General Charter Info
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO RESERVE A PRIVATE CHARTER?
The cost varies and is entirely dependent on your itinerary. Cost is primarily influenced by distance traveled, how many hours you need the charter, and the vehicle size. Charter staff will be able to provide you with the most accurate quote as possible.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE CHARTER PRICE?
The price includes the vehicle and driver for your charter. All other fees (i.e. ferry fees, parking fees, driver’s lodging, entrance fees) are the responsibility of the group. Also, gratuity for the driver is not included in the price and left to your discretion.
HOW LONG ARE THE TRIPS?
Private charters can be as long or as short as you like. A local wine or farm tour could be a short as 4 hours. But, a sporting event or city tour could be 8 to 10 hours. Some charters have been a full week and longer.
Booking a Charter
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DO I NEED TO BOOK?
You are always encouraged to book as early as possible as charters are based on a first come, first serve basis. Once you have a signed contract on file, your charter will be officially reserved. If you need a charter at the last minute, we will do everything possible to accommodate your charter needs.
HOW DO I OFFICIALLY RESERVE A PRIVATE CHARTER?
To officially reserve a private charter, request a contract. Review, sign and return a signed contract. Only when a signed contract is on file in the Bellair Charter office, will your charter be officially reserved.
WHEN IS PAYMENT DUE?
Payment in full is due a minimum of 72 hours in advance. If payment in full has not been received in the charter office before the departure of the trip, the bus and driver will be unable to perform the service.
WHAT PAYMENT IS ACCEPTED?
We accept cash, check and credit cards (i.e. Mastercard, Visa and American Express). Purchase orders are also accepted and the purchase order needs to be on file a minimum of 72 hours prior to the departure of the charter.
CAN I MAKE CHANGES TO MY ITINERARY ONCE I’VE RETURNED A SIGNED CONTRACT?
Absolutely! We want to make sure your custom charter is designed to fit your needs and understand changes happen. Charter staff will make accommodations if they are able to. Changes to an itinerary may result in additional charges, which you will be made aware of at the time of the requested change.
DO I NEED TO RE-SIGN THE CONTRACT IF CHANGES ARE NEEDED AFTER RETURNING IT?
No. Changes, often up until the day of the charter, are normal. The original signed contract is sufficient. If you or organization wants an updated contract, one will be provided for you on request.
WHAT IS THE CANCELATION POLICY?
The cancelation policy varies between charter offices. Both are straightforward and simple. Please ask the charter agent assisting you for the exact terms.
Vehicle Information
WHAT SIZED BUSES VEHICLES ARE AVAILABLE?
Bellair Charters has a variety of vehicles to accommodate any group size. From 56 and 47 passenger luxury motorcoaches as well as 17 to 20 passenger mini buses and 9 passenger vans, charter staff will help you find the right fit for your group. Click here to learn more about our fleet.
ARE THERE RESTROOMS AVAILABLE ON THE VEHICLES?
All 56 and 47 passenger luxury motorcoaches are equipped with restroom facilities. Mini-buses and vans do not have bathrooms available and will require rest breaks on longer charters.
ARE THERE AUDIO / VISUAL SYSTEMS AVAILABLE?
Audio / Visual systems are available on request. Most motorcoaches and
mini-buses are equipped with A/V systems, but vans are not.
ARE VEHICLES ADA-ACCESSIBLE?
Wheelchair equipped luxury motorcoaches and mini buses are available. Please request at time of booking. A minimum of 48 hours is requested for use of an ADA vehicle.
Driver/Safety Information
WHAT KIND OF TRAINING DO BELLAIR DRIVERS HAVE?
Bellair Charter drivers must pass Washington State Department of Licensing written and road tests before they begin training. All drivers are trained in vehicle and traffic safety, and emergency response procedures by our dedicated full time driver trainer. They continually undergo safety courses as a part of their ongoing training. The Federal Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Department of Defense rate Bellair Charters fully compliant with all safety and maintenance regulations.
HOW MANY HOURS CAN DRIVERS BE ON THE ROAD?
Safety is the number one priority for Bellair Charters. Our drivers must comply with all federal, state and local regulations. Drivers are limited to 15 consecutive hours on duty in any one-day (this includes the time needed for required pre and post trip) Of these 15 hours, a maximum of 10 hours may be actual driving. At the end of the day, or after 15 hours, driver must have a minimum 9 consecutive hours off duty. If the itinerary does not meet these regulations, it may need to be adjusted or a second driver assigned and the final cost of the trip adjusted. Hours of service in Canada allow a driver to be on duty for 15 hours – 14 hours of that driving – in a 24 hour period.
ARE DRIVERS EQUIPPED WITH A RADIO OR CELL PHONE?
All drivers are equipped with a radio/cell phone to stay in regular contact with our dispatch team. Dispatch is always prepared to handle an emergency situation. The dispatch center is manned 24 hours a day. Mechanics are on call around the clock and a complete network of support services are prepared to get a vehicle back on the road as quickly as possible.
WHERE CAN MY GROUP BE PICKED-UP?
Vehicles can load your guests anywhere there is enough room to safely load the bus. Coaches are 40-45 feet long and require lots of room to enter and exit. A large parking lot is idea for loading. If you are using someone’s lot (i.e. Fred Meyers) please arrange permission with the manager to use the lot and park cars there during the duration of the trip to avoid vehicles from being towed.
CAN WE SERVE ALCOHOL TO OUR GUESTS ON THE VEHICLE?
If you did not sell tickets for participation in the charter and it is a private charter (not advertised to the public) you are eligible for a banquet permit. Please purchase the permit at http://liq.wa.gov and present a copy of it to the driver before departure. For safety reasons, glass containers are not allowed on board. Bellair charters reserves the right to refuse transportation to any person that displays aggressive behavior. Each vehicle must have 2 “designated drivers” that do not drink – with one sitting in the back and one sitting in the front monitoring and controlling the group so the driver can drive undistracted. Groups are responsible for any damage or extra cleaning fees.
Day of Charter Info
HOW DO I GET IN CONTACT WITH MY DRIVER DURING A CHARTER OR AFTER HOURS?
Please call (360) 543-9380. The dispatch team will help you connect with your driver as needed.
WHEN MEETING A CHARTER ON ARRIVAL AT SEA-TAC AIRPORT, WHERE DO CHARTER GROUPS MEET VEHICLE?
The charter group pick-up location at Sea-Tac Airport is at the northeast Ground Transportation Lot (NE GT), accessible via the walkway from the 1st floor of the parking garage.
From Baggage Carousel 14, take the escalator up one level and walk across the Skybridge (Skybridge #5) to the parking garage. In the parking garage, take the elevator (Orange) down to Level 1. Exit the elevator and take the walkway to the NE GT Lot, where your charter driver will meet you. Please note that the walk from the elevator to the charter pick-up area is a 2 to 3 minute walk. Once there, please wait in the covered waiting area.
For more information please view the Sea-Tac Airport Charter Pick-Up video below: