Bus service as part of a flight itinerary?

[ckay87]

If you're in the midst of shopping for airfare, be sure to check the Continental Airlines website. Their flights came in far less expensive and far more convenient than anyone else. I don't know why this is, but I think I like it.

I ended up with a flight which departs from a small, local airport. The first leg of the "flight" is a bus from the small airport to a larger one (Newark) at which point you board an actual plane. The cost of this is less expensive than if I were to actually drive all the way to Newark. It's also less expensive than any of the small discount airlines, including Southwest (my fare = $180 roundtrip, including all tax and fees).

Has anyone ever done a flight like this? Our big burning question is, where do you go through security? Do you go through before getting on the bus or during the second leg, before getting on the plane? Any other opinions or experiences? Seems like a deal to me, but there may be things I do not know!

 

[Carriemel]

As there's no bus terminal inside of security at Newark, you will have to go through in Newark itself. Think of the bus as a ride to the airport from a friend.

 

[MAH4546]

As there's no bus terminal inside of security at Newark, you will have to go through in Newark itself. Think of the bus as a ride to the airport from a friend.

There absolutely is a bus terminal inside security. It is gate C114.

While Allentown-Newark passengers do indeed clear security at Newark; on the return bus ride, you never have to exit the secure area, since the buses depart from a bus terminal within the secure area. Your bags are also transferred.

Bags are inspected by TSA at Allentown and do not have to be re-checked/re-cleared at Newark.

So think of it as a bus ride, from a friend, that check-ins and transfers your baggage.

 

[Carriemel]

I stand corrected. The last time I was through Newark, there was no such animal. Course, it's been a few years.

 

[MAH4546]

I stand corrected. The last time I was through Newark, there was no such animal. Course, it's been a few years.

It's actually been there since 1995. The service began after Continental simply discovered it was cheaper, more profitable and more reliable to operate a bus on this route than fly a plane. A very odd service, but its stood the test of time very well.

 

[Carriemel]

But you know what's funny? I just looked at the Continental web site, and though it said bus service, it listed an ERJ-145 as the "aircraft". So that kinda threw me off.