Montebello Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

Charter Bus Rental Montebello has been transporting groups across California for over a decade, and one question we hear time and again from first-time customers is: “How much luggage can I bring on the bus?” Whether you’re packing for an overnight field trip, a week-long corporate retreat, or a weekend music festival, knowing what will actually fit on your charter bus is crucial to a smooth departure.

While there’s no single answer—bus sizes and storage options vary—we can break down exactly how much space each vehicle typically offers. Read on for a complete guide to under-floor compartments, overhead parcel racks, and how to estimate the number of bags that will fit per passenger. We’ll also share must-know tips for group leaders who want to avoid last-minute surprises at pickup. Still have questions after reading this guide? Call 323-458-7325 anytime and our team will help you build the perfect itinerary!

Storage Space on Our Different Bus Models in Montebello

Charter Bus Rental Montebello operates a fleet of more than 100 buses, including full-size motorcoaches, mid-sized buses, minibuses, sprinter vans, and party buses. Each type offers a different combination of undercarriage bays, overhead racks, and rear storage compartments. Here’s what you can expect from our most popular models:

Full-size charter buses (40-56 passengers) are ideal for large groups traveling with lots of luggage. These 40-45-foot coaches have the largest under-floor baggage bays and overhead bins — think of them as the equivalent of a checked suitcase and a carry-on bag per person, similar to what airlines allow. If you’re leading a band tour with big instrument cases, a sports team with duffels of equipment, or a company retreat with boxes of trade show materials, this is your best bet for ample storage!

Mid-size buses (25-35 passengers) offer many of the same amenities as their larger counterparts but in a slightly more compact package. You’ll still find under-floor luggage bays and overhead racks, though with a bit less total capacity. This size is a great balance for medium groups who want both comfort and maneuverability — such as a church youth group heading to a weekend camp or a wedding party shuttling guests between hotels and venues.

Minibuses (15-28 passengers) usually do not have under-floor storage due to their smaller chassis. Instead, look for models with a rear luggage compartment or shelf behind the last row of seats. Overhead storage may be limited to open racks or small shelves above the windows. Minibuses are best for day trips or short hops where everyone can get by with just a backpack or tote bag. They’re popular for airport transfers, local sightseeing tours, or daily employee shuttles.

Sprinter vans (8-15 passengers) and party buses (10-50 passengers) prioritize passenger seating and onboard entertainment over cargo space. You might find a narrow aisle or a tiny trunk area, but plan on very limited storage — enough for personal items like purses and briefcases, but not rolling suitcases. These vehicles work well for bar crawls, birthday parties, or any event where the focus is on comfort and fun during a short ride.

How Much Space Is Available in the Under-Floor Bays?

The hallmark of a full-size charter bus is its under-floor luggage compartments, which run the length of the coach beneath the passenger cabin. Accessed via side doors, these bays offer massive cubic footage for stowing large suitcases, hard-shell cases, crates of gear, folding tables, coolers, and more.

A typical 56-passenger MCI or Prevost coach features three or four pass-through bays, each measuring about 8 feet wide, 3.5 feet tall, and 3-4 feet deep. That translates to roughly 500-600 cubic feet of total storage — enough for at least one large checked bag per rider, plus extra room for odd-shaped items like golf clubs or skis (which can be placed diagonally across the bay).

Keep in mind that the exact size and shape of the bays may vary depending on the model year and whether the bus has a wheelchair lift or other special equipment installed. Some newer luxury coaches even offer slide-out trays for easier loading and unloading heavy items. If your trip involves oversized cargo (like drum kits, AV cases, or team benches), let us know the dimensions when booking so we can match you with a bus that fits everything safely.

One important note: Under-floor compartments are only accessible when the bus is parked and the side doors are open. Anything you need during transit — medication, snacks, laptops, jackets — should stay with you in the main cabin.

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

Inside the passenger cabin, most full-size and mid-size buses feature overhead parcel racks above the seats. These function much like airplane bins, providing a convenient spot for carry-on bags, backpacks, briefcases, and smaller personal items.

On a standard 45-foot coach, each rack section typically measures around 10.5 inches high by 17.5 inches deep, with a length that spans several seat rows. The entire left and right racks together may add up to 100+ cubic feet of additional storage. Some buses have open racks with a retaining lip, while others boast airline-style enclosed bins with drop-down doors for added security.

