About Us > Testimonials
Customer Testimonials

May 02, 2013

Just a short note to compliment Windstar on their genuine hospitality - in providing us with a phenomenal experience recently aboard a Windstar bus. I was a bus mom aboard a Windstar bus that left from Manchester last Saturday, touring thru Wisconsin and Minnesota, ending back in Manchester Sunday night. Ellen was our driver - she was beyond expectations in her concern, her attention to detail, and her wonderful sense of humor. We had a great time with her and hope that we made her weekend fun as well. The ladies were on a singular mission - visiting quilt shops - and I can speak for all of them that the bus was comfortable, the ride went off without a hitch - delivering them to each shop on time and safely. Great job, Windstar - and ELLEN!!!

Kathy H.

April 21, 2013

This driver did an excellent job! We were caught in blizzard conditions on April 21 2013. Coming back from Fort McCoy. WI. Your driver did an excellent job, and we would like to thank Your driver for getting our Soldiers home safely.Nice equipment and driver. The driver did a hell of a job in the conditions we had.

This is from the Army Reserve Units | Cherokee and Sac City IA

September 7, 2012

A great big thank you, as usual, to you and your team. The bus was great and Steve was fantastic to work with.

I am so glad to know that we have a company like yours in Iowa. Your flexibility as a company, and with your drivers, is exceptional.

Thank you so much,
Kim

Kim Heidemann | Deputy Director

June 30, 2012

On that Saturday morning, my family and I (6 of us) arrived at the Des Moines International Airport expecting a noon flight to New York City. Upon arrival, we found that our flight was canceled. As our group, and another 20+ passengers awaited instructions from the airlines, we eventually were told that the airline would be sending us via your bus line from Des Moines to Milwaukee, WI. We were all given vouchers for an overnight stay at a hotel in Milwaukee, and re-booked on an outgoing flight from the Milwaukee airport at 6 am the next morning.

Our driver arrived and we were seated in your very comfortable coach. We had a very uneventful and smooth 6.5 hour trip to Milwaukee. When we arrived at the hotel, after VERY skillful maneuvering of your large vehicle through some very tight streets and parking lots, the airline had failed to notify the hotel that a bus-load of stranded air travelers would be arriving. The hotel was booked full, as was every available hotel in Milwaukee due to a big music festival. Hotels had been full for months. Of course, the large group of us were getting cranky, tired and hungry after 10 hours of waiting at an airport and riding in a coach to face yet another disappointment.

Although he had no affiliation with the airline, your driver took it upon himself to become our spokesperson. He called the airline, notified them of their error, and assisted in making new arrangements for us via several calls. He made arrangements through the Des Moines contact to have a manager at the Milwaukee airport meet us at the airline's ticket counter and set us up for the night at the airport.

We all reloaded the coach and arrived at the Milwaukee airport, unloaded and found our way to the designated meeting area. The ticket counters were all closed, and the building was dark and deserted, with the exception of a few members of the janitorial staff. We stood and waited for quite a while, awaiting the arrival of said manager and provisions. > By now, the 30 stranded travelers had been at it for over 12 hours and our discontent was continuing to grow.

The driver continued to make us comfortable and tried to appease the group as best he could. He refused to leave us until we all had the answers and provisions we needed. At that point, we were all considering him our hero! After a half hour of waiting for someone to arrive, the driver went off in search of help. He came back with two employees of the airline that he had found somewhere within the airport. He negotiated some sleeping gear (blankets and pillows) along with some vouchers for food on our behalf.

Once he was absolutely sure that we were going to finally be taken care of, he finally bid us goodnight and good luck. The level of his service and concern was obvious as he waved goodbye and applause broke out among the group.

I just wanted to pass along how wonderful the driver was, and the service we received was well above the call of duty. He could have easily left us at the hotel. He could have easily dropped us off at the airport and went on his way. But he refused to leave us in the lurch.

He proceeded to stay with us for an additional hour or two until he was confident that we were going to be taken care of.

I will definitely recommend your company to others, and keep you in mind for any personal or business needs I may have in the future! Please pass along our gratitude to the driver as well.

Thank you - Heather Wolf

May 6, 2012

Windstar Coach Lines,

Great! This was a remarkable trip in how smoothly it went. Many times James was accommodating, helping us figure out the best plan. He was also able to join us in the activities we had after he took care of the bus. That way he could talk to the students about the museum, the Orpheum theatre tour, and the Omaha Symphony Concert. He was part of the group (we had extra tickets).

