DIRECT AIR PUBLIC CHARTER OPERATOR-PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT
I: GENERAL: This Operator-Participant Agreement (herein,
“Agreement”) sets forth the terms and conditions under which Southern Sky
Air & Tours, d.b.a. Direct Air (or “DA”) of 1600 Oak St, Suite B, Myrtle Beach,
South Carolina 29577, in return for payment of the amount indicated as the total charter price,
agrees to provide to each participant (the "Participant",
"Passenger", or “Customer”) participation in a charter flight (the
"Charter Flight") operated by or through Direct Air. The US
Department of Transportation requires all passengers to agree/accept/sign the
terms of the Operator Participant Agreement prior to departure.
II: RESPONSIBILITY: Direct Air, as the
principal, is responsible to the Participant for arranging and providing public
charter air transportation (charter flights). In the absence of negligence on
the part of Direct Air, neither Direct Air, nor its agents, servants,
employees, or your travel agent assumes responsibility for, and the Participant
agrees to release, relieve and hold harmless Direct Air from any claim, action,
cause of action, injury, losses or damages arising from: the actions or
omissions of third-party contractors supplying services; missed connections; missed
ground transportation or car rental expenses; lost or stolen items or baggage,
damage, delay of baggage or other property; costs or expenses arising out of
injury, accident or death; quarantine; disturbances; governmental restrictions
or regulations; inconveniences; loss of enjoyments; loss of pay;
disappointment; mechanical breakdown; airport closure; air traffic control
restrictions; government action; strike or lockouts; war, terrorism; weather,
acts of God, force majeure, or other factors or causes beyond our control.
III: RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENT: Charter Reservations may
be made directly by calling (877)-432-DIRECT or online at our website at www.visitdirectair.com (or, www.myrtlebeachdirectair.com). Full payment is due at
time of booking of the flight. Passengers have a right to a copy of this
Agreement prior to making payment. For bookings made by calling (877)-432-DIRECT or via
the Internet, Direct Air accepts American Express, MasterCard, and Visa.
Participants waive any chargeback rights associated with claims resulting from
factors that are not under the control or not the responsibility of Direct Air;
however, Participants may cancel the reservation prior to scheduled departure
to receive a courtesy credit for future travel on any Direct Air schedule or
charter services after payment of a non-negotiable $75.00 administrative fee
per person. All payments are payable and/or deposited to a charter escrow
account at Valley National Bank, 1455 Valley Road, 3rd Floor, Wayne,
New Jersey 07470, Direct Air’s depository bank. Your payments are protected
by a surety bond issued by Platte River Insurance Company of Wisconsin (the
“Securer”). Unless you file a claim with Direct Air, of if DA is unavailable,
with the Securer, within 60 days of completion of the charter (or, in the case
of cancellation, the intended date of your scheduled return Charter), the
Securer will be released from all liability to you under the security
agreement. If there is no return flight in your itinerary, completion means
the date or intended date of departure of the last flight in your itinerary.
All transactions between the Customer and Direct Air shall be solely in United
States Dollars; Direct Air is not responsible for any fluctuations in foreign
currency exchange rates.
IV: CHARTER PRICE: Air Only - The quoted charter price
includes charter air transportation for the Charter Flight booked with DA’s web
site or its toll-free Reservations Department. Airfares do not require an
advance purchase or a Saturday night stay. Fares are one way and do include
7.5% Federal Excise Tax. Airfares do not include September 11th Security Fees of $2.50 per person per enplanement, Federal Flight Segment Taxes
of $3.50 per person per flight segment, Passenger Facility Charges (PFC) of up
to $4.50 per person per enplanement, and a Convenience Fee of $10.00 per person
each way. Bookings made at a Direct Air ticket counter location will not be
assessed the Convenience fee. Reservations made by calling (877) 432-DIRECT
will cost an additional $10.00 per person each way, reflecting the Convenience
Fee, plus call center fee of $2.00 per person each way. Advance coach seat
selection prior to departure requires a $5.00 service charge per person per
emplanement. Fares subject to availability at the time of booking, and are
subject to change.
Package Prices - Vacation packages include the
7.5% Federal Excise Tax and all applicable hotel taxes, but do not include
September 11 Security Fees, Federal Flight Segment Fees, Passenger Facility Charges,
Convenience Fees and Reservations Department fees as described above, rental
car option fees and applicable taxes, airport drop-off fees and golf cart
rental fees.
