Things to Know

1. How far ahead should I reserve my motorcoach?
2. Will there be a written contract for the bus?
3. Is a deposit required and if so, how much and when?
4. When is the final payment due?
5. What is the refund policy?
6. Can we smoke on our motorcoach?
7. Do you have wheelchair accessible motorcoaches?
8. Where can I load my motorcoach?
9. What are some of the motorcoach’s special features?
10. Do I need to find a hotel room for the driver?
11. Will my motorcoach look like the motorcoaches shown on your Web Site?
12. How long can the driver be on duty each day?
13. When could a damage deposit be required?

If you have any more questions please email us at charters@southeasternstages.com.  Or you may call us at (404) 591-2780.  We will gladly answer any questions you might have.

1. How far ahead should I reserve my motorcoach?
It is never too soon to reserve a motorcoach.  There are some times during the year when we are extremely busy, so book early!

2. Will there be a written contract for the bus?
Yes.  When a motorcoach is booked with Southeastern Stages, you will be provided with the details of your trip in writing.  This is called a charter order or contract.  It will contain specifics like the departure date, type and size of the motorcoach, the itineraries and the total charges.  When you receive the contract, please make sure to review it carefully and provide us with any additional information.  Then sign the contract and return it promptly with the required deposit.

3. Is a deposit required and if so, how much and when?
A deposit is required within 7 days after receiving your contract in the mail or via email.  The deposit for a charter is $100.00 for each $1,000.00 or fraction thereof.  A charter of up to $1,000.00 will require a $100.00 deposit.  A charter between $1000.01 and $2,000.00 will require a $200.00 deposit, etc.

4. When is the final payment due?
The final payment is due 14 days before the trip date.  If booking with less than 14 days before the trip date, then the full amount is due when booking with a payment method of cash, certified check, or credit card.

5. What is the refund policy?
If you cancel 14 days prior to your trip you will receive a full refund.  If you cancel within 14 days of your trip, your deposit is forfeited.

6. Can we smoke on our motorcoach?
No, all of our motorcoaches are non-smoking units.

7. Do you have wheelchair accessible motorcoaches?
Yes, please request one if you need one.  There is no extra cost; the only thing that will be different is we must remove 4 seats per wheelchair so your motorcoach capacity will need to be adjusted.

8. Where can I load my motorcoach?
On a private charter, we can load your group anywhere that a motorcoach can fit.  Some residential streets are narrow, so please take that into consideration when planning your pick-up location.  If you want to use a public parking lot, please call the manager of the establishment and get permission from them.

9. What are some of the motorcoach's special features?
All of our motorcoaches include PA systems, roomy reclining seats with plenty of leg room, adjustable foot rests, individual reading lights, restroom equipped, overhead storage for carry-on bags, climate controlled air conditioning and heating systems, huge tinted picture windows for clear vision with no glare, large weather-proof luggage compartments, and DVD / CD player with six screens. 

10. Do I need to find a hotel room for the driver?
Yes, it is the responsibility of the client to find a room for the driver. If it is necessary for us to find a room for the driver, there will be a daily charge added to your charter.

11. Will my motorcoach look like the motorcoaches shown on your website?
The motorcoaches shown on our Web site are the motorcoaches we charter. However, we cannot guarantee a particular model bus over another one.
 
12. How long can a driver be on duty each day?
While on your trip remember that the driver has Federal rules and regulations that they must follow on hours of service and mileage.  A driver cannot drive more than a total of ten (10) hours a day or be on duty more than 15 hours without having eight (8) consecutive hours off duty. Remember the time begins when the driver reports to our office.  Keep us informed of any changes before departure of the trip, and be sure to clear all changes while on your trip, with the driver to insure that he/she can legally follow your change requests.  For trips over 550 miles, you will need to decide whether to stop overnight along the way to your destination, or drive straight through. If you choose to drive straight through, a relay driver can be provided for an extra charge of $250.00 for each relay.

13. When could a damage deposit be required?
We charge a damage deposit (separate from the regular deposit for reserving motorcoaches) for some trips that we typically might have more problems with (trips with alcohol present). The damage deposit is refunded if the motorcoach is returned in the same condition as when it left our lot. We ask groups to take large garbage bags and clean up their things before departing the motorcoach. Some or all of the damage deposit may be kept if there is damage to the motorcoach or lots of trash for the driver to dispose of. The damage deposit is usually refunded within 2 weeks after the trip date.