Redlands Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

Whether you’re planning a long weekend of hiking in San Bernardino National Forest or an extended field trip to the San Diego Zoo, understanding your charter bus’s storage capacity is crucial. At Charter Bus Rental Redlands, we know how important it is for group leaders and travelers alike to feel confident that all their gear—from suitcases to scientific equipment—will fit comfortably on board.

We created this detailed charter bus packing guide to help you estimate how much luggage space you’ll have on your next trip. This post breaks down the under-floor bays, overhead racks, and other storage features on our most popular models. If you still have questions about what will fit or want to arrange multiple buses for especially large hauls, call 840-300-7560 anytime!

Storage Space on our Different Bus Models in Redlands

Charter bus luggage space varies widely depending on the size and type of vehicle you book. Full-size 56-passenger motorcoaches are the gold standard for long-distance trips with lots of cargo. These highway-ready coaches typically feature three to four massive under-floor bays—each roughly 8 feet wide, 4 feet high, and 4 feet deep—running the length of the vehicle. That’s enough room for one large suitcase per person plus extra space for group equipment, musical instruments, or even skis and snowboards loaded diagonally. With a 56-passenger model, expect total undercarriage storage of 450 to 550 cubic feet, comparable to a small moving truck.

Minibuses and mid-size coaches offer scaled-down storage options suitable for day trips or lighter loads. A 25-passenger minibus might provide a single rear luggage compartment measuring about 80 cubic feet—enough for 15 to 20 full-size suitcases if packed efficiently. Some larger minibuses add slim under-floor bays, but these generally accommodate smaller bags or cases rather than bulky checked luggage. Overhead parcel racks inside the cabin supplement the main storage area, giving each rider space for a backpack or carry-on.

If you need more than one bus to move everything, Charter Bus Rental Redlands can build a custom fleet package. We regularly coordinate multi-bus shuttles for conferences at the Fox Event Center or festival runs to the Coachella Valley. Our team will ask about your passenger headcount and estimated luggage volume to ensure every item has a spot before departure.

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

Under-floor luggage compartments are the workhorses of charter bus storage, particularly on full-size motorcoaches built for interstate travel. These bays sit beneath the passenger deck, spanning the width of the vehicle from curbside to roadside door. Most 40- to 45-foot models feature three or four separate bay doors per side, with each compartment roughly 46 inches high, 48 inches wide, and 96 inches deep. That adds up to nearly 500 cubic feet of pass-through storage—plenty for 56 large roller bags, several folding tables, and bulky items like drum kits or sports coolers.

What sets charter bus under-floor bays apart from school buses or transit shuttles is their depth and accessibility. Unlike overhead racks limited by ceiling height, these lower compartments allow standing adults to load heavy suitcases without lifting them above waist level. The bays’ full pass-through design means you can access stored items from either side of the coach, streamlining curbside loading at busy locations like Ontario International Airport or Loma Linda University Medical Center.

Some specialty motorcoaches—such as entertainer tour buses or ADA-compliant models—may sacrifice a portion of under-floor space for equipment like wheelchair lifts or generator units. If your group requires both maximum luggage capacity and special accommodations, let our reservation experts know early so we can match you with the ideal vehicle configuration.

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

Inside the passenger cabin, overhead parcel racks serve as the charter bus equivalent of airline bins. On full-size coaches, these open or enclosed shelves run along both sides of the aisle above the seats, typically measuring 10.5 inches high by 17.5 inches deep. That’s sufficient for each rider to stow a carry-on suitcase, laptop bag, or small duffel within arm’s reach during the journey.

While overhead racks are designed for personal items needed en route—snacks, electronics, jackets—they aren’t intended for oversized or excessively heavy luggage. Most operators recommend limiting individual carry-ons to 25 pounds or less to prevent strain when lifting bags into the rack. Larger items should be checked into the under-floor bays prior to boarding.

Mid-size coaches and minibuses may feature narrower or shorter overhead racks, sometimes as shallow as 9 inches high by 16 inches deep. These compact shelves accommodate backpacks, purses, and soft-sided totes rather than hard-shell rollers. If your itinerary includes frequent stops where passengers will want quick access to essentials, remind them to pack light and label their overhead bags clearly to avoid mix-ups.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

A good rule of thumb for charter bus luggage allowances is “one big, one small.” On a fully booked 56-passenger motorcoach, each traveler can expect space for one checked suitcase (up to 50 pounds) in the under-floor bays and one carry-on bag in the overhead rack. That mirrors the baggage policy of most airlines and ensures equitable access to storage for everyone on board.

If your group isn’t filling every seat, you may have additional leeway to bring extra gear. For example, a 40-person wedding party on a 56-passenger bus could allocate the unused bay space to garment bags, floral arrangements, or gift boxes without crowding out luggage. Conversely, if you anticipate every passenger arriving with two or more large suitcases—common for college move-ins or band tours—consider booking a second bus or arranging a follow van for overflow items.

On minibuses and smaller coaches, luggage allowances shrink accordingly. Budget for one medium suitcase or duffel per person in the rear compartment, plus a personal item overhead. Groups traveling with bulky equipment—like golf teams headed to Redlands Country Club or theater troupes hauling set pieces—should request a vehicle with dedicated cargo space or plan to trailer excess freight behind the bus.

Packing & Planning Tips for Group Leaders

To make the most of your charter bus’s storage capacity and keep the loading process smooth, follow these best practices:

Communicate baggage limits clearly to all participants before departure. Specify maximum dimensions and weights for checked and carry-on items, mirroring the guidelines above. Encourage travelers to use soft-sided luggage that compresses easily in tight spaces.

Collect any group equipment—banners, coolers, presentation materials—in advance and consolidate them into as few containers as possible. Label each piece with your organization’s name and a contact number in case anything gets separated during transfer.

Arrange for early arrival at your pickup location, especially if boarding at busy venues like the University of Redlands or San Bernardino Depot. Extra time allows for organized loading, proper weight distribution in the bays, and last-minute adjustments if someone arrives with unexpected cargo.

Assign a point person from your group to oversee the luggage count and verify that all bags are loaded before departure. This leader can also keep an inventory of valuable or fragile items, ensuring they receive priority placement and gentle handling throughout the trip.

Remind passengers that under-floor bays are only accessible when the bus is parked. Anything needed during transit—medications, chargers, reading material—should stay with them in the cabin. Lock valuables or sensitive equipment in a designated overhead bin if security is a concern during rest stops.

By setting clear expectations and coordinating with your Charter Bus Rental Redlands specialist, you can maximize every inch of available storage and avoid last-minute scrambles on travel day.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Redlands

With over 10 years of experience moving groups across California, Charter Bus Rental Redlands understands that efficient luggage management is key to a successful trip. From high-capacity motorcoaches serving Palm Springs conventions to nimble minibuses shuttling local sports teams, our diverse fleet offers storage solutions for gatherings of any size and purpose.

If you have specific cargo requirements—such as transporting AV equipment for a concert at the Redlands Bowl or science kits for a field study in Joshua Tree—let us know during the quoting process. Our reservation team will match you with vehicles featuring the right combination of under-floor bays, overhead racks, and rear compartments to fit your manifest.

Still unsure whether your gear will fit? Call 840-300-7560 any time for a personalized assessment. We’ll review your itinerary, passenger list, and packing needs to recommend a bus (or combination of buses) that keeps everything and everyone safely on board. With Charter Bus Rental Redlands, you can focus on the journey ahead while we handle the logistics below deck.