San Dimas Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

When it comes to planning group travel in San Dimas, one of the most common questions we hear at Charter Bus Rental San Dimas is: “How much luggage can we actually bring on the bus?” Whether you’re shuttling sports teams to Bonelli Park, heading out on a weekend retreat to the Angeles National Forest, or organizing a school field trip to Raging Waters, packing smart and understanding your charter bus’s storage space will make your journey smooth and stress-free. This guide breaks down available luggage capacity on our most popular bus models, offers practical tips for group leaders, and helps you estimate exactly how many bags (and what kind) can comfortably fit on board.

Storage Space on our Different Bus Models in San Dimas

Our fleet includes everything from compact minibuses to spacious full-size motorcoaches, each with its own unique storage setup. Our 56-passenger charter buses are the gold standard for long-distance trips with heavy luggage loads. These buses are equipped with expansive under-floor luggage bays that run the width of the vehicle, offering pass-through access from either side. Inside, you’ll find overhead parcel racks above the seats, designed for smaller carry-on items like backpacks, purses, and briefcases. If you’re booking a minibus (seating 18-35 passengers), expect more limited storage. Most minibuses offer a rear luggage compartment rather than under-floor bays, and some may only have overhead racks or even just empty seat space. This makes them ideal for local shuttles or day trips around San Dimas where passengers can pack light. Sprinter vans and executive shuttles typically feature rear cargo areas and small overhead shelves, suitable for briefcases and small duffel bags but not large suitcases.

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

The real workhorse of charter bus storage is the under-floor bay, found on all full-size coaches and some mid-size models. On a standard 56-passenger motorcoach, you can expect three to four huge luggage compartments beneath the passenger deck. Each bay door opens to reveal a space roughly 8 feet wide, 3.5 feet high, and 3-4 feet deep. Most bays are pass-through, meaning they connect across the width of the bus, so you can load from either curbside or street side. In total, a typical full-size coach offers between 450 and 550 cubic feet of under-floor storage—enough for every passenger to bring one large checked bag (think airline-standard suitcase, about 62 linear inches) and still have room for a few odd-shaped items like golf clubs or musical instruments. To put it another way: if your group is flying into Ontario International Airport and has packed for a week-long conference at the Sheraton Fairplex, one 56-passenger bus can easily handle everyone’s main luggage with space to spare.

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

Inside the cabin, charter buses typically have overhead racks running along both sides, directly above the seats. These are similar in concept to airplane overhead bins but usually open (no doors) and slightly larger. The dimensions vary by bus model, but most racks measure about 10.5 inches high and 17.5 inches deep, stretching almost the entire length of the seating area. Each rack section can comfortably hold two to three standard carry-on bags (think 16 x 12 x 7 inches) or a mix of backpacks, laptop cases, and tote bags. For a 56-passenger bus, this adds up to roughly 100-120 cubic feet of additional storage. While these racks aren’t meant for heavy suitcases (they’re not built to support that much weight), they’re perfect for items you want within arm’s reach during the ride—snacks, tablets, jackets, or small medical kits. If you’re hosting a corporate outing to the San Dimas Canyon Golf Course, remind your team to keep laptops and presentation materials in their carry-ons for easy access.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

The short answer: on a full-size charter bus, plan for one large checked bag plus one carry-on per person, mirroring airline allowances. The long answer depends on your exact headcount, the size of individual bags, and any special equipment your group needs to transport. With all bays loaded, a 56-passenger bus can handle 55-60 large suitcases (up to 50 pounds each) in the under-floor compartments, plus 55-60 smaller carry-ons in the overhead racks. If your group isn’t filling every seat, you’ll have extra room to spread out or bring bulkier items. Conversely, if every passenger brings an oversized trunk or multiple duffels, space will get tight fast. For minibuses, especially those without rear luggage compartments, we recommend limiting each passenger to one small suitcase or duffel and one personal item. Overhead racks might hold 15-20 carry-ons total, while the rear cargo area (if available) could fit 10-15 medium bags. Always check with our reservation team when booking to confirm your bus model’s exact storage specs.

Packing & Planning Tips for Group Leaders

Smart packing makes for happy traveling! As the group leader, set clear expectations with your passengers before departure. Share the “one checked, one carry-on” guideline, and specify maximum bag sizes (e.g., checked bags no larger than 62 linear inches, carry-ons no bigger than 18 x 14 x 8 inches). Encourage everyone to label their luggage clearly with name tags—this speeds up loading and reduces lost-and-found headaches. If your itinerary includes stops where passengers need quick access to certain items (like swimsuits for a midday splash at Raging Waters), remind them to keep those essentials in their carry-ons, not buried in the under-floor bay. For groups bringing special equipment—sports teams with gear bags, bands with instrument cases, or trade show exhibitors with booth materials—provide a detailed inventory to our team when booking. We can help you select a bus with extra storage or arrange a second vehicle if needed. Finally, build in buffer time for loading and unloading at each stop, especially if your schedule is tight. It’s better to arrive early at the San Dimas Community Center and have a relaxed baggage transfer than to rush and risk leaving something behind.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental San Dimas

With over a decade of experience providing charter bus rentals across San Dimas and the greater Los Angeles area, our team knows how to match groups with the right vehicle and storage solution. From single-day shuttles to multi-week tours, we’ve moved everything from wedding parties with delicate floral arrangements to tech companies hauling crates of AV gear. When you call us at 840-804-5880, our reservation specialists will walk you through available bus options, discuss your group’s specific packing needs, and provide an instant quote. We’ll help you choose a charter bus or minibus with the perfect balance of passenger comfort and luggage capacity, ensuring nothing gets left behind. Ready to hit the road? Contact Charter Bus Rental San Dimas today to book your next trip and experience the difference that thoughtful planning and ample storage can make. Your adventure starts with a perfectly packed bus!