Q: Who owns Southern Skyways?
Southern Skyways is a trade name of Aviation Advantage Inc., headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Aviation Advantage is an airline management company and indirect air carrier authorized to sell seats to the public under US DOT Part 380.
Q: Do I need a ticket for boarding?
Southern Skyways is ticket-less and all you need is to provide your name or confirmation number in order to receive your boarding pass at the check-in location. You do have to agree to the terms and conditions/tour operator participant agreement prior to receiving your boarding pass. If you purchased your ticket on-line, you have already met this requirement.
All customers over the age of 18 MUST have a valid government issued photo Identification. We do suggest minors under the age of 18 carry Identification, Student ID, Library Card, Health Card or Social Security Card.
Q: Why are these flights considered public charters?
The US DOT regulates and permits tour operators to provide air transportation to the general public by contracting with airlines holding a FAA Certification for commercial air service. An airline is considered a direct air carrier and Southern Skyways is classified as an indirect air carrier. All flights operated by Southern Skyways are filed and regulated by the DOT through the issuance of a Public Charter Number (PC#). Our PC# is 07-168.
Q: Why is my payment for air fare deposited in an escrow bank?
You have booked a seat on a scheduled public charter. The US DOT requires that all passenger funds be deposited in a federally approved escrow bank and held until after the passenger has traveled. This protects you since your air fare cannot be spent prior to your actual departure. The escrow bank for Southern Skyways is National City Bank. The Bank also has a $200,000 surety bond on deposit by Aviation Advantage Inc. also required by the US DOT for the protection of passenger funds.
Q: Who operates Southern Skyways?
Southern Skyways contracts one or more airlines on a long term basis to fly its routes and schedules. All airlines utilized by Southern Skyways meet or exceed the standards required by the FAA for any commercial airline.
Q: What kind of aircraft do you fly?
Southern Skyways utilizes the following passenger jet aircraft: Dornier 328J Regional Jets, DC9, EMB 145 Regional Jets, Boeing 737 aircraft (B-737-200, B-737-300, B-737-800 and B-757-200), Airbus 319 and 320 aircraft and EMB 120 Turboprops for its routes and schedules.
Q: Will my flights be on time?
Historically, Aviation Advantage Inc. has achieved an on-time performance over 90% of the time which exceeds the on-time performance of almost all major airlines. The most frequent cause for delays are weather and air traffic control (ATC) issues related to congested airport operations.
Q: Do you ever cancel a flight?
Like any airline operation, flights are subject to acts of God, such as weather resulting in cancellation for those reasons. Other reasons for cancellation are related to mechanical problems with the aircraft and crew duty regulations. The latter rarely happen as Southern Skyways requires the airline to provide sub-service so that passengers reach their destination as quickly as possible. Our completion rate for flights is 99% which is well above the industry norm and better than virtually any commercial airline.
Q: How do I contact Southern Skyways for any reason?
There are four ways to communicate with Southern Skyways. We prefer email which is available under “Contact Us” tab on www.southernskyways.com. Please include your confirmation number and/or dates of travel so that we can research your request and respond promptly. Our customer care center is open during normal business hours (EST) Monday – Friday and may be reached by calling toll free 1-877-2-FLY-SOUTH. You can also fax to 770-916-0666. If you are at the airport, you may also ask our ticket agent for assistance.
Q: What do I do if my baggage is lost or damaged?
Although we go to great lengths to prevent any lost or damaged baggage from occurring it occasionally does happen. In the rare event it happens with your luggage, you will need to obtain and complete a baggage claim form from our representative at the airport and submit that to our Customer Care Center for priority handling. Please see the Tour Operator Participant Agreement for details.
Q: What food and beverages do you serve on the aircraft?
Complimentary snacks and soft drinks are served if time permits. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase for passengers of legal age. No meals are served.
Q: Can I purchase a ticket through a travel agent?
Yes, we work with any IATAN or CLIO approved travel agency.
Q: Do you have a child’s fare?
Only children under two years of age and which are permitted by FAA regulations to sit in the lap of an adult do not have to purchase a published fare. All other children are required to pay the published fare at the time of purchase. Unaccompanied minors under the age of 13 are required to pay an additional charge.
Q: Can I bring my child’s car seat?
Yes, Southern Skyways will accept FAA approved child restraint systems on board the aircraft. You are also permitted to check your car seat in addition to the two checked pieces of luggage you are permitted.
Q: Can I bring my golf clubs?
Yes, you are permitted two checked pieces of luggage. Your golf clubs are classified as one checked piece of luggage. Please see the Tour Operator Participant Agreement for more details.
Q: Are my tickets refundable?
Southern Skyways has a non- refundable ticket policy. Payment for tickets is due at the time of booking.
Q: Can I make a change?
For cancellations over 48 hours prior to travel, Southern Skyways will permit you to change the date of travel or the name of the person traveling for a change fee of $100.00 and the difference in increase of air fare at the time change is made. Your have up to one year to make changes. Any change must be made at least 48 hours prior to departure.
Can I check-in online?
Not at this time.
How will I receive a receipt?
You can print a receipt online or Southern Skyways will E-mail a copy to you.
Can I purchase a First Class Ticket?
First class is not available on Southern Skyways Flights.
Can I book a group?
Yes, call 1-877-2-FLY-SOUTH (1-877-235-9768) and ask for the Group Desk or fill out our online form.
Will Southern Skyways accept pets?
Yes, for a fee Southern Skyways will accept pets in cabin only (Limit 3 pets per flight).
If we didn't answer your question above, please submit it, or view our policies page