Sara Diehl was easy to work with. She was available by phone & email & FAX. Answered all concerns and questions. James (the driver) was more than eager to assist in any way he could. The driver went over all safety before we left. He was a very safe driver! He handled the bus very well.

The weather cooperated also! Storm Lake High School Music department will definitely use you again for future trips! Could not have been better!

Mrs. Carol Peterson
Orchestra Director
Storm Lake High School

March 27, 2012

CEO of Windstar Coach Lines,

I hope all is well. I would like to inform you that we used your company this past weekend for two of our baseball teams and their travel to Shreveport, LA for a baseball tournament. I myself was a passenger on the bus and I cannot tell you how much we appreciate the quality of coach that was used for our trip. We have taken many coach trips in the past two years and this was by far the best experience we have had and the first time we have used your company.

Our driver Keith could not have been any more professional and courteous throughout the long weekend, again this was the best experience with a coach lines firm we have ever had. We would not hesitate to use your company again in the future and we appreciate the care and quality of coach and driver to carry the precious cargo of players and families....

Kyle Gerdes
Lincoln, NE

February 06, 2012

This is the fourth year we've used Windstar to transport farmers/vendors/visitors from Principal Park in Des Moines to the Iowa Power Farming Show. As always…your company did a fantastic job… Thought we'd share our thanks with a quick video:

Sincerely,
Calcium Products

November 28, 2011

Dear Joe,

On behalf of Coach Ferentz, the team, and staff of the Iowa Football program, I would like to thank you and your entire staff and drivers for an outstanding job of handling our ground transportation while in Lincoln to play the Cornhuskers.  The drivers, Pat Greteman - Bus 1, Stan Burkes - Bus 2, Bob Cruise - Bus 3, and Keith Dettmer - Bus 4, were outstanding, flexible and understanding of our many needs.  The equipment was clean and in good repair as we have come to know in all the Windstar stations.

We so appreciate Pat Greteman being our lead and doing his normal excellent job of organizing and communicating.  Having him there made us feel right at home.  We could not have asked for more.  Please express our appreciation to all involved and plan on us again for November 29-30, 2013, with all the details being the same.

Sincerely,
John Streif
Travel Coordinator

July 21, 2011

My name is Andrew Todd. I live in Huntsville, Alabama and just returned last night from a trip visiting John Deere Des Moines Works. A large group of farmers from this area all came up to visit the factory. Our local John Deere dealer brought customers who had purchased the new Roller Cotton Pickers which are produced at that facility.

We had a driver named Ed Monday and Tuesday. I can’t remember Ed’s last name but he is a principal at a local high school south of Des Moines.

I just wanted to compliment you all on how great of an employee you have in Ed. He picked us up at the airport on Monday afternoon and it was an absolute joy to be on his bus the entire time we were there. We requested Monday afternoon to drive around the country to see the cropland and all that was around the Des Moines area. For most of us it was our first trip to that area. He did an exceptional job of driving as well as giving details about the area and everything that is Iowa. He was very knowledgeable about the area, area industry, agriculture and things of that nature. On Tuesday morning when we loaded the bus to head to the factory he even made sure to have my alma mater, Auburn University’s fight song to play for the group, along with the “other school” across the state, the University of Alabama. I was very impressed he took the time away from his own schedule to do something like that. It wasn’t a big deal, but just showed the kind of person he was I believe.

Like I mentioned before, I just wanted to drop you a note to tell you how valued of an employee you have in Ed. Everyone on our trip was commenting the entire trip how great of a job he did, and they had never had a driver who did that great of a job.

Thanks for helping us have a great trip to Iowa, and we look forward to visiting you guys in the future.

Thanks,
Andrew Todd
Hamilton Farms

September 27, 2010

On behalf of Ball State football, I want to send our appreciation for a job well done last week in regards to Windstar buses. The drivers were very courteous, professional, and timely. Equipment was good and I appreciate the excellent service. We are rumored to return to Iowa in 2014, I would not hesitate using Windstar again.

Thanks again.

Jay Steilberg
Assistant Athletic Director for Football Operations
Ball State University
Scheumann Stadium FT 108
Muncie IN 47306

 May 12, 2010

Hi Jeff and Pat :

Just a word of THANKS!  The Indianola High School Music Department and its 350+ kids / chaperones, spent April 28th-May 2nd with Windstar on our Music Department trip to Colorado.  The (7) Charter Coaches were a great ride, with a driver staff that was second to NONE!  Windstar is as good as it gets in Safety, Driver friendliness, coaches are nice to ride in, always on time and most impressive is all 7-drivers took the time to listen to the high school bands, choirs and orchestra perform at the contest!

Nice having Chuck and Mark along as their kids were in our Indianola programs at one point, but all the drivers had fun with the kids and adult chaperones on the trip.  Another smooth trip for us….thanks in large part to Windstar!

We’ve been friends a long time and you both know that I will not travel on land without you.  Keep up the GREAT work at WINDSTAR!

All the best!
Chris Crandell – Indianola HS Director of Bands
On behalf of…… Julie Schnieders  - Choirs, Valorie Hagener – Choirs, Ann Gribbins – Orchestra, Phil DeLong - Bands

May 3, 2010

We were all very impressed with Chuck and Jim. They were always going above and beyond and communicated with us throughout the trip as to destination, time line, etc. They both became a part of our group and interacted with our students as if they had known them forever.

We continue to be impressed with the professionalism of Windstar, and we always know we will be taken care of a the highest level.

It is always my pleasure to recommend Windstar to my colleagues.

Pete Jacobus
Band Director
Glenwood High School

March 15, 2010

Dear Pat,

On behalf of Coach Lickliter, the team and staff of the Iowa basketball team program, I again would like to thank you and all of your drivers for an excellent job in handling all of our grand transportation this year. Your excellent communication, organization makes you a true professional. The coaches are always clean, comfortable and in good repair. The drivers are punctual, flexible and understanding and willing to help in any way. Another great year.

Sincerely,
John Streif
Travel Coordinator
Athletic Trainer

Dear Pete,

I’m not sure if you are the one I should be contacting, but my men’s soccer team recently traveled with Windstar to Minnesota Sunday-Monday.  Our bus driver Karen, did an awesome job.  She was so kind and courteous.  She was flexible with our schedule and did a great job getting us to where we needed to go.  If you could please pass my thanks on to her I would really appreciate it.

If there is an address in which I could send a thank you note, I would certainly like to send one to her.  We are so fortunate to travel with Windstar as your staff is always great.

 All the best,

Mike Wilson
Head Men's Soccer Coach
Simpson College

Mr. Greteman & Ms. Diehl,

I just wanted to send you a quick thank you for providing the charter bus for our football players and coaches to come to Des Moines for the documentary of last football season. I know the kids enjoyed the entire ride and it was a great way for them to bond together, ride 1st class and enjoy the day.

We appreciate the gesture and thank you more than we can say I know my dad would be very gracious as well for the opportunity you provided our young people.

Sincerely,

Aaron Thomas
A.D Aplington Parkersburg, Iowa

Good Morning Sara,

You did a great job in to make sure last night's transfer of guests from Pella to Tassel Ridge Winery went well.

Thank you so much for providing the phone numbers of the drivers of the two motor coaches. It was so nice to have an avenue for the customer to directly contact the drivers.

Here is the customers comment:

“Everything went great! I talked with Dave a couple times yesterday afternoon and he assured me we were all on the same page. They were very timely and courteous.”

Your customer service skills are outstanding, Sara! Thank you for allowing me to sell the dream and not have to live a nightmare! I will certainly be calling Windstar again!!!!

Have a great day!

Sharon R. Dixon
8808 Townsend Avenue
Urbandale, IA 50322-7400
www.inboundiowa.com
Office 515-278-4950; Toll Free 800-990-6679
Receptive Operator and Certified Travel Agent

Windstar Lines Staff,

On behalf of all of us associated with Iowa State Women's Basketball, I want to thank you for your efforts this season. Our travel was ELITE like our team- Be Safe!

GO CYCLONES!
Coach Fennelly

Dear Jeff,

We Love Windstar! Your drivers, equipment and service are great. We sure enjoyed John, Bruce and Chuck on our recent Florida trip. We really ran through the wringer and they were unflappable and totally flexible.

Thanks for working with us and please pass our appreciation on to Nick. We'll do it again!

Sincerely,

Alan Feirer

Winterset High School

February 11, 2009

Dear Jeff,

Every year, EXPO becomes more challenging to put on, largely because speakers like you leave us the proverbial "tough act to follow." The session ratings from EXPO'09 held in Orlando last month suggest that we have our work cut out for us for next year.