The Passenger is responsible for all
incidental expenses during the Charter Flight. One child under the age of 24
months at the time of travel (Lap Child) may occupy the same seat as a ticketed
adult passenger for a fee of $25.00 each way. A birth certificate shall be
required upon check in as proof of age of the Lap Child. Direct Air accepts one
infant per paying passenger on each Charter Flight. Except for major changes as
described below, no refund will be made for services included in the Charter
Flight price which are not used. Standard Baggage Service Fees,
excess/overweight baggage fees, seat selection fees, unaccompanied minor fees,
and change fees are not included in the Charter Flight price. Please contact
Direct Air for these charges and to arrange such services.
V: CANCELLATIONS, CHANGES OF DATES AND REFUNDS: The price
of tickets for Charter Flights is non refundable. Reservations may be changed
or cancelled prior to departure to receive courtesy credit towards a future
Charter Flight, subject to availability, for a fee of $75.00 per Passenger.
Cancellations prior to departure result in a courtesy flight credit which may
be used for travel on Charter Flights up to 365 days from date of original
travel, in the amount of the Charter Flight price, less the applicable
cancellation fee. Participants who notify Direct Air in advance of departure
may cancel their reservations and receive a voucher credit toward future
flights after payment of a non-negotiable $75.00 change fee per passenger.
Participants who do not notify Direct Air in advance of their flight forfeit
their right to a refund or flight credit for future travel. Voucher credits
issued for future charters have no actual cash value. The right to a refund
of a Charter Flight, if changed, is limited but includes the following rights: a)
Participants who pay by a credit card may receive a full refund until a
operator-participant contract is signed. b) Participants may receive a full
refund, less a $25 administrative fee, upon providing a substitute Participant
to Direct Air, or upon DA finding a substitute for you. Direct Air reserves the
right to accept or decline a Passenger as a Participant of a Charter Flight or
to change or withdraw a Charter Flight, subject to the provisions in this
Agreement regarding major changes or cancellations by the operator. Refunds
will be made within 14 days after cancellation or substitution. This applies
to Direct Air giving refunds within 14 days if DA cancels.
VI: BAGGAGE: Direct Air will transport a maximum of three
(3) bags for each ticketed passenger (two checked bags and one carry-on): up
to two (2) bags may be checked, with a total combined weight of both checked
items not to exceed 63 pounds; dimensions of checked items are not to exceed 62
inches in overall length, width and height. 2) One (1) carry on bag not to
exceed overall dimensions of 42 inches (17” long by 15” height by 10” width),
plus a personal item such as a purse, laptop, backpack, diaper bag or camera
case. Effective October 22, 2008, a nonrefundable Standard Baggage
Service Charge for checked baggage shall apply for all checked baggage, defined
as follows: all checked items declared in advance of departure either online or
by calling our Reservations Department no later than 2 hours prior to departure
will be assessed a Standard Baggage Service Charge of $20.00 per checked item
each way. Checked bags declared at the ticket counter upon check-in will be
assessed a Standard Baggage Service Charge of $25.00 per checked item each way. Overweight baggage shall
be assessed the following charges in addition to the Standard Baggage Service
Charge (payable at the ticket counter upon check-in): $25 for two checked
items weighing up to 70 lbs combined, $50 for two checked items weighing
between 71 and 99 lbs combined, $100 for two checked items weighing between
100-150 lbs combined. Oversized items shall be assessed a fee of $50.00 per
item, in addition to the Standard Baggage Service Charge. Additional items
presented for check-in beyond the two-item limit shall be accepted solely at
the discretion of station management, and are not guaranteed to be transported.
An Excess Baggage fee of $100.00 per item shall apply to any item presented
beyond the two-item per-person limit. All baggage fees are nonrefundable.
Carry-on bags will be accepted without fee provided that such baggage may be
safely stowed either in the overhead bin or under the seat directly in front of
the ticketed passenger. DA reserves the right to require an item to be stowed
in the checked luggage compartment, subject to Standard Baggage Service Fees and
Overweight/Overlimit Fees if it cannot be safely stowed in the overhead bin or
under the seat directly in front of the ticketed passenger. Special items
such as surfboards and bicycles are not included with customers’ free baggage
allowance and are subject to an extra charge of $50.00 per item. DA shall
accept one golf bag per ticketed passenger; golf clubs, car seats and strollers
shall count towards the ticketed passenger’s allotment of two checked items.
