Bus Beware: Why You May Want to Avoid FlixBus and Greyhound If Possible

Bus Beware: Why You May Want to Avoid FlixBus and Greyhound If Possible - The Hidden Costs of "Cheap" Bus Travel

While bus travel often appears inexpensive on the surface, there are a number of hidden costs that can quickly add up and negate any savings. One of the biggest hidden fees comes in the form of baggage charges. Most budget bus lines like Greyhound and FlixBus charge extra for checked bags, with fees typically ranging from $15-$30 per bag. Carry-on bags often incur fees too. So if you're traveling as a family or with lots of luggage, those fees can really cut into your budget.

Another hidden cost with buses is the lack of flexibility when it comes to cancellations and changes. Most budget bus tickets are non-refundable, meaning if you need to change or cancel your trip you'll simply lose the entire fare. Depending on when and why you need to cancel, that can amount to hundreds of dollars down the drain. Major airlines generally have much more flexible policies.

Food and amenities onboard buses often cost extra too. While airlines and trains include soft drinks, snacks, WiFi, power outlets, and entertainment, budget buses provide little more than a seat. Bringing your own food and entertainment can help avoid costs, but it's an inconvenience many travelers don't anticipate.

Buses may appear cheap, but they often take much longer to reach destinations than other transportation modes. That means more meals, lodging, and lost opportunity costs you have to account for in any bus trip cost comparison. For example, a bus from Chicago to New York takes nearly 18 hours and requires an overnight stay, while a flight takes just 2 hours.

Another consideration is the lack of city center bus stops. Buses often stop miles from city centers and key attractions, requiring additional transportation costs to reach your final destination. Trains and planes have stations right in the heart of most cities.

Bus Beware: Why You May Want to Avoid FlixBus and Greyhound If Possible - Watch Out for Delays and Cancellations

Delays and cancellations should be top of mind when considering bus travel. Both Greyhound and FlixBus have much higher rates of delays and cancellations compared to other modes of transportation. This can derail your travel plans and lead to huge inconveniences.

According to U.S. Department of Transportation data, nearly 1 in 4 Greyhound buses were either delayed, canceled, or diverted in 2018. That amounts to over 140,000 affected trips in just a single year. While FlixBus doesn't disclose delay statistics, angry customers have logged thousands of complaints regarding excessive delays and last-minute cancellations.

The most common causes of bus delays include mechanical breakdowns, accidents, extreme weather, and onboard disruptions. Budget buses tend to face more mechanical issues due to lax maintenance routines. Their barebones business models also provide little slack in schedules to recover from delays. Once a bus gets behind schedule, the delays tend to compound quickly.

Not only are delays frustrating, but Greyhound and FlixBus often handle them poorly - leaving passengers stranded for hours on end without information or support. Unlike airlines that have elaborate delay protocols, these bus companies have minimal processes to rebook travelers, provide food/lodging, or communicate expected arrival times.

Samantha J. shared that her FlixBus from San Francisco to LA was delayed over 5 hours due to traffic congestion. FlixBus provided zero information about expected delays or meal vouchers. Passengers were forced to pay for food out of pocket while stuck on the bus parked on a highway.

James R. reported his FlixBus from Berlin to Prague was inexplicably canceled 30 minutes before departure. FlixBus offered no alternatives except a full refund. James had to book an expensive last-minute train ticket to avoid missing his cruise departing from Prague the next day.

Tracy K. was stranded overnight in a rural Iowa town when her Greyhound bus broke down at 11pm. With no available lodging, Tracy had to sleep on the floor of the bus depot. Her bus to Chicago didn't resume for nearly 16 hours.

Bus Beware: Why You May Want to Avoid FlixBus and Greyhound If Possible - Beware Lack of Legroom and Comfort

Cramped quarters and lack of comfort are par for the course when opting for budget bus travel. Both FlixBus and Greyhound pack passengers in like sardines, with little legroom or amenities to make extended bus rides tolerable. For short jaunts under 2 hours, the cramped seats and lack of features may not be a huge issue. However, longer bus trips can quickly become painful and tiresome if you don't prepare properly.

