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I: GENERAL:
This Operator-Participant Agreement (herein, “Agreement”) sets
forth the terms and conditions under which Southern Sky Air &
Tours, d.b.a. Myrtle Beach Direct Air & Tours (or “Myrtle
Beach Direct”, or “MBD”) 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 Myrtle Beach Direct. The US
Department of Transportation requires all passengers to
agree/accept/sign the terms of the Operator Participant
Agreement prior to departure.
II: RESPONSIBILITY:
Myrtle Beach
Direct, as the principal, is responsible to the Participant for
arranging and providing public charter air transportation
(charter flights). Neither Myrtle Beach Direct, nor its agents,
servants, employees, or your travel agent assumes responsibility
for, and the Participant agrees to release, relieve and hold
harmless Myrtle Beach Direct 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 (3473) or
online at our website at 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 (3473)
or via the Internet, Myrtle Beach Direct 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 Myrtle Beach
Direct; however, Participants may cancel the reservation prior
to scheduled departure to receive a courtesy credit for future
travel on any Myrtle Beach Direct 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, 1040 Avenue of the Americas,
New York, New York 10018, Myrtle Beach Direct’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 Myrtle Beach Direct, of if MBD 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 Myrtle Beach Direct
Air shall be solely in United States Dollars; Myrtle Beach
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 Myrtle Beach Direct’s web
site or its toll-free Reservations Department. Airfares do not
require an advance purchase or a Saturday night stay. Fares do
include 7.5% Federal Excise Tax. Fares do not include Federal
Flight Segment Fees of $3.40 per person per flight segment,
Passenger Facility Charges (PFC) of up to $4.50 per person per
flight segment at applicable airports, Security Charges and
September 11th Security Fees of $2.50 per person per flight
segment. A flight segment is defined as one take-off and one
landing. Advance coach seat selection requires a Service Charge
of $5.00 per person per flight segment. Bookings made online at
www.myrtlebeachdirectair.com
will be assessed an Administration Fee of $4 per person each
way. All bookings made by calling the MBD Reservations Center
at 877-432 DIRECT (3473) will be assessed the Administration Fee
of $4 per person each way, and a $5 Reservations Department
service fee per person each way.
Package Prices - Vacation packages do include the 7.5%
Federal Excise Tax and all applicable hotel taxes, but do not
include September 11 Security Fees, Federal Flight Segment Fees,
and Passenger Facility Charges 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. Myrtle Beach Direct 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. Excess baggage,
unaccompanied minor fees, and change fees are not included in
the Charter Flight price. Please contact Myrtle Beach Direct 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 Myrtle Beach Direct 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 Myrtle Beach
Direct 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 if 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 Myrtle Beach Direct, or
upon MBD finding a substitute for you. Myrtle Beach Direct
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 Myrtle Beach Direct giving refunds
within 14 days if MBD cancels.
VI: BAGGAGE:
Myrtle Beach Direct 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. 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 $5.00 per
checked item each way. Checked bags declared at the ticket
counter upon check-in will be assessed a Standard Baggage
Service Charge of $10.00 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 between 64 and 75 lbs combined, $50 for two checked items
weighing between 76 and 99 lbs combined, $100 for two checked
items weighing between 100 and 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. MBD reserves the right to
require an item to be stowed in the checked luggage compartment,
subject to Standard Baggage Service Fees and Overweight/Over
limit 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. MBD 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 MBD 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
Myrtle Beach Direct 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. Liability for
lost, stolen, pilfered, or damaged bags is limited to $2,800 per
Warsaw Convention (provided the Passenger provides Myrtle Beach
Direct with the baggage service report and suitable evidence of
the value of the bag and it contents). MBD personnel reserves
the right to refuse carriage/transport of any item presented for
checked luggage. Under no circumstances shall Myrtle Beach
Direct accept items for carriage that do not accompany a
ticketed passenger.
VII: LIABILITY:
Myrtle Beach Direct assumes NO LIABILITY
for any items left by a passenger in the passenger compartment
of the aircraft. Myrtle Beach Direct 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
Myrtle Beach Direct 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. Myrtle Beach
Direct 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
Myrtle Beach Direct 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 Myrtle Beach Direct’s knowledge. Myrtle Beach Direct
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). Myrtle Beach Direct 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 Myrtle Beach Direct’s custody. Myrtle Beach Direct 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. Myrtle Beach Direct
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
Myrtle Beach Direct 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.
Myrtle Beach Direct 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
Myrtle Beach Direct 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: Myrtle Beach Direct flights are Public
Charters operated by Xtra Airways. Flights are operated on
Boeing 737-400 series jet aircraft with a maximum capacity of
150 seats. Aircraft is configured with 138 Coach seats and 12
First Class seats. Myrtle Beach Direct 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. Myrtle Beach Direct 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 Myrtle Beach Direct 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
unless the change results from a flight delay experienced by
Myrtle Beach Direct 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
Myrtle Beach Direct 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, Myrtle Beach Direct
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, Myrtle Beach
Direct 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 Myrtle Beach Direct 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, Myrtle Beach Direct
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.
Myrtle Beach Direct 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 Myrtle Beach
Direct must cancel the Charter Flight ten or more days before
departure, Myrtle Beach Direct 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 Myrtle Beach Direct 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), Myrtle Beach Direct 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, Myrtle Beach Direct will re-accommodate that
passenger on a future available Myrtle Beach Direct flight.
XI: CUSTOMER
SERVICE:
Myrtle Beach
Direct is committed to providing the best possible customer
service. In the rare event that you have cause for
dissatisfaction during your flight, please do not hesitate to
call us toll-free at (877) 432-DIRECT (3473) 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 Myrtle Beach
Direct. 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 Myrtle Beach Direct, 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 Myrtle Beach Direct must be
presented in writing within sixty days of the date of the return
flight of a Charter Flight, and Myrtle Beach Direct shall have
no obligations or liabilities for any claims presented after
said sixty-day period.
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