2. MOTORCOACH SHOPPER'S CHECKLIST:

Inspection of Vehicles

• The consumer should be provided an opportunity to conduct an inspection of available vehicles to determine vehicle and equipment preferences and review vehicle cleanliness.

• Vehicle Preferences

  • Do you desire newer vehicles or (often) less expensive older vehicles?
  • Do you desire a motorcoach equipped with video or audio playback capabilities?
  • Do you need a vehicle with disabled passenger boarding assistance devices?

  Price and Package Costs

  • Determine how the trip price is determined? (Hourly costs, mileage, complete package?)
  • Ask if special rates or discounts are available for off-season, weekend or other packages?
  • Ask about driver accommodations and costs. Are they included in a package price or are they the travel group's responsibility to arrange?
  • Ask about driver gratuity policies? Are they included in the price of the coach?
  • Ask if an additional driver will be needed for itineraries which extend daily service beyond the legal USDOT hours of service rules.
  • What is the contract deposit policy? How much is expected at the time of the reservation.
  • What is the refund/cancellation policy?
  • When is final payment due?
  • If your group wishes to view commercial video tapes or movies, ask the motorcoach operator who is responsible for meeting copyright law requirements.
  • Ask about smoking, alcoholic beverage and carry-on food policies of the motorcoach company.
  • Ask if the operator is aware of any costs normally incurred by consumers which are NOT part of his package price (destination charges, city taxes, permits, etc.)

  Read Part III: Determine Your Travel Group's Needs