Cline Tours, Inc.

Cline Tours, Inc., based in Southaven, Mississippi, is a significant provider of transportation services across the southern United States. With a history stretching back to 1983, the company has grown into a large-scale operation with a substantial fleet and multiple locations in Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, and Tennessee. As a regional charter bus service, it primarily caters to schools, churches, corporate clients, and private groups, positioning itself as a key player for organized group travel in the area. The company presents a mixed profile, combining a modern fleet and instances of exemplary customer service with notable and serious concerns regarding driver conduct and service consistency.

Fleet and Service Offerings

One of the primary assets of Cline Tours is its extensive and modern fleet. The company operates over 250 buses, including full-size motorcoaches, mini-buses, and school buses, making it one of the larger operations in the region. A significant selling point is their commitment to providing 2018 or newer motorcoaches for charters, a promise that appeals to clients seeking comfort and reliability. Many of these coaches are equipped with amenities that enhance the travel experience, such as DirectTV satellite television and WiFi, available for an additional fee. All coaches feature TVs and DVD players. Furthermore, Cline Tours is ADA compliant, offering vehicles equipped with wheelchair lifts, which is a crucial feature for ensuring accessibility for all passengers. Their diverse fleet allows them to accommodate groups of various sizes, from small outings in a 14-passenger mini-bus to large excursions on a 56-passenger motorcoach.

Positive Customer Experiences and Staff Conduct

When the service aligns with the company's promises, the customer experience can be outstanding. Several accounts highlight the professionalism and high quality of the staff. One review from a group organizing a trip for over 30 high school students described their experience as "perfect," specifically praising their driver as "A++ Professional." This suggests that the company is well-equipped to handle the logistics and responsibilities associated with youth and student travel. Another powerful testament to the company's integrity comes from a customer whose son lost his wallet on a church ski trip; it was found and returned with all the cash still inside. This incident, coupled with praise for the "great people in the office," speaks volumes about the character and honesty of the staff, a critical factor when entrusting a company with group transportation.

These positive interactions are foundational to the reputation of any tour operator. They indicate a capacity for excellence and a corporate culture that, at its best, prioritizes customer satisfaction and ethical conduct. The cleanliness and good condition of the buses are also frequently mentioned positive points, reinforcing the company's claims of maintaining a modern and well-kept fleet.

Serious Concerns Regarding Driver Safety and Consistency

Despite the positive feedback, a pattern of significant issues, primarily centered on driver behavior, emerges from customer reviews. These are not minor inconveniences but serious allegations that raise questions about motorcoach safety and driver training. One customer reported a harrowing experience where a Cline Tours bus, specifically identified by its number, made an aggressive and unsafe lane change on an interstate, forcing their truck to brake suddenly to avoid a collision. The review pointedly questions the driver's fitness to transport passengers, a severe charge for any transportation provider.

Another complaint detailed how a convoy of Cline Tours buses monopolized the left lane on a highway, causing significant traffic delays for other motorists. This behavior suggests a lack of consideration for road etiquette and potentially inadequate training on how to manage multiple vehicles in formation without disrupting traffic flow. These incidents paint a picture of a company whose on-the-road practices can be problematic and, in some cases, dangerous.

Inconsistency in Service Quality

Beyond acute safety concerns, there is evidence of inconsistency in the overall service provided. A long-term client noted a stark difference in driver quality from one year to the next. While one driver was pleasant and helpful, a subsequent driver on a later trip was described as grumpy, uncooperative with simple requests like opening a storage hatch, and seemingly unfamiliar with the details of the charter he was assigned. This same trip was marred by a malfunctioning air conditioning system. Such variability makes it difficult for potential customers to know what to expect. A successful bus charter depends heavily on the professionalism of the driver and the reliability of the equipment, and this inconsistency undermines confidence in the company's ability to deliver a consistently high-quality experience.

Official Safety and Company Standing

For context, it is important to look at official records. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Cline Tours, Inc. holds a "Satisfactory" safety rating as of September 2025, which is the highest possible rating. The company has a large number of vehicles and drivers registered, and their records indicate a high volume of inspections. While this official rating is positive, it does not invalidate the specific, firsthand accounts of unsafe driving reported by the public. These reports suggest that while the company may meet regulatory standards overall, individual driver performance can be a significant issue. The company encourages travelers to research carriers on the FMCSA website before booking, demonstrating an awareness of the importance of safety. Additionally, Cline Tours holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, though it is not BBB accredited.

Conclusion for Potential Customers

Choosing Cline Tours, Inc. for your group travel needs involves weighing significant pros and cons. The company offers a large, modern, and well-equipped fleet with options for various group sizes and accessibility needs. There are documented instances of highly professional drivers and commendable staff integrity, suggesting the company is capable of delivering an excellent service. However, these positives are offset by serious and credible complaints regarding unsafe driving practices and a lack of consistency in both driver attitude and vehicle maintenance. Potential clients should consider these factors carefully. It may be prudent to have a detailed conversation with a sales representative about their driver training protocols and motorcoach safety standards. Requesting a driver with a proven positive track record, if possible, could also be a wise step before committing to a bus charter for any custom tours or trips.