Tustin Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

Charter buses are the best way to move a group around Orange County. You get ample luggage storage, comfortable amenities, and a private ride with no logistical headaches or parking nightmares. But if you’ve never rented a charter bus before, you may be wondering: How much stuff can we actually bring? Where do we put it? And what else should I pack to ensure my group has a smooth trip?

Below, we’ll answer those questions and more in our ultimate charter bus packing guide. Whether you’re planning a sports tournament shuttle to Irvine, a school field trip to the Bowers Museum, or a multi-day corporate retreat in Newport Beach, this guide will help you make the most of your charter bus rental. If you need help choosing the right bus for your group’s size and storage needs, call 949-703-0740 anytime. Our team is available 24/7!

Storage Space on our Different Bus Models in Tustin

Charter Bus Rental Tustin offers a wide variety of bus types, each with different amounts of luggage space. Full-size charter buses (40-56 passengers) have the most storage, thanks to their massive under-floor bays and overhead racks. Minibuses (15-35 passengers) and Sprinter vans (10-14 passengers) have less room but are still far more spacious than piling into SUVs or carpooling.

Here’s a quick overview of the main storage options on each bus type:

Charter buses: These coaches have huge under-floor luggage bays that run the length of the bus, accessible from outside. Each bay can hold multiple full-size suitcases, duffel bags, or even bulky equipment like golf clubs, coolers, or musical instruments. Inside the cabin, you’ll find overhead parcel racks above the seats for carry-on items.

Minibuses: Most minibuses don’t have under-floor bays. Instead, some models offer a rear luggage compartment behind the last row of seats, which can fit several medium-sized suitcases or gear bags. Overhead racks inside are smaller than those on full-size buses, suitable for backpacks and small totes.

Sprinter vans: Storage in these vans is very limited. There’s typically enough space in the rear cargo area for a few carry-on suitcases or folding strollers. Overhead shelves may be present for jackets or briefcases, but anything larger should go in the back.

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

If you rent a full-size charter bus, you’ll be amazed at how much you can fit in the under-floor bays. A standard 56-passenger motorcoach has three to four pass-through bays beneath the passenger deck, each about 8 feet wide, 3.5 feet tall, and 4 feet deep. Combined, they provide 400-500 cubic feet of storage—enough for every passenger to bring a large checked suitcase or equipment case.

These bays are perfect for storing luggage you won’t need access to during the drive, such as:

Suitcases and garment bags for overnight trips

Sports equipment like hockey bags or lacrosse sticks

Musical instruments in hard cases

Trade show booths or AV crates for conventions

Coolers and food boxes for tailgates or picnics

Strollers, wheelchairs, or medical supplies

Because the bays connect side-to-side, you can load them from either curbside or street side, depending on the parking situation. Just be sure to keep emergency exits clear and avoid blocking the aisle with oversize items.

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

Every bus in our fleet has overhead storage racks running the length of the passenger cabin. On full-size charter buses, these racks are similar to airplane bins (but open, not closed) and measure about 10 inches high by 16 inches deep. They’re designed for carry-on bags, backpacks, purses, laptop cases, and other small personal items.

Most passengers can fit one airline-style carry-on bag or two small totes per person in the overhead rack above their seat. Anything too heavy or bulky for the rack should be stored in the under-floor bays instead. The racks are perfect for keeping essentials within reach during the drive, such as snacks, books, headphones, tablets, medicines, and chargers.

On minibuses and Sprinters, overhead racks are narrower and may only fit a thin backpack or jacket per rider. Plan to pack light and keep larger bags in the rear compartment or at your feet.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

The golden rule for charter bus luggage is: One checked bag and one carry-on bag per person. This mirrors typical airline allowances and ensures there’s enough room for everyone’s belongings without overloading the bus.

For checked bags, stick to suitcases or duffels no larger than 62 linear inches (length + width + height) and weighing under 50 pounds each. For carry-ons, use soft-sided bags or daypacks that fit easily in the overhead rack or under your seat. Avoid bringing hard-shell trunks, loose cardboard boxes, or unbagged items that could shift during transit.

If your group needs to bring extra gear—such as band instruments, conference displays, or team coolers—let us know when booking. We can recommend a larger coach with more bays or add a trailer to your reservation for overflow storage. It’s always better to have a little extra space than to cram everything in last minute!

Packing & planning tips for group leaders

As the trip organizer, you can help your group have a smooth boarding experience by communicating luggage guidelines in advance. When you send out the itinerary, include a note like:

“Each passenger may bring one checked suitcase (max 50 lbs, 62” total dimensions) and one carry-on bag for the overhead rack. Please label all bags clearly with your name and contact info. Fragile or valuable items should stay with you in the cabin.”

Encourage your group to pack efficiently by rolling clothes, using packing cubes, and sharing communal items when possible (e.g., first aid kit, sunscreen, board games). Remind them that the under-floor bays will not be accessible until the next scheduled stop, so anything needed en route (medications, electronics, entertainment) should stay in their carry-on.

On departure day, arrive early to oversee the loading process. Assign one or two volunteers to help arrange bags in the bays, starting with the largest suitcases and working down to smaller items. Keep an inventory list or photo record of all checked baggage in case something goes missing. Once everyone is settled, double-check that aisles and exits are clear before hitting the road.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Tustin

When you book group transportation with Charter Bus Rental Tustin, you’ll never have to worry about fitting all your stuff in a trunk or paying extra baggage fees. Our fleet of modern buses has room for all the luggage, equipment, and souvenirs your group needs, whether you’re headed across town or across California.

To get started, call 949-703-0740 or request a quote online. Our reservation specialists are available 24/7 to help you choose the perfect bus size, plan your route, and customize onboard amenities like WiFi, power outlets, and DVD players. With Charter Bus Rental Tustin handling the logistics, you can focus on enjoying the journey with your group—and maybe even sneak in an extra pair of shoes or two.