Plan on each passenger being able to stash one item comparable to an airline carry-on: a soft-sided duffel, rollerboard, or large backpack. Hard-shell suitcases and anything heavier than 25 pounds should go in the under-floor bay instead, to avoid damaging the racks or creating a safety hazard if the bus brakes suddenly.

Smaller minibuses and sprinters may substitute narrow shelves above the windows or skip overhead storage altogether, so check with our reservation team if you’re unsure how much space will be available. In those cases, encourage riders to pack light and keep essentials within arm’s reach under their seats.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

The million-dollar question! While every group packs differently, here’s a general rule of thumb based on our years of experience:

For a full-size charter bus (40-56 passengers), plan on one large checked bag (up to 62 linear inches and 50 pounds) in the under-floor bay and one carry-on (up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches and 25 pounds) in the overhead rack per person. If your group travels light, you may be able to squeeze in two smaller bags each. For a mid-size bus (25-35 passengers), use the same guideline as above, but remind riders that the overall storage volume is reduced by about 25%. Urge everyone to consolidate into one checked bag if possible, especially for multi-day trips. For a minibus (15-28 passengers), limit luggage to one medium suitcase or large backpack per person, stored either in a rear compartment or on empty seats if available. Overhead space may hold purses, laptop bags, or lunch totes, but not much more. For a sprinter van or party bus, ask guests to bring only what they can comfortably hold in their lap or place under their seat — typically a small tote or daypack.

If you’re not sure whether all your gear will fit, err on the side of caution and request a larger bus. It’s better to have a few empty seats than to leave someone’s bag behind on the curb!

Packing & Planning Tips for Group Leaders

Maximizing charter bus storage starts long before the wheels roll. As the trip organizer, you can set your group up for success with these pro tips:

Communicate clear luggage guidelines in advance. Specify the number, size, and weight of bags allowed per person, mirroring airline limits if needed. Provide examples of acceptable carry-ons versus checked bags. Use a sign-up sheet or online form to collect information about oversized or special items (musical instruments, sports equipment, strollers, etc.). This helps us anticipate your storage needs and assign a suitable bus. Encourage efficient packing. Remind travelers to use soft-sided duffels or compressible suitcases, which stack more easily than rigid cases. Suggest sharing toiletries, consolidating electronics, and wearing bulky shoes or coats on board to save space. Label everything. Instruct everyone to put their name, phone number, and destination address on every piece of luggage, using sturdy tags or masking tape. This speeds up sorting and minimizes lost-and-found headaches later. Coordinate loading and unloading. Assign a couple of strong volunteers to assist with hoisting bags into the under-floor bays at both ends of the journey. Load heavier items first, distribute weight evenly, and keep aisles clear for safe boarding. Keep valuables and essentials in carry-ons. Advise riders never to pack passports, cash, medication, or fragile electronics in checked luggage, since the bays are only accessible when stopped. Anything needed en route should stay in the main cabin.

By setting expectations early and modeling good habits yourself, you’ll help the entire group travel lighter and happier!

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Montebello

Ready to put this packing wisdom into practice? Charter Bus Rental Montebello makes it easy to secure the right vehicle for your next group adventure, with instant online quotes and a dedicated reservations team available 24/7. We’ve been serving Montebello, Pico Rivera, Monterey Park, Commerce, Downey, Whittier, Bell Gardens, and all of Los Angeles County for over a decade, so we know exactly how to match your itinerary and headcount to the perfect bus.

Whether you’re heading to a convention at the Montebello Barnyard Zoo, a school field trip to the San Gabriel Mission, a company offsite in Downtown LA, or a wine tour in Temecula, we’ll make sure your luggage arrives safely and securely. With more than 100 vehicles in our fleet and custom packages for every occasion, there’s no group move too big or small for us to handle.

Get started today by calling 323-458-7325 or using our online quote tool to see real-time pricing and availability. Tell us your passenger count, destinations, and any special storage needs, and we’ll recommend the ideal bus configuration. Then, sit back and enjoy the ride — we’ll handle the logistics so you can focus on making memories!

Still have questions about charter bus luggage space? Need advice on optimizing your packing list or coordinating with multiple pickup locations? Our experienced team is always just a call or click away, ready to provide personalized solutions and peace of mind. At Charter Bus Rental Montebello, your group’s comfort and convenience come first — from the first bag loaded to the final stop unloaded.