Booking a party bus for your celebration is an exciting way to keep the festivities going as you travel.
Whether it’s for a birthday, bachelor/bachelorette party, or just a night out with friends, Fly-Rides offers a unique mobile party experience. However, to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time, it’s crucial to follow some important rules and guidelines.
Below is a comprehensive guide to what you need to know before boarding a Fly-Rides party bus.
1. Respect the Driver
Your driver is not just your chauffeur for the night; they are responsible for your safety and ensuring that everyone on board adheres to the rules. It’s important to treat them with respect and follow any instructions they provide.
The driver also has the authority to remove any disruptive passengers at their discretion for the safety of everyone on board and other travelers on the road. If you’re removed from the bus, you’ll be responsible for any additional transportation costs.
2. Know the Alcohol Policy
One of the main attractions of a party bus is the ability to drink while you travel. However, it’s essential to understand the bus company’s alcohol policy before you start pouring drinks.
While Fly-Rides allows alcohol for passengers of legal drinking age, there are still some restrictions that might apply, such as the prohibition of glass bottles. Broken glass can pose significant safety hazards and can result in a hefty fee. So be sure to bring drinks in cans or plastic containers to avoid any issues.
3. No Smoking
Lots of companies, including Fly-Rides, maintain a strict no-smoking policy on all of their buses. This includes cigarettes, cigars, and any other smoking devices.
Smoking is not only a health hazard but can also damage the interior of the bus.
If you or someone in your group needs to smoke, ask the driver to stop so you can do so outside the bus. And keep in mind reefer is illegal in lots of states (which would include inside of a party bus).
4. No hanging from the inside the bus like a baboon
Some larger buses, like the type used by Fly-Rides, have ropes lining the ceiling. These are not meant for you to use them for your personal jungle gym. So while the party atmosphere on the bus can get lively, try to remember to avoid hanging from the ropes or any other fixtures inside the bus. It’s just not a good idea.
5. You can move around, but at your own risk
If you choose to move around the bus while it’s in motion, you do so at your own risk.
Although party buses are designed for fun, the laws of physics still apply. These buses are moving vehicles, and sudden stops or turns can occur. It’s safest to remain seated or hold onto a secure fixture while the bus is in motion.
6. Avoid Overcrowding (or sneaking people on)
Party buses come in different sizes, with varying passenger limits. It’s really a good idea to adhere to the capacity restrictions set by the bus company. Overcrowding can not only make the ride uncomfortable but also can pose safety hazards.
Sneaking people on is also a bad idea. For one, it’s not right to cheat small businesses, which you’d likely be doing.
But imagine if a bad accident occurred and you had a handful of people unaccounted for! First responders might miss them. Make sure you know the maximum number of passengers allowed and plan your guest list accordingly.
7. No Confetti or Glitter
Let’s be honest, confetti and glitter are the worst. As festive as they can be for holidays like New Year’s Eve, they create significant cleanup challenges. Best to avoid them.
8. Be Mindful of the Music
Music is a key part of any party atmosphere, and most party buses come equipped with high-quality sound systems. You’ll probably be cranking up the music when driving down places like Sixth Street, the French Quarter, and other party meccas.
However, it’s important to be mindful of the volume in other contexts (like when the bus is driving through residential areas). Also, if you’re on a corporate trip where things aren’t so party-oriented, you might want to keep the music at a reasonable level to avoid disturbing others. Remember: the driver has the final say on the volume.
9. Keep the Bus Clean
While it’s tempting to go all out and let loose, it’s important to remember that a party bus is still a rental. Keeping the bus clean and tidy is a sign of respect for the company providing the service. Avoid making a mess with food, drinks, or confetti, and try to pick up after yourself and your friends.
Any damage to the bus or additional cleaning could result in charges to the card on file!
10. No Use of Illegal Substances or Weapons
Most companies like Fly-Rides have a zero-tolerance policy for illegal substances and weapons on their buses. Violators will be immediately removed from the bus without a refund and may be subject to Texas law. This is to ensure the safety of everyone on board.
