New American Airlines Chicago-New York Shuttle Takes Off

On board an AA flight from Chicago to LGA

American Airlines launched its new shuttle service between Chicago and New York on Wednesday, with hourly flights and dedicated close-in gates that make taking the shuttle more convenient.

Passengers will find dedicated shuttle-branded ticketing kiosks and ticketing desks by the entrance and security checkpoints to speed them through the airport. Flights leaving Chicago O’Hare International Airport will use gates 5, 6, and 8 in Terminal 3’s H Concourse, while LaGuardia Airport flights will use gates close to security and the curb in Concourse D in Terminal B.

The first of 15 flights leaving O’Hare will depart at 6 a.m. local time, while the first flight out of LaGuardia will depart at 6:30 a.m.

Passengers in coach will receive complimentary snacks, beer, and wine. First-class passengers will be offered a variety of snacks from American’s snack basket, and some flights will include a meal service in first class.

To celebrate the new shuttle, American asked Bette Nash, its most senior flight attendant, to greet some of the shuttle’s first passengers in Chicago. Nash, who is 81, began her career with the Eastern Shuttle, which is now part of American’s operation.

American currently operates shuttles between East Coast markets including New York, Washington, D.C. and Boston, in addition to the new Chicago shuttle.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)