Upland Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

Charter bus travel is one of the best ways to simplify group transportation around Upland and throughout San Bernardino County. But when you’re coordinating a large trip — like a multi-day school tour, a corporate retreat in Rancho Cucamonga, or a sports team away game — it’s important to know how much luggage space your bus will offer. That way, everyone can pack appropriately and you can avoid logistical headaches on departure day.

At Charter Bus Rental Upland, we get questions about storage capacity all the time. How many suitcases fit under a 56-passenger charter bus? Are there overhead racks for carry-ons? What about equipment, coolers, or presentation materials? This guide breaks down exactly how much space is available on each bus size so you can pack and plan with confidence.

Storage Space on our Different Bus Models in Upland

Our fleet includes everything from 15-passenger minibuses to 56-passenger full-size coaches. Storage capacity varies significantly between models, so the right choice depends on your group’s size and itinerary.

Full-size charter buses (40-56 passengers) are designed for long-distance trips and come equipped with the largest amount of luggage space. Beneath the passenger cabin, these buses feature undercarriage bays that stretch nearly the length of the vehicle. Onboard, you’ll find overhead parcel racks running above the seats on both sides of the aisle, similar to airplane bins.

Minibuses (15-35 passengers) are ideal for local shuttle routes, day trips, and small-group excursions. Most minibuses do not have underfloor luggage bays due to their lower height and shorter wheelbase. However, some models include rear luggage holds behind the last row of seats. Overhead racks are also smaller or sometimes omitted entirely, depending on the minibus configuration.

Sprinter vans (10-15 passengers) and party buses (10-50 passengers) prioritize seating and entertainment amenities over cargo space. You’ll typically find limited or no dedicated luggage compartments, so packing light is essential for these vehicles.

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

The main advantage of a full-size charter bus is its underfloor luggage capacity. These bays are accessed from outside the bus via large side doors, allowing your group to stow bulky items out of sight and out of the aisle.

On a typical 56-passenger coach, the undercarriage storage totals approximately 400 to 500 cubic feet across three or four separate bays. Each bay measures around 8 feet wide by 3 feet high by 3 feet deep. Combined, this offers enough room for every passenger to bring one standard checked suitcase (27 x 21 x 14 inches) plus several larger items like duffel bags, musical instruments, sports gear, or display booths.

For reference, a 45-foot MCI J4500 — one of the most common motorcoaches in our fleet — provides 470 cubic feet of luggage space below deck. That’s roughly equivalent to the trunk of seven full-size SUVs! Even when traveling with a full bus, your group won’t need to worry about leaving anything behind.

If you’re bringing oversized equipment, such as golf clubs for a tournament at Red Hill Country Club or AV gear for a conference at the Upland Hills Country Club, let us know when booking. We can recommend a model with extra-large bays or arrange an additional trailer if needed.

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

Inside the bus, overhead parcel racks provide convenient storage for smaller bags and personal items. These shelves run the length of the passenger cabin above the windows, similar to those found on airplanes but without closing doors.

Each section of the rack is about 16 inches deep and 10 inches high, offering plenty of room for backpacks, tote bags, laptop cases, purses, and coats. As a general guideline, most overhead racks can accommodate one carry-on per passenger, provided they don’t exceed airline carry-on dimensions (22 x 14 x 9 inches).

Stowing essentials overhead keeps them easily accessible during the journey while freeing up legroom at your seat. If your group includes students with heavy textbooks, business travelers with laptops, or athletes with day packs, encourage everyone to use the racks instead of piling items on the floor.

Some luxury charter buses also feature enclosed overhead bins with doors that latch shut, providing extra security for valuables. Ask our reservation specialists about bus models with this amenity if you’re transporting sensitive equipment or personal electronics.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

The answer depends on the type of bus you rent and how many people are riding. Here’s a quick breakdown:

56-Passenger Charter Bus: Each person can bring one large checked suitcase for the undercarriage bays plus one carry-on bag for the overhead rack or their seat area. With 500+ cubic feet of total storage, even a fully loaded coach has ample space for everyone’s luggage.

25-Passenger Minibus: Plan for one medium-sized suitcase or duffel bag per person if the bus has a rear luggage hold. If not, limit each rider to one carry-on that fits in the overhead shelf or beneath their seat. For short local trips within Upland, encourage guests to pack as lightly as possible.

15-Passenger Sprinter Van/Party Bus: Space is very limited, so only allow one small backpack or purse per person. Larger bags may need to be left behind or transported separately.

If your group has special luggage needs — such as musical instruments for a performance at Cable Airport, sports equipment for a game at Baldy View Park, or trade show displays for an event at Ontario Convention Center — tell us upfront. We can match you with a bus that has extra-large bays or arrange for additional cargo support if necessary.

Packing & planning tips for group leaders

To ensure a smooth boarding process and comfortable ride, follow these best practices when organizing your group’s luggage:

Communicate clear guidelines: Send out detailed packing instructions before departure day, specifying the number and size of bags allowed per person based on your bus type. Remind travelers to label their luggage with their name and contact info.

Load heavy items first: Place the largest and heaviest suitcases or equipment in the center of the undercarriage bays to distribute weight evenly. Lighter bags can go on top or toward the outer edges.

Keep essentials accessible: Advise passengers to pack medications, snacks, electronics, chargers, and travel documents in their carry-on or personal item rather than checked luggage. The underfloor bays are only accessible when the bus is parked, not while driving.

Use soft-sided bags when possible: Duffels and collapsible suitcases are easier to stack and maneuver in tight spaces compared to hard-shell luggage. They also help maximize every inch of available storage.

Consider a luggage trailer: For groups with excessive gear — like marching bands, sports teams, or convention exhibitors — adding a small trailer to your reservation can provide up to 200 extra cubic feet of space without sacrificing passenger comfort onboard.

Arrive early for loading: Schedule your group to meet at least 30 minutes prior to departure so there’s ample time for organized luggage loading. Our team will assist with handling and stowing bags safely.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Upland

Whether you’re planning a weekend ski trip to Mt. Baldy, shuttling wedding guests to a vineyard in Temecula, or taking students on a college tour across Southern California, Charter Bus Rental Upland has the right vehicle and storage solution for your needs. Our diverse fleet ensures your group’s luggage — and comfort — is always a top priority.

Ready to start planning? Call (840) 800-6490 anytime to speak with our team. We’ll help you choose the perfect bus size, review your itinerary, and provide a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your group’s requirements. With Charter Bus Rental Upland, you can travel confidently knowing your bags — and your trip — are in good hands.