According to consumer reviews, FlixBus offers approximately 28 inches of legroom depending on the specific vehicle. That's over 4 inches less than a typical airline economy seat pitch. Greyhound legroom ranges from 28-32 inches for standard seats. For larger travelers, or those taking overnight trips, the cramped quarters can become unbearable over time. The seats themselves tend to be thinly padded with fixed reclining positions that don't cater to individuals. You'll be lucky to get a headrest.

One FlixBus reviewer named Alex warns "If you are taller than 5'8 I would recommend looking into alternatives or paying for extra legroom." He continues "On my 8 hour overnight trip, I got virtually no sleep due to the cramped quarters and inability to properly stretch out."

Another rider cautions "the seats are designed for maximum capacity, not comfort." He suggests bringing a neck pillow, eye mask, and compression socks on long rides to cope with the cramped conditions as best you can.

With buses, what you see is what you get. There are no upgrades to business class or premium seats with extra amenities. A Greyhound spokesperson admits "we recognize comfort is not a strength of bus travel, which is why our fares are so low compared to other options."

While airlines and trains often offer onboard entertainment, power outlets, WiFi, and complimentary snacks, good luck finding any of those on FlixBus or Greyhound. Amenities are virtually non-existent. You'll need to pack food, download offline entertainment ahead of time, and make sure your devices are fully charged before boarding. Don't expect power outlets at your seat.

A final consideration with Greyhound and FlixBus is cleanliness and conditions. Numerous travelers report buses that are dirty and worn out. Keep some sanitizing wipes and hand gel on hand to keep your personal space clean. Air circulation is also notoriously poor, so dress accordingly.

Bus Beware: Why You May Want to Avoid FlixBus and Greyhound If Possible - Poor Customer Service Abounds

Poor customer service is an all-too-common complaint about bus travel, especially when dealing with Greyhound and FlixBus. While their rock-bottom fares may seem enticing, you often get what you pay for in terms of support.

Both companies operate with skeletal staffing and minimal physical outposts. If your bus breaks down at 2am, don’t expect to reach anyone by phone for assistance. You’ll likely be stranded for hours with zero communication.

Julia K. shared her frustration when trying to contact FlixBus regarding a delay that made her miss a connecting bus reservation. “I tried calling, emailing, posting on social media - every avenue I could think of for 3 days straight. No one ever responded with help or an explanation.”

FlixBus doesn’t publish any customer service phone numbers on their website. You’re forced to submit an online contact form and hope someone replies. According to reviews, replies often take days or never come at all.

Displaced Greyhound passengers report similar difficulties reaching anyone by phone for assistance. The bus company laid off hundreds of U.S. employees during the pandemic, leaving skeletal crews in call centers. Hold times average 60-90 minutes based on reports.

Once you finally get through, good luck finding sympathetic help on the other end. Most reviewers describe customer support as utterly unhelpful. They stick to rigid policies with no concern for your personal plight.

Eduardo R. spent 4 hours on hold trying to move his departure date after his father passed away suddenly. The agent coldly told him that because he booked a non-refundable fare, no changes were allowed regardless of circumstance.

Lily P. describes her experience trying to get a refund for a Greyhound bus that never showed up as “Kafkaesque madness”. She emailed, called, tweeted and visited agents in person over 6 weeks fighting for her $58 back. In the end Greyhound kept citing “policy” as justification to deny her refund.

Beyond delays and cancellations, lost baggage, lack of seating, and dirty conditions spark the most ire about Greyhound and FlixBus customer support. Explains Andres F., “They simply do not care at all if your trip goes smoothly. You are just cattle in a seat.”

Bus Beware: Why You May Want to Avoid FlixBus and Greyhound If Possible - Safety Issues to Keep in Mind

Sadly, safety concerns are another common complaint from Greyhound and FlixBus riders. While dramatic bus crashes make headlines, even minor accidents and break downs can leave passengers stranded in unsafe situations. Crime and disruptive passengers also jeopardize security onboard and at stations.

