Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Bellair Charters

How much does it cost to go on a Group Getaway?
How long are the trips?
Where can we go?
Can Bellair Charters help me plan the trip?
What are some of the ways organizations use Group Getaways?
What size buses does Bellair Charters have?
Are there restrooms on board Bellair buses?
Are there DVD/VHS players on board?
Are Bellair buses equipped with wheelchair lifts?
What is Bellair Charters’ policy regarding alcohol?
How many hours can Bellair drivers be on the road?
Are Bellair drivers equipped with a radio or cell phone?
How do I contact Bellair after hours?
Where can I load a Bellair bus?
What kind of driver training program does Bellair have?
How far in advance do I need to book?
What is included in the price of a Group Getaway?
When is payment due?
What is Bellair Charters' cancellation policy?
Will Bellair help me put an itinerary together?
I have a CDL license, do you have any employment opportunities?



How much does it cost to go on a Group Getaway?
It can cost as little as $17 per person for a full day of transportation. It all depends on how many people you have, and where and what you're doing. A typical trip to Seattle from Bellingham runs about $20 per person for a full bus of passengers.

How long are the trips?
They can be as long or short as you like. If you choose a local wine or farm tour, that could take as little as 4 hours. But if you want to go to Seattle or Vancouver for a sporting event or city tour, that would be more like 8 - 10 hours. We've had groups that went on week-long trips and longer!

Where can we go?
From the tranquility of a llama farm to the exciting action of a Seattle Sounders or Seahawks game, there are countless exciting places to experience in our region. For a helpful list of ideas, download our Can Bellair Charters help me plan the trip?
That’s the most fun part for us! You give us two or three points of interest, and we’ll do the rest. Based on your schedule, we’ll create the perfect itinerary to match your needs and budget. If desired, we can also arrange places for you to dine and food and beverages for the trip.

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What are some of the ways organizations use Group Getaways?

• Reward your clients – Client retention is vital in today’s marketplace. Invite yours out for an afternoon picnic or a ball game. We can make this affordable, and your clients will be ever grateful.
• Employee appreciation outings - SURPRISE YOUR STAFF with an afternoon or all day outing. Changing your environment incites creativity, establishes an opportunity for bonding to take place, and shows them you care.
• Board Retreats – Are your board retreats boring? Don’t sit around the same old table doing the same old thing. Play a round of bocce ball. Sit on a big blanket under a tree in the middle of a field. Plan a scavenger hunt or a badminton match. Let your right brain do the talking.
• Away games for sports teams – Athletes need to rest and be with their teammates before a tournament or a big match. What better way to rally the spirit of a team then having them travel together and arrive rested and prepared to compete?
• Conferences - Why not travel with your peers when going to a conference or business meeting? Going as a group is a huge stress reliever – you don’t have to deal with traffic, park, or walk long distances to a conference site, your driver will drop you off at the door. There’s also opportunity for discussion, planning, or free time while you travel.
• Parking shuttle – Use us for transporting large or small groups when parking is an issue. Some examples are: Wedding Receptions, Grand Openings, Funerals, Sporting events, and Parties.

What size buses does Bellair Charters have?
Bellair Charters has a variety of buses to accommodate any size group.  We offer 9-passenger vans, 20-passenger mini buses,  and 36- to 56-passenger motorcoaches.  We will work with you to get the correct bus for your needs.  Click here to see pictures of our fleet.

Are there restrooms on board Bellair buses?
All Bellair motorcoaches are equipped with restrooms.  Bellair vans and mini buses are not equipped with restrooms.

Are there DVD/VHS players on board?
All Bellair motorcoaches have DVD and VHS players on board.

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Are Bellair buses equipped with wheelchair lifts?
Bellair has wheelchair-equipped mini buses and motorcoaches.  Request a wheelchair lift vehicle at the time of booking.

What is Bellair Charters’ policy regarding alcohol?
Bellair allows alcohol on board provided you have a banquet permit (one per bus).  These may be purchased at any Washington State liquor store.  Bellair drivers will not stop to purchase alcohol.  Groups will be responsible for any damage or extra cleaning fees.  Unruly passengers will not be allowed on the bus or if they become unruly in route, the driver will pull over to a safe location and they will be escorted off the bus.

How many hours can Bellair drivers be on the road?
The Department of Transportation (DOT) regulates the hours drivers are on the road.  This is for the safety of those on board and on the road.  Drivers may only be on duty 15 hours in one day.  Duty time is defined as from clock in to clock out, not from the time your group is picked up and dropped off.  Within these 15 hours, drivers are limited to driving for only 10 hours.  If your trip is longer, we can arrange for a second driver to finish your trip. 

On overnight trips, drivers need at least 8 consecutive hours off duty in a hotel room before beginning your journey the next day.

Canada’s hours of service allow a driver to be on duty for 16 hours (13 of that driving) in a 24 hour period.

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Are Bellair drivers equipped with a radio or cell phone?
All Bellair drivers are equipped with a radio/cell phone to stay in contact with our Dispatch. We are always prepared to handle an emergency situation.  We have a 24-hour dispatch center, 24-hour on-call mechanics and a complete network of support services that will get you back on the road as quickly as possible.

How do I contact Bellair after hours?
Bellair Charters 24 hours dispatch line (360-543-9380).

Where can I load a Bellair bus?
Bellair can load your group anywhere there is enough room to safely load the bus.  Keep in mind that our coaches are 40-45 feet long and need lots of room to enter and exit.  The best place is a large parking lot.  If you are using someone’s lot, you will need to arrange with the manager permission to use the lot and park cars there for the duration of the trip.

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What kind of driver training program does Bellair have?
Your safety is always a top priority with Bellair Charters. Bellair Charter drivers must pass state Department of Licensing written and road tests before they start the training process.  Bellair 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 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.  We employ a full-time Safety Director on staff.

How far in advance do I need to book?
Book as early as possible.   We don’t guarantee a bus until we have a signed contract.  If your trip is last minute, give us a call and we will do our best to get you a bus.

What is included in the price of a Group Getaway?
Bellair Charters' prices include the bus and driver for your trip.  All other fees such as gratuity, ferry fees, parking fees, entrance fees and driver’s lodging are the responsibility of the group.

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When is payment due?
Payment is due in full 72 hours in advance.  We accept purchase orders, credit cards (mastercard, visa and american express) and checks.  Purchase orders must be faxed to our office 72 hours in advance.

What is Bellair Charters' cancellation policy?
Trips must be canceled 10 days in advance, or the group will be charged an extra fee.

Will Bellair help me put an itinerary together?
Bellair will be glad to help you plan your trip. 

I have a CDL license, do you have any employment opportunities?
Bellair Charters is always looking for qualified drivers.  Contact our Human Resources Manager (360-543-9382) for more information.

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