Bellflower Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

It’s finally time for your group trip to the Los Angeles area! Maybe you’re headed to a Dodgers game, a family reunion at El Dorado Park, or a field trip to the Columbia Memorial Space Center. You’ve already booked the perfect charter bus rental in Bellflower, created your itinerary, and now there’s just one thing left — packing for the journey.

Before everyone starts making their packing lists, you’ll want to know what kind of luggage space is available on board your charter bus rental. To help you prepare for your next group trip, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide explaining everything you need to know about storage space on our buses. If you still have questions after reading, don’t hesitate to call us at 562-202-5212 for more information!

Storage Space on our Different Bus Models in Bellflower

Charter Bus Rental Bellflower has access to a variety of bus rentals that suit every kind of group trip in Southern California. From full-size 56-passenger charter buses to mid-size minibuses and compact sprinter vans, each vehicle comes with its own set of storage options. Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect:

Full-size charter buses (40-56 passengers) are equipped with spacious underfloor luggage bays that run along both sides of the vehicle. These storage compartments are ideal for holding large items like checked suitcases, golf clubs, coolers, musical instruments, or even sports equipment. In addition, overhead parcel racks above the seats provide room for carry-on bags, backpacks, camera cases, and other personal belongings you may want to keep close by during the ride.

Minibuses (15-35 passengers) typically do not have underfloor luggage bays due to their smaller size. However, many models include rear luggage compartments behind the last row of seats. While not as large as the bays on a full-size coach, these spaces can still accommodate several rolling suitcases or duffel bags. Of course, overhead parcel racks are also available on most minibus rentals for storing carry-ons and small bags within easy reach.

Sprinter vans (10-15 passengers) offer the least amount of dedicated luggage space but make up for it with flexibility. Some models feature extended rear cargo areas that can hold a few medium-sized suitcases, while others may have removable seats to increase storage capacity as needed. Overhead racks are less common, so you’ll want to pack light and utilize soft-sided bags that can be easily stacked or stowed under seats if necessary.

Pro tip: When requesting a quote from Charter Bus Rental Bellflower, let your reservation specialist know how much luggage your group will be bringing. They can recommend the best vehicle option and even suggest booking an extra bus solely for transporting gear if your needs exceed typical storage limits.

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

The underfloor luggage bays on a standard 56-passenger charter bus are impressively roomy, often matching or exceeding the cargo hold of a commercial airplane. On average, you can expect around 450-500 cubic feet of storage space spread across multiple compartments accessible from both sides of the vehicle.

To put this in perspective, each bay door typically opens to a compartment measuring approximately 8 feet wide, 3.5 feet tall, and 3-4 feet deep. The design allows for easy loading and unloading of bulky items without having to navigate narrow aisles or lift heavy bags overhead. Most operators recommend reserving this area for checked luggage, equipment cases, or anything else you won’t need immediate access to during transit.

One important note: if your charter bus is equipped with a wheelchair lift for ADA accessibility, one of the luggage bays will be partially occupied by the lift mechanism. While this does reduce overall storage capacity slightly, there is still ample room for most groups’ needs. Be sure to mention any accessibility requirements when booking so your specialist can account for this in the planning process.

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

Inside the passenger cabin, overhead parcel racks run along both sides above the seats, providing convenient storage for carry-on items. These racks are similar in size and function to those found on airplanes, though they are usually open rather than enclosed with doors.

On a full-size charter bus, each overhead rack section typically measures around 10.5 inches high by 17.5 inches deep, with varying lengths depending on the seat configuration. While not designed for very large or heavy items, these racks can easily accommodate small suitcases, backpacks, purses, laptop bags, and other essentials you might want to access during the ride. Most groups find that two carry-on sized bags fit comfortably per section.

Keep in mind that overhead storage is shared among all passengers in the adjacent rows, so encourage your group to pack efficiently and avoid overstuffing the racks. Heavier or fragile items should be stored underneath the bus to prevent shifting or damage while traveling on bumpy roads.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

With all this talk of storage space, you’re probably wondering exactly how much luggage each person can bring on board. While there are no hard-and-fast rules, a good guideline is to allow each passenger one checked bag for the underfloor bay and one carry-on for the overhead rack, similar to airline baggage policies.

For checked luggage, recommend that each bag not exceed 50 pounds and measure no more than 62 linear inches (length + width + height). This ensures that bags are manageable for loading and unloading while maximizing the number of suitcases that can fit in the compartment. Overweight or oversized items may require special handling or take up space that could otherwise be used for additional passengers’ belongings.

Carry-on bags should be small enough to fit in the overhead rack or under the seat in front of each passenger. A general rule of thumb is to stick to dimensions around 16 x 12 x 7 inches to 18 x 14 x 8 inches and a weight limit of 25 pounds. Items like laptops, snacks, medications, books, and entertainment devices are perfect for keeping within arm’s reach during the journey.

If your group is traveling with extra-large or unusual items such as sports equipment, musical instruments, trade show displays, or medical supplies, be sure to notify your Charter Bus Rental Bellflower specialist ahead of time. We can help you determine if the item will fit in the available storage or if alternative arrangements, such as a trailer or separate vehicle, are necessary.

Packing & planning tips for group leaders

As the group leader or trip organizer, it’s your responsibility to communicate luggage guidelines to all participants and ensure everyone follows them. Here are some tips to make the packing process smooth and stress-free:

Share specific bag size and weight limits with your group well in advance, along with examples of acceptable carry-ons versus checked luggage. Remind everyone to label their bags clearly with their name and contact information in case anything gets misplaced. Consider creating a master list of who is bringing what, especially if you’re transporting valuable or sensitive equipment.

Arrange for everyone to arrive at the pickup location at least 30 minutes early to allow ample time for loading luggage onto the bus. Have a few volunteers assist with organizing the underfloor bays, grouping similar items together and ensuring nothing is blocking the emergency exits. Double-check that overhead racks are not overloaded and that all bags are secured before departure.

During the trip, remind passengers that underfloor luggage is only accessible when the bus is parked, so they should keep any items they may need en route (medications, snacks, chargers, etc.) in their carry-on. Upon arrival at your destination, coordinate an orderly unloading process to avoid confusion or lost items.

By setting clear expectations and staying organized, you’ll help your group make the most of the available storage space and enjoy a comfortable, clutter-free ride to your Bellflower destination.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Bellflower

No matter where your travels take you — from the beaches of Long Beach to the mountains of Big Bear Lake — Charter Bus Rental Bellflower is committed to providing safe, reliable, and comfortable transportation for groups of all sizes. With a wide selection of vehicles and flexible storage options, we make it easy to bring everything you need for a successful trip.

If you have any questions about luggage capacity or need help choosing the right bus for your group, our reservation specialists are available 24/7 to assist you. Call us today at 562-202-5212 to get started and experience the difference that comes with riding with Bellflower’s leading charter bus company. Safe travels!