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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get better rates for renting more than one bus?
No, the motorcoach companies operate in a very competitive market and typically offer their lowest price possible to all customers for all types of trips.

Do all charter buses have air conditioning?
Generally all charter buses have air conditioning. Check the amenities section of your quote to make sure.

Do your charter buses have entertainment onboard such as TV, VCR, DVD, or CD?
Most motorcoaches have TV monitors (typically 6 or so)that play either VCR or DVD. Some have a CD or Tape player as well. The sound plays from speakers so everyone listens to what is on. Check the amenities section of your quote for more information.

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.

How much commission do you pay?
CharterBusAmerica.com pays 5% commission to registered Travel Agents and DMCs. Commissions will be electronically deposited into your bank account with 7 days of the completion of the charter bus trip.