Bloomington Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

When your group trip finally rolls around, you’ll want everyone to be packed and ready to hit the road. But how much luggage can each passenger bring? Where will it all go on the bus? And what about larger or delicate items like musical instruments, sporting equipment, or coolers? If you have questions about storage on a charter bus, you’re in the right place! Here at Charter Bus Rental Bloomington, we get these questions from customers every day. We know there’s a lot to consider when coordinating travel for a group—so we’ve made this guide with everything you need to know about packing for a charter bus trip.

Storage Space on our Different Bus Models in Bloomington

Charter buses are built for long-distance travel and touring, so they offer the most storage space of any vehicle in our fleet. A full-size 56-passenger motorcoach comes standard with under-floor luggage bays and interior overhead parcel racks, giving you plenty of room for suitcases, event supplies, band equipment, and more. Exact measurements vary by manufacturer, but you can expect around 500 cubic feet of total storage space on a modern 45-foot coach—enough for one large suitcase and one carry-on per person if your bus is at capacity.

If you’re renting a minibus, storage options are more limited. Most minibuses do not have under-floor bays. Instead, they may have a small rear luggage area (think of the trunk space in a large SUV) or none at all. Overhead racks, if present, are also smaller than those on a full-size coach. For groups using a 15- to 35-passenger minibus, plan on packing light: one carry-on per person and perhaps a few checked bags that can be stowed in the rear or aisle, depending on the model.

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

This is where a charter bus really shines compared to other group transportation options. Under-floor luggage bays run almost the entire length of the bus, below the passenger seating area. On a typical 45-foot MCI J4500 or Prevost H3-45, you’ll find three to four separate bay doors on each side, with each bay measuring roughly 8 feet wide, 3.5 feet tall, and 3 feet deep. The bays are “pass-through,” meaning they connect underneath the bus, allowing access from either side.

These compartments are designed to hold large, heavy items such as checked suitcases, golf clubs, coolers, band gear, and even odd-shaped objects like skis (when loaded diagonally). With over 400 cubic feet of combined under-floor storage, a full-size charter bus can easily accommodate one large suitcase per passenger, plus extra room for group equipment. Just keep in mind that these bays are only accessible when the bus is parked, so anything you might need during the ride should stay with you inside the cabin.

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

Inside the bus, above the seats, you’ll find overhead storage racks. These are similar in size and function to airplane overhead bins, though some models have open racks with a lip instead of enclosed bins with doors. On a 45-foot coach, overhead bins typically measure about 10.5 inches high by 17.5 inches deep and run the length of both sides of the passenger cabin. Each compartment can fit two small carry-on bags or several backpacks, purses, jackets, and personal items.

Overhead racks are ideal for items you want easy access to while traveling: snacks, electronics, books, medication, or a change of clothes. They are not meant for heavy or oversized luggage, as placing such items overhead can be unsafe. If your group includes musicians, athletes, or others with specialty gear, check the dimensions of their cases to ensure they fit safely in the racks or plan to load them in the under-floor bays.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

The general rule for charter bus luggage is one large suitcase (checked bag) in the under-floor bay and one small carry-on in the overhead rack per passenger. This mirrors airline baggage policies and helps ensure the bus’s storage areas don’t get overloaded. Large checked bags should not exceed 50 pounds or 62 linear inches (length + width + height), while carry-ons should be under 25 pounds and small enough to fit easily in the overhead bin or beneath your seat.

If your bus is not at full capacity, you may be able to bring extra bags or larger items. Conversely, if you know your group will have a lot of equipment (such as a sports team with duffel bags and gear trunks or a marching band with instruments), you may need to limit personal luggage to make room. Always communicate with your reservation specialist about your group’s specific needs so we can recommend the best bus size and help you pack accordingly.

Packing & planning tips for group leaders

To make loading and unloading quick and efficient, ask your passengers to clearly label all luggage with their name and contact information. This helps prevent mix-ups, especially if you’re making multiple stops or using more than one bus. Encourage everyone to pack essentials (medication, valuables, electronics, snacks) in their carry-on, as under-floor bays are inaccessible while the bus is moving.

If your itinerary includes overnight stays, coordinate with hotels about luggage handling and parking for the bus. Some venues may have restrictions on where large vehicles can load and unload. For trips involving bulky or unusual items (like bicycles, kayaks, or AV equipment), provide advance notice so we can confirm whether they’ll fit in the available storage or if alternative arrangements are needed.

Finally, remind your group that safety comes first. Overloading the bus with excessive luggage can create hazards and potentially violate weight limits. It’s better to pack smart and travel comfortably than to cram every inch of space and risk delays or damage to belongings.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Bloomington

Whether you’re heading to an IU away game, a conference in Indianapolis, a music festival in Louisville, or a field trip to Chicago, Charter Bus Rental Bloomington can get you there with all your luggage in tow. Our team is available 24/7 to answer questions, provide instant quotes, and help you choose the perfect bus for your group’s size and storage needs. Call us today at 812-955-7680 to start planning your next adventure!