According to federal data, Greyhound buses were involved in nearly 1,300 accidents in 2018 alone. While most were minor, poor maintenance and driver oversight contribute to higher crash rates compared to other modes. FlixBus’ lack of driver screening, training and oversight also raises red flags. Unlike air travel, there are no TSA style security checks before boarding buses.

Greyhound passenger and Reddit user MrNonam3 described his bus breaking down overnight in a sketchy area of Detroit. With no other buses available, passengers were told to wait alone in the dark for a rescue bus coming from Chicago. Terrified passengers pleaded for help to no avail.

Another rider named Serena tells of her bus catching fire at a truck stop in Ohio due to an engine malfunction. It was 10pm and freezing outside. The 200+ stranded passengers were forced to stand in the parking lot for hours until replacement buses slowly began arriving after midnight. Serena describes the ordeal as “alarming and very poorly handled."

FlixBus has seen its share of breakdowns too, including a bus catching fire on the highway near Milan Italy. Passengers reportedly received burns while evacuating from the rear emergency door.

Fights and unruly behavior on buses also jeopardize passenger security. Intoxicated and disruptive passengers are common. Greyhound passenger Pablo V. recalls a recent trip where a belligerent man repeatedly screamed racist slurs at other riders. Despite complaints to the driver, nothing was done.

In longer distance trips, bus stations themselves can also pose risks from theft to assaults. A search of police reports near major Greyhound stations reveals hundreds of crimes annually including robbery, battery, rape, and even homicide. While rare, these real dangers further demonstrate the lack of safety nets in bus travel.

Bus Beware: Why You May Want to Avoid FlixBus and Greyhound If Possible - Alternatives Offer More Flexibility

With all the pitfalls of Greyhound and FlixBus travel, you may wonder if other transportation alternatives can offer a better experience. The good news is that options like flying, taking the train, or renting a car typically provide much more flexibility and comfort.

Air travel is the fastest way to cover long distances of several hundred miles or more. Nonstop flights can whisk you between major cities in just a few hours. Airlines also offer multiple classes of service so you can opt for more legroom, amenities, and pampering if your budget allows. Most carriers have robust customer service teams to rebook you quickly if delays or cancellations occur. Safety standards and oversight are stricter for airlines too.

The two big advantages of flying are speed and flexibility. If your plans change, airlines allow date changes or cancellations for a fee. Last minute travel is also possible if seats are available. Try booking a Greyhound ticket the day before a holiday and you'll be out of luck.

Travel blogger Jasmine C. explains "I always check flight prices first for trips over 4 hours one-way. The extra cost is usually worth it considering how miserable crammed bus seats become and the days of time you'll save flying."

For shorter regional trips, trains can provide more room to roam and often access downtown stations that are safe and convenient. Amtrak's Coach class offers up to 38 inches of legroom compared to around 28 inches on basic economy buses. Trains also have large windows to enjoy scenery along the way.

The California Zephyr route is a favorite for its panoramic views as it winds through the Rockies between Chicago and San Francisco. Traveler Michael S. recommends it over Greyhound bus for the comfort and epic sightseeing. Some train lines like Acela even offer business class seating and sleeper cabins.

Renting a car is the most flexible option allowing you to set your own schedule and make spontaneous detours. Travel blogger Karen R. suggests comparing rental rates to buses when traveling with others. "Often for just a few dollars more per person, a rental car splits between 4 people is cheaper. And far more comfortable with greater legroom and climate controls."

Bus Beware: Why You May Want to Avoid FlixBus and Greyhound If Possible - Consider Trains or Rental Cars Instead

With all the drawbacks of relying on Greyhound and FlixBus, savvy travelers may want to consider alternative transportation modes that offer more flexibility, comfort, and reliability. Two options worth exploring are passenger trains and rental cars.

Trains provide a comfortable middle ground between the affordability of buses and speed of flights. Amtrak operates a national network of rail routes crisscrossing the U.S., many linking into downtown city centers. While not as fast as flying, trains eliminate the hassle of airport security and cut travel times significantly compared to buses.

