Earlier this year American Airlines announced the expansion of its Shuttle service. With the announcement, American stated that come spring of 2018 the airline would offer shuttle service between Chicago (ORD) and New York (LGA). The goal of this expanded service is to further attract frequent business travelers to choose American over its competitors.
See, Chicago and New York is one of the busiest air routes in the world. In 2015 an estimated 4,000,000 people made the trip between these two cities. With the incredible capacity that exists often flights are extremely inexpensive and the competition is fierce. By American introducing Shuttle Service between New York and Chicago they hope to attract the frequent business traveler to choose them over the competition.
What Exactly Is American Airlines Shuttle Service?
American Airlines shuttle service is an enhanced travel experience offered on routes frequented by business travelers. The experience begins on the ground before even boarding the flight. With Shuttle American shortens the check-in window to just 30 minutes with checked bags and 20 minutes without. In general, shuttle flights depart from gates closer to security checkpoints to shorten the walk to the gate.
Additionally, once on board a shuttle flight, American offers complimentary beer, wine, spirits, and snacks in all cabins. In First Class American offers “Free plated meals in First on select Chicago flights.” It’s that last part that really interests me as a Chicago based traveler.
While American tries to oversell its shuttle product the simple fact is on shuttle flights all passengers receive complimentary alcohol. That’s really the only difference between a standard American flight and a shuttle flight.
American Airlines First Class Shuttle Chicago To New York
American officially launched Shuttle flights between Chicago and New York (LGA) on April 4, 2018. I just so happened to book a last-minute trip to New York a few days after the launch of the new service. Although I booked an Economy Class ticket I received a same-day upgrade thanks to my AAdvantage Executive Platinum status.
As advertised, my American Airlines Shuttle flight left from Gate H8 which is just at the end of the hall of flags. The gate agent told me that flights to LGA typically depart from either H6 or H8. As I got upgraded to first class I boarded with Group 1. When I entered the aircraft I quickly noticed that we were on a new 737-800.
The planes used for shuttle service aren’t any different from those that would typically serve this route. For my flight I happened to get lucky that I was on a newer aircraft.
These updated 737-800s feature in-flight entertainment screens for all passengers. First Class passengers have slightly larger screens than those offered in the main cabin, but the content is the same. You can either control the screen via touch sensitive controls or by the handled remote found in the armrest.
As I mentioned on this shuttle flight we got lucky by flying on one of American’s nicer 737s. Keep in mind the shuttle flight that you get on may very well be a 737 that does not offer seat-back IFE.
American Airlines First Class Shuttle Service
Shortly after boarding the First Class flight attendant stopped by my seat and asked if I would like a pre-departure beverage. As it was an afternoon flight I opted for a Heineken which she delivered to my seat shortly thereafter.
I was only given the single cup of beer and was not given the can. When I finished my cup I was not offered a refill. That is exactly the same service I’ve come to expect with all domestic First Class flights on American. Pre-departure beverages are hit or miss, but I suspect on these shuttle flights they will almost always be offered. Before take off the flight attendant again circulated the cabin to collect the pre-departure service items.
Once we hit 10,000 fee the flight attendant quickly got up and began taking drink and food orders. On our flight First Class passengers could choose between a chicken dish and a pasta dish. I opted for the pasta dish and another beer.
With the preliminary in-flight service the flight attendant returned with the remainder of my first beer and a second can for me to drink. Along with this first in-flight drink service the flight attendant also distributed a dish of warm mixed nuts. Again, up until this point the service on this flight was identical to any other mainline first class flight on American.
American Airlines First Class Shuttle Meal Service
About 30 minutes into the flight the flight attendant once again returned to my seat with the in-flight meal. She first placed a white tablecloth down on my tray-table and then handed me the tray of food.
On the was the cheese pasta dish, a salad, and a plated cookie. With these shuttle flights American specifically highlighted plated meals in First Class so I expected the meals to be above and beyond what you’d find on other American flights. However, as with the rest of the flight, the meal was the exact same as that offered on other flights. In fact, I flew this exact same route just weeks before the “shuttle” service and this was my meal on that flight.
As you can see, it’s the exact same setup (minus the pre-plated cookie).
Landing In New York LaGuardia
As with all flights into LaGuardia the flight attendants prepared the cabin for landing about 30 minutes before we actually landed. The decent into LaGuardia was very bumpy and we flew an approach over the surrounding city rather than over the water. Touchdown was extremely bouncy and once on the ground the Capitan absolutely mashed the breaks and powered up the reverse thrust. I wouldn’t call the landing scary, but it was one of the few eventful landings I’ve ever had.
After landing in LaGuardia we disembarked the aircraft from Terminal B, Gate D6. From the gate it was just a short walk down to Baggage Claim and then out to the taxi line.
Surprisingly once I arrived at the taxi line there was hardly anyone there and I was quickly on my way into Manhattan.
American Airlines Main Cabin Shuttle Service
I flew American’s Main Cabin shuttle service on the way home as I flew standby. For that flight we were on an older 737 with no seat-back IFE. Again, there wasn’t much difference between shuttle and non-shuttle other than the free alcohol in the main cabin. It was nice to have a free beer in the main cabin, but the flight is only really long enough to get one or two drinks at best.
Final Thoughts
Well, as far as I’m concerned there is no difference between standard mainline and shuttle service in First Class on this route. I never check a back so the shortened check-in window doesn’t affect me, but I suppose that would be the only discernible difference.
If you’re looking for flights in to New York, and happen to get on a Shuttle flight, great! I would not go out of my way to get on one of these flights. If I have the option to fly to LGA or JFK I’m going to pick purely based on price alone. There’s no way I’m going to pay more to fly between ORD and LGA simply because of this new Shuttle Service.
