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AirBus Frequently Asked Questions

See if we have an answer! If not, feel free to email us at csg.airbus@umich.edu. For assistance on the same days as your trip, call us at 734-763-3241 instead. If we do not answer, please leave a voicemail and one of our AirBus employees will follow up.

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I am trying to make a reservation, but I can't find the schedule.

The Airbus schedule for each break will be posted approximately one month prior to the break. Before the schedule is posted, we cannot confirm Airbus availability. This is because we want to take into account students' need ahead of time to avoid chartering unnecessary buses or not providing enough buses.

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When is AirBus service available?

CSG AirBus offers service immediately before and after mid-year breaks at the U-M Ann Arbor campus.

When AirBus isn't operating, try the Michigan Flyer, which departs from the Blake Transit Center in downtown Ann Arbor, and is available 365 days a year.

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Do I need a reservation to ride AirBus?

No, but we strongly recommend making one for your ride to the airport.Reserve a spot on the Eastbound trip of your choice. See the schedules on this site, then click the icon to reserve a seat using our online reservation system.

If you do not have a reservation, you can show up to the bus stop and we will try and accommodate you. All riders with reservations will receive first priority.

Please note that there are currently no reservations for Westbound (from DTW back to campus) trips.

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AirBus, AirRide... What's the difference?

AirBus is a service of Central Student Government of the University of Michigan. We provide an airport service custom-designed for the needs of the U-M student community.

AirRide, also known as the Michigan Flyer, is a service of our partner, Ann Arbor Transportation Authority. AirRide operates year-round and is open to the general public. When AirBus isn't operating, AirRide is a great alternative for U-M students.

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Which airport terminal does the Arrival Time on each trip refer to the North (Evans) Terminal or McNamara Terminal?

The arrival time is the latest time the bus will arrive at the airport. Since the bus goes to the North (evans) terminal, then the McNamara terminal, if your destination is North, you will arrive there a few minutes earlier than the stated arrival time on the website.

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I accidentally selected the wrong pick-up location when making my reservation. Do I need to change it?

No, regardless of what it says on your reservation, you can get on at any stop. This includes State St, Hill, or Bursley!

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I don't have my Mcard. Can I still get on the bus?

You sure can! All you need to do is tell the proctor your UMID as you board the bus, and you are all set!

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I don't have Blue Bucks. Can I still ride AirBus with my Mcard?

Yes. AirBus does not accept Blue Bucks. Rides on AirBus appear on your regular university statement along with tuition, lab fees, book fines, etc. You can view all items on your statement through Wolverine Access.

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Can non-students ride AirBus?

AirBus is open to all U-M Ann Arbor students enrolled in the current semester. In order to make an AirBus reservation, or to swipe as an unreserved customer, a currently active student account is required.

We welcome non-students to ride as guests of enrolled students. Students can purchase up to three seats per trip for themselves and their guests. Please note that all rides will be charged to the student who makes the reservation and/or swipes the Mcard.

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Why can't I buy a ticket for my trip from the airport?

The short answer: flight arrival times are unpredictable. Your plane-to-bus connection might not work out as you plan. We don't want to sell you a ticket for a bus ride that you might not take.

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Does AirBus run on-time?

We strive to offer trips with on-time arrivals. However, unforeseen weather or traffic conditions can cause delays. Be sure to leave yourself enough time for check-in and security. And avoid missing your bus by arriving at the stop at least five minutes early!

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Please note that it is up to you to allow enough time for your flight. AirBus is not responsible if you miss your flight due to a late bus. You should always give yourself enough margin that an AirBus delay doesn't affect your plans.

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How will I recognize AirBus?

All AirBus trips operate with premium over-the-road charter coaches. Blue-and-yellow U-M campus buses sometimes appear at Metro Airport for sports teams or other events; these buses are not in AirBus service.

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Can I ride "reverse" to Ann Arbor before break or to Metro Airport after break?

We have designed our schedules and our operations around prime travel demands to Metro Airport before break, back to Ann Arbor after break. We are not equipped to offer rides "against the flow" at this time.

AirRide provides two-way service every day of the year. If AirBus doesn't fit your schedule, AirRide might.

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Is AirBus wheelchair accessible?

In most cases, we can arrange for an accessible bus on the trip that you need. Please contact us at csg.airbus@umich.edu at least a week in advance to ensure availability.

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How much luggage can I bring?

Traveling light ensures a faster ride and room for everyone's bags. We don't have a formal luggage limit, but we ask that you pack considerately. If you have a very excessive amount of luggage to the point that it will affect our ability to operate, or you're trying to transport hazardous materials, we reserve the right to deny boarding. Email us if you want to check that we will permit your luggage.

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I already reserved a seat. Can I change my reservation?

You can cancel your reservation and select a new time if there are seats available. Simply find the confirmation email and click "Drop Session", or visit Sessions @ Michigan at this link, log in, and click "Drop" by the registration listed.

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I found another ride to the airport. Can I get a refund on my AirBus reservation?

You can change or cancel your reservation until midnight three calendar days before. If the reservation is not canceled by then your student account will be charged. This helps us to keep accurate tabs on ridership and maximize capacity for all who wish to ride.

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I didn't ride AirBus to Metro Airport. Can I still ride on the way back?

Absolutely! Simply show up for any Westbound trip and swipe your Mcard.

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I lost something on AirBus. Can you help me find it?

We'll certainly try! Email us at csg.airbus@umich.edu or call Trinity Transportation at (877) 284-4200 with a few pieces of information: detailed description of the item, the date and approximate time you rode AirBus, and if possible, the number of your AirBus trip.

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