Lake Forest Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

One of the top reasons to book a charter bus for group travel is the spacious luggage storage you get compared to any other transportation option. Whether you’re headed on a weekend church retreat, moving a sports team across the state, or packing up all your gear for a convention in Anaheim, you’ll have plenty of room for everything. Still, there are some smart ways to plan ahead so that loading and unloading goes smoothly and everyone knows what they can bring.

Storage Space on our Different Bus Models in Lake Forest

When it comes to luggage space, not all buses are created equal! The type of bus you rent from Charter Bus Rental Lake Forest will determine how much cargo you can take along. A 56-passenger charter bus has the most generous storage available, with massive undercarriage bays that run the length of the vehicle plus overhead bins above every seat. This is the best choice for long-distance trips, out-of-state journeys, or any group hauling suitcases, AV equipment, trade show displays, athletic gear, or even band instruments. You’ll comfortably fit one full-size suitcase per person in the lower bays (think standard airline checked bag), plus a small carry-on or backpack in the overhead racks.

If you book a minibus or sprinter van, you’ll still get overhead racks inside for backpacks, purses, and day bags. However, these buses don’t always have dedicated undercarriage bays. Some models include a rear luggage compartment—essentially a trunk at the back of the bus. The amount of storage varies by vehicle size, but as a rule of thumb, estimate enough room for about one carry-on size bag per passenger. If you need more, ask about renting a trailer to tow behind the bus.

How Much Space is Available in the Under-floor Bays?

On a full-size motorcoach, the real magic happens below deck! These buses feature pass-through luggage bays that span both sides of the bus, giving you wide-open space for large suitcases, duffel bags, boxes, and awkward items like golf clubs or skis. Each bay typically measures around 8 feet wide, 3.5 feet tall, and 3-4 feet deep—and you’ll usually have three to four bays on each side. That adds up to 450-500 cubic feet of storage, enough for roughly 50-60 full-size suitcases. The bays are accessed from outside the bus while parked, so anything you need during the drive should stay with you inside. But for the bulk of your group’s luggage, this is where it’ll ride safe and secure.

How Much Space is Available in the Overhead/Parcel Racks?

Inside the passenger cabin, you’ll find overhead racks above each row of seats, similar to an airplane but often open without doors. These racks are perfect for stowing smaller bags like backpacks, laptop cases, tote bags, and jackets. On a 56-passenger coach, each rack section is about 10 inches high and 17 inches deep, running nearly the full length of the bus. You can generally fit two carry-on bags per section, one above each pair of seats. Just remember: weight limits apply (usually around 25 pounds per item) and oversized hard-shell suitcases won’t fit overhead. Anything too heavy or bulky should go in the under-floor bays instead.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

For a standard group trip, the rule of thumb is one large suitcase in the undercarriage plus one small carry-on in the overhead rack per passenger. That matches typical airline baggage allowances and works well for school field trips, corporate retreats, and family reunions alike. If you’re traveling light, you may be able to double up (two smaller roller bags in the bay instead of one big one, for example). If your group includes musicians, athletes, or anyone bringing special equipment, factor those extra items into your headcount when booking.

Minibuses and sprinter vans have less overall storage, so be realistic about what fits. Plan for one carry-on size bag per person, and consolidate whenever possible. If your group needs to bring more than that, ask us about attaching a small trailer or upgrading to a larger bus. It’s better to overestimate your needs than leave someone’s bag behind!

Packing & planning tips for group leaders

To make loading and unloading quick and painless, communicate clear guidelines to your group before departure. Send a packing list with recommended bag sizes and weight limits, and remind everyone to label their luggage with their name and contact info. Encourage travelers to keep valuables, medications, chargers, and anything else they might need en route in their personal carry-on, since undercarriage bays aren’t accessible while the bus is moving.

If your itinerary includes multiple stops—say, dropping off half the group at Disneyland and the rest at Angel Stadium—sort luggage by destination and load it into separate bays. This way, you won’t have to dig through a mountain of bags to find the right ones at each stop. For events like conventions or tournaments where you’ll be transporting bulky gear, assign a point person to oversee loading and ensure everything fits safely. And if you’re ever unsure whether your cargo will fit, just call us! We’re happy to help you choose the right bus and storage options for your specific needs.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Lake Forest

No matter where your group is headed, Charter Bus Rental Lake Forest has the bus and the storage capacity to get you there with everything you need. From weekend getaways to cross-country tours, our fleet offers comfortable seating, modern amenities, and the kind of luggage space that makes air travel look cramped. Ready to start planning? Call 949-787-4700 or request a free quote online today. Our team is standing by 24/7 to help you pick the perfect bus, customize your package, and answer any questions about packing, storage, or anything else. With Charter Bus Rental Lake Forest, your next trip is in the bag!