The generous seat pitch in Amtrak Coach class allows ample leg stretching at up to 38 inches. Reclining seats, snack services, power outlets, and WiFi make even long distance train trips tolerable. Upgrading to business class or sleeper cabins provides even more amenities comparable to domestic first class flights.

Jenny S., a frequent train traveler, explains that she always compares Amtrak rates to Greyhound fares for trips under 12 hours one-way where flying doesn't save much time. "The extra $20 or so for a train ticket buys me peace of mind that I'll have comfortable seats, reliable schedules, and better service if plans go awry."

Amtrak also partners with other regional rail networks to extend its reach. For example, the Cascades route operated by Amtrak and Via Rail links big city hubs like Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver with smaller destinations in between. The California Zephyr winding through the Rockies from Chicago to San Francisco offers iconic sightseeing.

Trains provide safety in numbers, avoiding risks of breakdowns in isolated areas. With conductors onboard and station stops in populated towns, trains also reduce security concerns. Just be sure to book early as sleeper cabins sell out fast.

Renting a car provides maximum flexibility for travelers wary of bus schedules. While pricier, splitting costs between multiple passengers often makes rental cars comparable to buses. The ability to stop spontaneously, pack ample luggage, and blast your own music are perks.

Samantha F., who rents cars for trips over 6 hours driving time, calculates that once you factor in added bus fees like baggage costs, a compact rental split with her husband costs them each about $10 more than a cramped Greyhound. Well worth the extra cost she says for comfort and road trip freedom.

Just be sure to shop around for the best rental rates using comparison sites like Kayak. Consider cost-saving options like prepaid gas plans and economy models without navigation. Avoiding peak travel dates around holidays can also reduce daily rates substantially. If possible, rent for a full week and look for weekly discounts.

Bus Beware: Why You May Want to Avoid FlixBus and Greyhound If Possible - Planes Usually Faster for Long Distances

When planning any trip over 250 miles one-way, flying often becomes the transportation mode of choice for many travelers. While buses like Greyhound and FlixBus promote rock-bottom fares, their adverts conveniently omit an inconvenient truth - longer bus journeys can quickly become grueling escapades lasting days. Air travel provides a much faster and hassle-free alternative worth exploring.

Let's crunch some numbers using a hypothetical journey from Philadelphia to Orlando as an example. This popular route spans nearly 1,000 miles as the crow flies. Aer Lingus offers affordable nonstop flights covering it in just 2 hours and 15 minutes typically. Their economy class roundtrip fares hover around $120-150 depending on seasonality.

Compare that to a Greyhound or FlixBus journey tallying over 20 tedious hours each way with multiple stops. Even factoring in airport arrival times, flying saves nearly an entire day of travel compared to riding the bus. That extra time is precious vacation time better spent on Orlando's sunny beaches versus staring out a grease-streaked bus window somewhere around Savannah.

While bus fares might start around $100 roundtrip, keep in mind that multiple overnights in motels enroute, meals, ground transportation from stops, and other hassles can quickly narrow any apparent savings. And that's assuming the bus arrives on schedule, which is a dubious assumption.

Frequent traveler Max V. echoes the sentiments of many when he explains, "I always compare flights anytime a bus trip exceeds 8 hours. The extra cost is negligible compared to the hours upon hours I get back. I can usually find at least one airline like Spirit or Frontier offering flights under $150 roundtrip."

He continues, "Even if I pay $50 or so more for a flight, I recoup that quickly with fewer meals, lodging, Ubers, pet boarding fees, and lost work time. Flights turn lengthy trips into simple day hops. Worth every penny."

Travel blogger Carol K. agrees: "I cannot fathom how brutal multi-day Greyhound or FlixBus journeys must be. Even flying in a cramped middle seat is infinitely better than being wedged into a smelly, lurching tin can on wheels for 3000 miles."

She also raises an excellent point - longer bus trips inherently expose you to more potential delays, cancellations, and headaches. The more stops and schedule segments, the higher the odds of something going awry.

When evaluating your options, be sure to compare total door-to-door times including getting to airports or stations, boarding, stopping, and transportation at your destination. Buses often take far longer than their published ride times suggest.