it may feel like a step backward in convenience.
As the United Airlines discontinue Landline bus program rolls out, only time will tell whether this decision benefits the airline’s long-term vision or leaves a gap in regional connectivity.
Have you ever used the United Express Landline service? What are your thoughts now that the Landline bus service is ending? Share your experience or concerns in the comments—we’d love to hear how this change might affect your travel plans.