Car seats and strollers shall be accepted as checked luggage at the gate, if
necessary, upon being tagged as a “Paid” item by DA personnel. If a “Paid” tag
is not attached said items shall not be accepted for carriage as checked
luggage. Standard Baggage Service Charges will apply to golf bags, strollers
and car seats; Overweight/Excess Baggage Fees may also apply. It is recommended that golf equipment be stored in a
hard-sided case for added protection. All bags must have a cover that
prevents spillage of contents. Excess baggage will be accepted on a space available basis
only, as determined by Direct Air in its sole determination. All bags must have
outside identification. Small dogs or cats may be accepted on a space-available
basis in an FAA-approved carrier that must fit and be stowed under the seat
directly in front of the passenger as a ticketed Passenger’s carry-on luggage
for a service fee of $50.00 per pet per flight segment. In accordance with
Federal Regulations, air carrier liability for lost, stolen, pilfered, or
damaged bags in the carriage of passenger baggage is limited to provable damage
not exceeding $3,000 (provided the Passenger provides Direct Air with the
baggage service report and suitable evidence of the value of the bag and it
contents). DA personnel reserves the right to refuse carriage/transport of any
item presented for checked luggage. Under no circumstances shall Direct Air
accept items for carriage that do not accompany a ticketed passenger.
VII: LIABILITY: Direct Air assumes NO
LIABILITY for any items left by a passenger in the passenger compartment of the aircraft.
Direct Air is not liable under any circumstances for loss or damage to money,
jewelry, collector’s items, silverware, furs, negotiable papers or securities,
business documents, eyeglasses, cameras, electronic or computer equipment,
photographic equipment, medications, damage to inadequately packaged/overstuffed checked
items, and loss or damage of any items packed in such containers or bags; all
electronic hardware, software and peripherals; cosmetics, toiletries and
personal hygiene products; medications and medical equipment in checked luggage (please note that Direct Air assumes NO LIABILITY for medical
complications and expenses due to medications and medical equipment being
unavailable as a result of being checked while in-flight, or as a result of
unavailability of medications, medical equipment and prescriptions packed in checked luggage due to delay, loss of
or damage to such checked luggage), commercial effects, one-of-a-kind items, works
of art, artistic items and statuary, glass items and containers, musical
instruments, paper materials, perishables, precision items, recreational and
sporting goods (including golf clubs, bags and equipment), toys, infant seats
and strollers or other similar valuable items included in a Customer’s checked
or unchecked baggage with or without knowledge of the carrier. Direct Air is
not responsible for damage that does not impair the ability of such luggage to
protect the contents inside, and specifically is not liable for superficial
damage to luggage arising from normal wear and tear of ordinary handling,
including scratches, scuffs, puncture, stains and marks. When Direct Air has
exercised its ordinary standard of care, it shall not be liable for spoilage
resulting from delay in delivery of perishables, or for damage to or caused by
fragile items, liquids or perishables which are unsuitably packed, and which
are included in a passenger’s checked baggage with or without Direct Air’s
knowledge. Direct Air assumes no liability for damage to luggage protrusions
(including wheels, zippers and zipper pull tabs, handles, straps, feet, hanger
hooks, locks, flaps, pockets, pouches and items secured to such luggage by
means of straps, cords, tape and other external means). Direct Air assumes no
responsibility for property damage or loss resulting from passenger security
screening or loss incurred in passenger waiting areas or concourses, or for
property not checked solely into Direct Air’s custody. Direct Air Air assumes
no liability for damage to locks or luggage, or loss of or damage to contents
as a result of search by the TSA or any other government or law enforcement
agency. Direct Air Air shall assume no liability for damage to checked luggage
not designed to withstand the customary rigors of air travel. All claims are
subject to proof of value, loss and are subject to depreciation. Any baggage
problems and/or claims in the case of lost, stolen, damaged or delayed baggage
must be reported to a Direct Air airport representative, and written proof of
claim must be filed with said representative prior to leaving the airport
terminal on the date of arrival, or are to be waived by the passenger.
VIII: CHECK-IN: Check-in is available two
(2) hours prior to flight time. All Passengers must check-in no less than one
hour prior to the scheduled departure time of a Charter Flight. Passengers must
be at the boarding gate in possession of boarding passes no later than 30
minutes prior to departure. Direct Air reserves the right to resell any seat or
deny boarding to any passenger not checked in 30 minutes prior to departure,
and the Passenger will have no claim against Direct Air for such canceled
reservation. Participants will not receive refunds for missed flights or connections.