UMA Motorcoach Expo 2009 proved to be a huge success, and I want to thank you for your help in making that possible. The solution sessions in Orlando were outstanding, by and large due to your careful preparation, expertise, and engaging dialogue. The feedback from attendees tells us that they walked away with a great deal of "take home value." It is obvious you put a great deal of hard work into preparing for your participation in the solution sessions, and the extra effort was greatly appreciated.

Moreover, you helped operators understand and appreciate all they need to do to take advantage of what's ahead in the Dawn of a New Age of motorcoach travel. The opportunities are numerous, but so are the potential pitfalls. Your presentation showed them how to navigate in order to find a more profitable future for their company. You have my best wishes for continued success.

Sincerely,

Victor Parra
President & CEO

Dear Windstar,

It is with sincere appreciation that I write to thank you for amazing service over the past several weeks. I could not have asked for better service during our summer program. Overseeing transportation for 170 high school students on a weekly basis is not an easy feat. However, due to superior service on behalf of your team helped put my mind at ease. Having now worked with several components of your team, I am confident that your company overall is truly the best.

I thank you for such friendly and accommodating ladies in your office. Whenever I would call the office, I would usually speak with Lori or Jan, who would quickly answer any questions. I cannot thank you enough for being flexible with our billing so that we could combine payments.

I also want to thank Derrick for being so thorough in taking care of our scheduling. I knew that Derrick was always on top of our scheduling and didn’t hesitate to contact me with questions. Likewise, I appreciated so much, being able to call him whenever I had questions, concerns, or last minute changes due to the flooding in Des Moines! He is truly an asset to your company.

Finally, I want to thank you for such amazing drivers. The students loved seeing the same drivers throughout the summer. Especially on our most recent trip to Kansas City, the students commented on how nice the drivers were. Students were giving the drivers hugs on their way of the bus ( an Upward Bound tradition) and asked them to return next year. The drivers: Jack Maten, Randy Tryon, Eric Brown and Karen, were amazing. They were friendly and sociable with the students, staff and all those around them. I never had any doubts about the safety or timeliness of the students on the buses with these drivers in charge. We could have never asked for better drivers. Please extend my deepest appreciation to all four of these drivers.

We look forward to working with you in the future!

Sincerely,

Tiffany Wogsland
Student Development Coordinator
Central College Upward Bound

October 3, 2007

Dear Jeff,

We would like to thank you for all the support and patience you provided for the IMTA Maintenance Day held at the Coralville Marriott.  With your help we were able to provide a great event that will continue to build on success.  We appreciate not only the transportation you provided for Maintenance Day, but the help you provide through the year.

The transportation industry is a valued and imperative business that serves not only our nation but the entire world.  That is why maintenance professionals serve a great deal into how smooth and efficient a transportation company operates.  It is within our organization to show maintenance professionals how important they are within their respected company.

Again we would like to thank you and look forward to working with you and the entire Windstar division for many years to come.

Sincerely,
Cole Henkle
Iowa Motor Truck Association

July 11, 2007

Dear Marc,

On Behalf of the Joffrey Ballet, I want to offer my sincerest thanks to you for accommodating our every transportation need while on tour in Iowa.  You were an incredible pleasure to work with, and you made this large undertaking incredibly easy for each of us.  We can not thank you enough.

This particular tour for the Joffrey is one that will be remembered for quite some time, and you were certainly a vital part of this tour.  Your welcoming and kind disposition was one of the many aspects that made this tour so positive for us.  We wish you the best of luck in your endeavors in the future, and would be glad to offer tickets to you if you are ever in the Chicago area.

Thank you for all your work and for making this time in Iowa such a pleasurable experience for the Joffrey.

Best,
Gregory Stuart
Director of Company and Touring

April 26, 2007

Jeff,

I would like to thank you for all of your assistance in arranging the transportation for the Horseshoe Council Bluffs group. I am very pleased about the way everything was handled and that everything went exactly as it was planned. You and your staff were very professional and treated our guests as VIP’s and this is greatly appreciated. The service you provided definitely met my expectations.

I would like to extend a sincere thank you to you and your staff for all of your hard work and cooperation in providing our guests with an excellent experience. I look forward to working with you all in the future.

Kind regards,

Erin Bray 
Casino Group Supervisor
Players Travel
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