Rent a Charter Bus
Before you rent a charter bus
look over these questions and make sure your choice for a charter bus is appropriate
for your trip. Make sure when purchasing a charter plan that you consider your
traveling times. If you pay for time you don't end up using, then your wasting
money. It would be more sensible to collect the money from your group prior to
the bus charter trip. If you are looking for an individual big bus rental
to test one out before purchasing then visit rent a bus. Most
charter bus companies in towns throughout the United States will be booked for
weekends in March, April, and May as well as other high seasons. In this case
you should rent a charter bus in advance. As soon as the need of a charter bus
is known you should reserve a bus. Travel schedules change, it's known to happen,
but you can reserve your charter bus with a 10% deposit. Which makes it easy for
you to make appropriate changes as your plans become more tangible. Collecting
a partial or whole payment from your group before the trip can ensure you not
being in a "jam" at the end of the trip.
Bringing beverages on board charter buses
is usually acceptable, including alcohol but this will require a damage deposit.
If the charter bus returns in a reasonable condition your deposit will be refunded. Bus
drivers are sometimes the up or down side of the party. Charter bus drivers are
usually friendly people, however, the bus driver's attitude can have an effect
on the mood of his or her passengers and their attitudes. So keep this in mind
during your conversations with them. Tipping your bus driver is of the norm when
on longer trips, and is usually $1 per person per day. Is a Bus charter
appropriate for you? The most appealing aspect of renting charter bus service
is keeping your group together, having movies on the road, usefulness of an onboard
bathroom, and of course saving money. Church trips, school field trips, college
and high school athletic trips, conventions, company parties, weddings, private
parties, airport transfers, and trips to the cruise terminal are just some of
the many reasons to rent a charter bus.
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. Do
your charter buses have entertainment onboard such as TV, VCR, DVD, or CD?
Most motor coaches 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.
Do all charter buses have air conditioning? Generally all charter buses have air
conditioning. Check the amenities section of your quote to make sure. Would
it be better to rent more than one bus, or to economize the seating arrangements?
More than likely it would make more sense to economize for the amount of people
per motor coach. Motor coach companies are competing in a very competitive market
and try to offer their lowest price possible to all customers for all types of
trips. Can we bring alcohol onboard the motor coach? Most charter bus companies
permit the consumption of alcohol onboard. A damage deposit is required prior
to the trip, which the charter bus company will refund 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 motor coaches? 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 motor coaches.
Coolers can usually be placed on the seats or in the undercarriage below the bus
but not in the aisle. 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. Is a gratuity for the bus driver customary? Part of the
bus drive's compensation comes from the gratuity. A short bus trip calls for a
10% gratuity, and longer, multi-day bus trip calls for a 1$ per passenger per
day gratuity. The driver can be paid on the website during final payments or during
the trip. What do your charter buses look like? There are pictures available
for each bus company on your quote. If I planned wrong and we do not return the
bus on time, what happens? You should plan for extra time just in case you are
not back at the time you thought you would be. Depending on the company, they
may charge extra for trips that run long. It will be between the company and yourself
to negotiate and come up with the extra charges. What happens if I return
the charter bus early? No refund will be given if the bus was to return early,
because it would be impossible to schedule another trip in that short of a notice.
How are charter bus trips reserved? After filling out a plan form, you will see
a list of quotes from the different bus companies. Choose the "Book it"
link and view the payment screen. Normally a nonrefundable 10% reservation deposit
is required to reserve a bus. What if my charter bus trip is disrupted?
Charter bus companies help make sure that each trip goes smoothly as possible.
If a refund of the trip is necessary do to a problem or disruption you will have
to negotiate it with the charter bus company. Ten percent of the trip will not
be refundable. Requests for refunds should be sent to the bus company directly. How
are the charter bus trips prices arranged? Pricing methods depend on the company
and trip variations. Charter bus companies have different rates and methods for
pricing. A 5-hour minimum will be set for in town and will be priced by the hour.
Out of town trips will have a flat day rate or by the mileage. What other
costs should I consider, and what is included in the cost? Customer will pay all
parking fees and tolls. The customer will also pay the bus driver's lodging typically
and payment may be required in advance. There is a processing fee ranging from
2% to 4% for many companies to cover adminsitrative costs and the costs of refunds
and cancellations. What if I need to change my plans? You can change your
trip plans by logging on to CharterBusAmerica.com select the "change Itinerary"
button. Doing this, will give you the opportunity to change your plans and or
submit for a new quote. From here you can select to accept your new price and
your balance will be updated. Are there any handicap accessible buses available? Some companies
in our network have a limited supply of handicap accessible buses. While filling
out your requests in for your quote select handicap to get information on these
amenities. Make sure you get proof of insurance for the charter bus company you
choose. Also make sure the company has been in business for at least 3 years and
own at least 5 working motor coaches. Visit bus charter
for further discussion on renting a bus. Have fun rent a charter bus!
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