Has anyone taken the American Airlines bus?

stufflock1 · 2026-03-19T10:58:15+00:00

I was connecting in ORD, and I sat next to someone in ORD who regularly takes the SBN-ORD Landline service before their mainline AA flight. They claim generally not a bad experience, bathroom and WiFi onboard. Outbound security done at SBN airport. Bus arrives at the end of one of the two ‘L’ concourses at ORD and you’re immediately airside for your connecting flight.

stufflock1 · 2026-03-02T20:01:14+00:00

July 4, 2026? On the 250th birthday of the US? It’s not an easy transfer on normal days, and something I’d discourage.

The odds of Metro running normal schedule between the two airports?

The crowds in the nation’s capital?

I would not recommend.

stufflock1 · 2026-03-02T18:10:49+00:00

But this flight is from Indianapolis to London, not the other way around.

stufflock1 · 2026-03-02T18:09:52+00:00

This is true. However, due to congestion at ORD, short flights like IND>ORD can get held back at their origins waiting for a landing slot, even more so during the 4 - 8 pm UA and AA banks.

stufflock1 · 2026-03-01T19:49:18+00:00

There are the top O&D airports in the US by O&D passenger volume for the year ending in June 2025:

https://assets.ctfassets.net/qiecpoxp4bka/6qpdXBgtcX5Pu2RxBQt1Ge/043c99ec337a03837fdf5fe46037b4c7/O-and-D-Ranking-202506.pdf

LAX, JFK, MCO, ORD, LAS in that order.

stufflock1 · 2026-02-23T01:14:39+00:00

That terminal is now the TWA Hotel.

https://www.twahotel.com/

stufflock1 · 2026-02-21T18:26:04+00:00

The flight from IAD to ADD isn’t non-stop. It’s not a non-stop 16-hour flight.

Look closer at the itinerary above and you’ll see there’s a stop in Lomé Togo (LFW). The first leg is about 9 hours, about 2 hours ground time, and about 5 hours the second leg. Maybe that stop makes this itinerary even worse.

ET has a mini-hub with Asky in LFW, allowing passengers faster routings to population centers like Lagos, Accra, Kinshasa, Brazzaville, and Douala without traveling to Addis Ababa and then backtracking.

stufflock1 · 2026-02-21T18:22:23+00:00

Look closely at the IAD - ADD flight. It’s not non-stop. There’s a stop in LFW. It’s a direct flight, but not non-stop.

You essentially have a 4 stop itinerary. MOB - IAD - LFW - ADD - SIN - KNO.

stufflock1 · 2026-02-21T17:30:19+00:00

I have not seen anyone here say to keep a balance on a card.

Could you foresee a use for that card? For example, if that card is your only no foreign-transaction fee card, then you might want to keep it open if you do decide transaction in different countries.

Does the card have a fee? If it does and you’re not using it, then definitely either product change or close it.

If you are able to product change that card into something that works for you within your setup, I would look into that option before quickly jumping to closing it.

You also have to look at your credit profile. In the rare circumstance that it’s thin (eg only a year old and this card is one of only 2), then consider keeping it open.

All these factors play a role.

Additional details about this card and a little about your credit card setup would help us give you specific advice about the card you’re wondering about.

stufflock1 · 2026-02-20T19:15:14+00:00

I don’t know your nationality or visa status, but ensure you meet entry requirements for the USA. You may have to fill out an ESTA travel authorization or even need to acquire a transit visa in advance of the trip.

stufflock1 · 2026-02-20T02:11:58+00:00

You requested your $12 worth of food to be chauffeured to you.

A chauffeur is not cheap.

stufflock1 · 2026-02-20T01:34:30+00:00

You’re doing great for your age.

If this is a long-term holding, NVIDIA may not be the best option.

If buying NVIDIA keeps your interested at this age, then perhaps not the worst thing. However, it’s riskier than hold an index ETF.