All passengers 18 years of age or older must have valid government issued photo
identification, such as a driver’s license, state non-operator’s ID,
active-duty military ID or passport. Any Passenger that exhibits disruptive
behavior will not be allowed to board, or will be removed from the aircraft.
Open seating will apply to all passengers who have not opted for pre-departure
seat selection upgrades in either the First-Class or Coach cabins.
IX: AIR TRANSPORTATION: Direct Air flights are Public
Charters operated by Virgin America Airways and USA Jet. Virgin America
flights are operated on Airbus A319 jet aircraft with a maximum seating
capacity of 122 coach seats, and Airbus A320 jet aircraft with a maximum
capacity of 141 coach seats and 8 First Class seats. USA Jet flights are
operated on McDonnell Douglas DC-9 jet aircraft with a capacity of 105 coach
seats. Direct Air reserves the right to substitute scheduled air service when
necessary at no additional cost and at comparable times, and does not guarantee
aircraft type or capacity. Direct Air will make every diligent and reasonable
effort to notify all Participants in the event of a schedule change. No
refunds or compensation will be given for changes in aircraft type, or for
substitution of service to a scheduled air carrier.
X: MAJOR CHANGES: If Direct Air makes major
changes prior to departure, the Participant shall have the right to cancel the
reservation on the Charter Flight and receive a full refund. The following are
major changes: (1) a change in the origin or destination city of a Charter
Flight, unless the change is only the order in which cities the cities are
flown; (2) a change in the departure or return date of a Charter Flight
experienced by Direct Air of greater than 48 hours; or (3) a Charter Flight
price increase of more than 10% occurring ten or more days before departure of
the Charter Flight. In no event may Direct Air change the Charter Flight price
less than ten days prior to departure of the Charter Flight. If a major change
must be made in a Charter Flight, Direct Air will exercise all reasonable
commercial diligence to notify the Passenger within seven days after first of
such major change, but in any event at least ten days before schedule departure
of the Charter Flight. If a major change occurs less then ten days before the
scheduled departure of a Charter Flight, Direct Air will notify the Passenger
as soon as possible. Within seven days after receiving notification of a
major change, but in no event later than departure, the Passenger may cancel
such Passenger's reservation with Direct Air and will receive a full refund
within 14 days after such cancellation. When a major change occurs after
departure of the Charter Flight which the Passenger is unwilling to accept,
Direct Air will refund to the Passenger, within 14 days after the scheduled
return date of the Charter Flight, that portion of the price for such Charter
Flight that applies to the services not accepted. Direct Air has no right to cancel a
Charter Flight less than 10 days before the scheduled departure date, except
for circumstances that make it physically impossible to perform the Charter
Flight or causes beyond its control. If Direct Air must cancel the Charter Flight ten
or more days before departure, Direct Air will notify the Passenger in writing
within seven days of cancellation, but in any event at least 10 days before the
scheduled departure date of the Charter Flight. If Direct Air must cancel the
charter less than ten days before the scheduled departure (i.e. for
circumstances that make it physically impossible to perform the charter trip or
for causes beyond its control), Direct Air shall notify the Passenger as soon
as possible and a refund will be made to the participant within fourteen days
of such notification. If a Charter flight is cancelled and alternative travel
dates are offered and subsequently accepted by the Passenger, Direct Air will
re-accommodate that passenger on a future available Direct Air flight.
XI: CUSTOMER SERVICE: Direct Air is committed to
providing the best possible customer service. In the rare event that you have
cause for dissatisfaction during your flight, we encourage you to write to us
at customerservice@myrtlebeachdirectair.com,
or you may call us toll-free at (877) 432-DIRECT to discuss this problem with
us.
XII: MISCELLANEOUS: The rights and remedies made
available under this Agreement are in addition to any of the rights and remedies
available under South Carolina law. The acceptance by a Participant of a refund,
or alternative travel arrangements, as provided in this Agreement shall
constitute a full and final settlement and release of all other claims or
remedies against Direct Air. By executing this Agreement, the Participant
specifically acknowledges and consents to all conditions set forth herein. This
Agreement contains the entire agreement between the parties and completely
supersedes any prior agreements or representations of Direct Air, verbal or in
writing. This Agreement can be amended only in writing in a document signed by
both parties. Any oral representation or modifications shall have no force or
effect. South Carolina law shall govern this Agreement. Except for baggage claims as
outlined above, any claim against Direct Air must be presented in writing
within sixty days of the date of the return flight of a Charter Flight, and
Direct Air shall have no obligations or liabilities for any claims presented
after said sixty-day period.
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