The bus driver often has the right to inspect any cargo entering the bus, and failure to comply can result in immediate cancellation of your reservation without a refund – or worse, criminal charges.
11. Follow Local Laws
Some people mistakenly believe that once they step onto a party bus, they’ve entered a zone where normal laws don’t apply—a sort of “lawless land” where anything goes. However, this is far from the truth.
While the atmosphere on a party bus is designed to be fun and carefree, all local, state, and federal laws still apply, and it’s crucial to respect them just as you would in any other setting. Underage drinking can still be enforced, as can many other laws.
12. Route flexibility may (or may not) be possible
One of the perks of renting a party bus is the ability to fully customize your route.
Whether you’re bar hopping, heading to a concert, or just cruising around the city, it’s important to plan your route in advance. Share the itinerary with the driver and ensure that all stops are approved by the bus company.
The driver might be able to be flexible with you but it all just depends on the situation. It’s best to immediately communicate with the party-bus company if something comes up. This will help prevent any confusion and ensure a smooth ride.
13. Age Restrictions and Identification
Some party bus companies require all riders to be over the age of 18 but they might make an exception if they have express permission from their parent or guardian.
If the driver is uncomfortable continuing due to the behavior or age of passengers, they may cancel the reservation without refund. So if you’re a baby-faced young adult, maybe carry an ID with you. Or grow a beard.
14. Use of Likeness is probably allowed
By boarding some party buses, you consent to allow your likeness to be used for promotional purposes.
This would typically include photographs, videos, audio, or any other form of recording that may be used to promote the company, including on social media. This is a standard practice in many service industries,
Most companies don’t want to embarrass their customers so they wouldn’t likely post an obviously embarrassing photo of you. However, it’s probably worth keeping this in mind in case you plan on getting a little crazy.
15. Tip the Driver
Ok, so this isn’t really a rule. But it’s a good thing to do. That’s because tipping is a standard practice in the service industry, and party bus drivers are no exception.
A standard tip is usually around 15-20% of the total cost of the rental, but this can vary depending on the level of service provided.
If the driver went above and beyond to make your night special, consider leaving a generous tip to show your appreciation.
16. Keep Personal Items Secure
Do not leave any personal items on the bus unattended. Companies are typically not responsible for any lost, damaged, or stolen items during the ride or items left on the bus. You are responsible for all your belongings, so keep them with you at all times or secure them safely.
17. Stay Safe
While the goal is to have fun, safety should always be the top priority.
If someone in your group starts to feel unwell, let the driver know immediately so they can take appropriate action. It’s also a good idea to have a designated sober person in the group who can help keep things under control.
18. Respect the Time Limit
Most party bus rentals are based on a specific time frame, so it’s important to keep track of the clock. If you want to extend your rental, make sure to discuss this with the bus company in advance. Depending on availability, they may or may not be able to accommodate your request.
However, be prepared to pay extra for any additional time beyond the original agreement.
19. Unforeseen Circumstances
Party bus companies usually have disclaimers that they are not responsible for any delays, accidents, or other unexpected events that may occur during your rental period, including vehicle breakdowns, severe weather, traffic delays, or acts of God.
This also includes impacts from governmental actions related to epidemics, pandemics, or public health emergencies. Additionally, clients are responsible for providing a safe loading and unloading area. If the loading zone or route is deemed unsafe, the driver has the sole discretion to change the route or loading/unloading zones.
Conclusion
Riding a Fly-Rides party bus is a fantastic way to elevate your celebration, but it comes with the responsibility of following the rules laid out for your safety and enjoyment.
By adhering to these guidelines, you ensure that everyone in your group has a memorable, safe, and fun experience.
Whether it’s respecting the driver, following the no-smoking and no-glass-bottle policies, or simply taking care of your personal belongings, these rules are designed to keep the party going smoothly. So, plan your night, gather your friends, and get ready for an unforgettable ride with Fly-Rides!