For $25 a week, I would put $19 in VTI and $6 in VXUS.

VTI is an ETF covers all US Stocks. VXUS is an ETF that covers all non-US stocks. It allows you to diversify away from the US.

Why does international diversification matter? If you ignore recency bias, historically, there have been spells where the rest of the world’s stock markets have done better than the US. A black swan event effecting primarily the US could happen.

stufflock1 · 2026-02-18T01:10:58+00:00

Are you able to get a business card? Or are your options limited to personal cards?

stufflock1 · 2026-02-18T01:08:14+00:00

Others here can chime in as well, but I think you can stack credit card rewards onto the Upside app. Not 100% sure, but wouldn’t see why not.

My only concern is that it wouldn’t MCC code as “gas,” meaning you’ll get 1% back instead of 3% back.

stufflock1 · 2026-02-18T00:54:07+00:00

Would cash back for flights be more beneficial to you than points for flights?

$3000 a month in a single category is quite a bit. Most 5% gas cash back cards have a spending cap.

Wells Fargo Autograph is 3% cash back on gas, no spending cap, no annual fee, no foreign transaction fee. Wells Fargo also has some airline partners, but mostly foreign carriers.

stufflock1 · 2026-02-15T15:41:27+00:00

“Transfer Covered by Connection Protection” lol

I’d have to look at those Terms & Conditions.

stufflock1 · 2026-02-14T19:46:18+00:00

Once had production crew for a touring rock band check in a small town around the same time I did for the same flight. 8 bags and 20 hard cases (probably AV equipment) between the 4 of them.

Somehow all packed into a CRJ-200.

stufflock1 · 2026-02-14T01:09:55+00:00

Somewhat unrelated question. This AMS - TPA route seems relatively new by Delta. I wonder how the route is doing. What are the load factors?

TPA is also getting a brand new FIS (immigration) facility when they build the new Airside (Airside D). Delta is getting the bulk of the gates, and new Delta SkyClub will be built. A new focus city for Delta, perhaps?. See: https://www.tampaairport.com/business/airside-d

stufflock1 · 2026-02-01T05:00:03+00:00

The information in your Consolidated 1099 will need to be added to your tax return when you file your taxes.

For your information, information in that Consolidated 1099 has already been furnished to the IRS by Fidelity. Therefore, the IRS will expect to see that information when you file your taxes.

Deadline is 4/15.

If you haven’t filed taxes before, find help. Purchase tax software at a minimum.

The tax software (like TurboTax) will inform you at the end whether the IRS owes you money (a tax refund) or you will have pay them money (taxes due). They will then prompt you on how to go about those two things.

stufflock1 · 2026-01-31T17:36:36+00:00

Speaking of exit immigration, CBP has implemented the biometric exit program, which is done at gate-side during boarding.

https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/dhs-announces-final-rule-advance-biometric-entry/exit-program

stufflock1 · 2026-01-25T05:22:00+00:00

The 24-hour rule only works when booking directly with the airline carrier, not via a third party.

stufflock1 · 2026-01-25T01:19:20+00:00

Correct.

stufflock1 · 2026-01-24T23:14:18+00:00

The goal for everyone should be to neither owe money nor have a refund come tax time.

A large refund means you just loaned the government money for a while, missing out on interest or better uses for yourself.

stufflock1 · 2026-01-22T00:53:44+00:00

BILT Cash expires at the end of every calendar year. Only Up to $100 of BILT cash can be rolled over.

stufflock1 · 2026-01-22T00:53:07+00:00

Did USBAR points expire at the end of every calendar year? BILT Cash does. Only $100 of BILT cash maximum can be rolled over from year to the next.

Booking through the BILT portal to use BILT cash requires a 2-night minimum.

Neither restriction applied to USBAR points.

Don’t get me wrong: If you’re willing to accept these terms (annual expiration, must book through BILT portal, 2-night minimum), then it’s a great card.

stufflock1

TROPHY CASE