|
What sized charter buses do
you have?
Each charter
bus company has their own unique type fleet. Typically motorcoaches range in
capacity from 47-passenger to 57-passenger; although there are some rare
36-passenger motor coaches out there. For smaller groups try a mini-bus. These
look like the airport shuttles you take to hotels except all the seats face
forward. Sometimes they have TVs and separate luggage storage but they never
have bathrooms. Mini-buses cannot cross state lines and are best for short,
in-town bus trips.
Who handles the bus driver's
lodging?
It is up to
the customer to arrange and pay for the bus driver's lodging. The driver must
have a room with a bathroom, bed, and TV. It does not have to be the same hotel
that your group is staying at but it does need to be close by so there aren't
extra charges associated with getting from the bus driver's hotel to your
hotel. Also, be sure the hotel has a place to park the charter bus. Typically,
they cannot be parked on the street.
Can we bring alcohol onboard
the motor coach?
Most charter
bus companies permit the consumption of alcohol onboard. A damage deposit is
required which will be refunded by the charter bus company if the bus is
returned in reasonable condition. No kegs or glass containers. Coolers are
allowed, but make sure they don't leak.
Is smoking permitted on
motorcoaches?
No. No
tobacco products of any kind are permitted on charter buses.
Can we bring coolers for food
and drink on the bus?
Yes, coolers
are permitted on motorcoaches. Glass containers are not. Coolers can be placed
on the seats or in the undercarriage below the bus but not in the aisle. Please
make sure your cooler doesn't leak.
What do your charter buses
look like?
There are
pictures available for each bus company on your quote.
What if my itinerary is wrong
and we bring the charter bus back late? What if it comes back early?
The best
idea is to try to plan plenty of time so that your group is finished with the
charter bus in the allotted time. Depending on your trip the motor coach
company may charge extra for trips that run long. This amount will be
negotiated and paid for directly between you and the motor coach company. There
is no refund if your charter bus comes back early since it is impossible for
the bus company to rebook the equipment with another customer on such a short
notice.
How do I reserve a charter
bus trip?
After
entering your itinerary in the form you will see a list
of quotes for each bus company. Simply choose the "Book it" link and proceed to
the payment screen. A non-refundable reservation deposit (typically 10%) is
required to hold a reservation.
What if something goes wrong
with my charter bus trip?
The charter
bus companies will do everything they can to make sure that each trip goes
smoothly. If there is a problem with a trip a refund should be negotiated
between the customer and the charter bus company. Ten percent of the trip is
not refundable. All refunds will come by check directly from the charter bus
company. All requests for refunds should be sent directly to the charter bus
company.
How are charter bus trips
priced?
The pricing
method depends on the type of trip. Each charter bus company has different
methods and different rates. If your trip is in town generally it will be
priced by the hour with a 5 hour minimum. If your trip is out of town then it
will either be charged on a flat day rate or mileage basis.
What is included with the
price and what other costs should I consider?
It is the
responsibility of the customer to pay for all parking fees and tolls. In
addition, the customer must arrange and pay for the bus driver lodging. There
is a processing fee ranging from 2% to 3.5%.
What is the deadline for the
balance of the payment?
Final
payment is due 20 days in advance of the trip. If your bus trip is less than 20
days from departure then the full balance is due upon booking the bus trip.
What forms of payment are
excepted?
Payment must
be made through the CharterBusAmerica.com web site using MasterCard, Visa,
American Express, Discover, or electronic check (just take a regular check and
enter the info online; its easier than mailing it). We do not accept mailed
checks or payment on the day of the trip.
Is it customary for bus
drivers to get a gratuity?
Yes, bus
drivers consider part of their compensation to come from a gratuity. Generally
10% is an average tip for a short bus trip while a $1 per passenger per day is
a metric used for longer, multi-day bus trips. You may include the gratuity
when paying for the trip through the CharterBusAmerica.com web site or you may
pay the driver cash during the trip.
What if my itinerary needs to
change?
Itineraries
almost always change, it's a fact of life. Simply log-on to your
CharterBusAmerica.com account online and select the "Change Itinerary" button.
There you can adjust your charter bus itinerary and submit for a new quote. You
can then choose to accept the new price and your remaining balance owed will be
updated.
Do you have handicap
accessible buses?
Yes, there
are bus companies in our network that have a limited number of handicap
accessible buses. Please select "handicap" as a required amenity in your quote
request.
How do I get proof of
insurance from the bus company?
You can
download proof of insurance from each bus company on your quote request.
How do you choose what
motorcoach companies to use on your web site?
We try to
make sure that only reputable and experienced motorcoach companies are offered
through the CharterBusAmerica.com web site. We look for bus companies that have
been in business for at least 3 years and own at least 5 working motor coaches.
CharterBusAmerica.com, Inc. cannot and does not guarantee the safety or
reliability of any motorcoach companies referenced on this web site. It is up
to the customer to determine on their own whether the motorcoach company they
choose to use is safe for their trip.
|