Avondale Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

When it comes to group travel, there’s nothing more convenient than a charter bus rental—especially when you need to haul luggage, equipment, or gear for your entire group. Whether you’re planning a multi-day field trip to the Arizona Science Center, shuttling wedding guests with overnight bags to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, or loading up sports equipment for an away game at State Farm Stadium, Charter Bus Rental Avondale has a bus ready to meet your needs. But how much storage space is actually available on each bus model? And how many suitcases, duffel bags, or hard cases can you realistically bring?

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about luggage space on our different bus models. We’ll cover under-floor baggage bays, overhead parcel racks, and what you can expect for total capacity per person—plus plenty of tips for group leaders on how to make sure everyone packs efficiently. If you still have questions after reading, call us anytime at 602-338-9040. Our team is available 24/7 to provide personalized recommendations and custom quotes!

Storage Space on our Different Bus Models in Avondale

Charter Bus Rental Avondale offers a wide range of buses to accommodate groups of all sizes and purposes. The amount of luggage space you’ll have access to depends largely on which type of vehicle you book.

Our full-size charter buses (40-56 passengers) are the gold standard for long-distance trips and large groups that need to pack heavy. These motorcoaches are equipped with both under-floor luggage bays and overhead parcel racks, offering the most generous storage capacity in our fleet. They’re ideal for airport shuttles, band tours, and any occasion where passengers will be bringing suitcases, instrument cases, or bulky equipment.

Minibuses (15-35 passengers) are more compact and nimble, perfect for navigating city streets during corporate events or serving as wedding shuttles between venues like Avondale Civic Center and Estrella Mountain Regional Park. While they don’t have under-floor baggage bays, many of our minibus models feature rear luggage compartments and overhead racks. They’re best suited for day trips or short hops where passengers only need to bring small carry-ons or backpacks.

Sprinter vans (10-15 passengers) and party buses (10-50 passengers) prioritize passenger comfort and amenities over luggage space. These vehicles may have limited or no dedicated storage areas, so they’re recommended for local outings where guests can keep personal items like purses or briefcases at their seats. If you do need to transport larger items with a sprinter van or party bus, let us know in advance—we can help you choose a vehicle with the most available space or arrange for a second vehicle just for cargo.

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

The under-floor luggage bays are the main storage area on our full-size charter buses, and they offer ample room for even the largest groups. These compartments run along both sides of the bus beneath the passenger deck and can be accessed from exterior doors at stops. Most of our motorcoaches have 3-4 bay doors per side, with the bays themselves measuring approximately 8 feet wide, 3.5-4 feet tall, and 3-4 feet deep. That adds up to a total under-floor storage capacity of 450-556 cubic feet per bus—enough space for every passenger to bring a large suitcase or equipment case.

For example, a standard 56-passenger Prevost H3-45 coach in our fleet features 460 cubic feet of under-floor storage without a wheelchair lift. That’s comparable to the cargo hold of a regional jet! Each bay is designed to fit multiple large “checked” bags or odd-shaped items like golf clubs, skis (when placed diagonally), or even rolling instrument trunks. The bays connect as pass-through compartments, allowing you to load from either side of the bus if needed.

It’s important to note that under-floor luggage bays are only accessible when the bus is parked and the exterior doors are open. Passengers should keep anything they might need during the ride—like snacks, medications, or electronics—in a smaller bag stored overhead or at their seat. The bulkier items go underneath until you reach your destination.

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

Inside the cabin, our full-size charter buses and many minibuses are equipped with overhead parcel racks above the seats. These function like airline overhead bins: they’re intended for carry-on items such as backpacks, laptop bags, coats, or small duffels. The typical dimensions of these racks are 10.5 inches high by 17.5 inches deep, though some models feature open racks with a lip while others have enclosed bins with doors.

Each overhead compartment is designed to comfortably fit two carry-on sized bags, usually measuring around 9 x 16 x 20 inches to 10 x 16 x 24 inches. It’s a good rule of thumb to limit each passenger to one small item in the overhead rack, plus perhaps a purse or briefcase at their feet. The total overhead storage across the entire bus often amounts to 100-120 cubic feet, providing plenty of room for everyone to stash personal belongings within easy reach during the ride.

If you’re booking a minibus or party bus, check with our reservation specialists about the specific model’s interior layout. Some minibuses have overhead racks running the length of the cabin, while others may only have them above certain rows or none at all. Party buses typically maximize seating and entertainment features, so overhead storage may be minimal or replaced by shelves for drinks and snacks. Plan accordingly and encourage passengers to pack light when using these vehicles.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

The number of bags each person can bring on your charter bus trip ultimately depends on the size of your group and the bus model you select. Here are some general guidelines based on our most common vehicle types:

On a full-size 56-passenger charter bus, you can safely plan for each passenger to bring one large “checked” suitcase (up to 62 linear inches and 50 pounds) for the under-floor bay, plus one carry-on sized bag (maximum 16 x 12 x 7 inches and 25 pounds) for the overhead rack. This aligns with typical airline baggage allowances and ensures that the bus won’t be overloaded. If your group isn’t filling every seat, you may be able to allocate extra bags to the unused space—just let us know your headcount and packing needs when you call for a quote.

For mid-size coaches seating 30-40 passengers, expect slightly less storage per person but still enough for one checked bag and one carry-on each. The under-floor bays may be smaller or fewer in number, so consider limiting large suitcases to half the group and having others use duffels or soft-sided bags that can be compressed.

Minibuses and sprinter vans are best for groups traveling light, as their storage is confined to a rear compartment or small overhead shelves. In these vehicles, ask passengers to bring only what they can comfortably hold on their lap or stow at their feet—a backpack, messenger bag, or tote. If you anticipate needing to transport additional luggage or equipment, we can arrange for a separate cargo van or trailer to follow the minibus.

Packing & planning tips for group leaders

As the group leader or trip organizer, you play a crucial role in ensuring that everyone’s luggage fits safely and efficiently on the bus. Here are some pro tips to help you plan ahead and avoid any last-minute surprises:

Communicate clear packing guidelines to all participants well in advance of departure. Specify the maximum size and weight for checked bags (usually 62 inches and 50 pounds) and carry-ons (16 x 12 x 7 inches and 25 pounds). Remind everyone that hard-sided suitcases stack better in the under-floor bay, while soft-sided bags can be squeezed into overhead racks or tight spaces.

Make a master list of all items that need to be transported, including personal luggage, group equipment, and any special cargo like medical supplies or presentation materials. For school or athletic trips, account for musical instruments, sports gear, or science kits that may require extra room. Knowing exactly what needs to fit on the bus will help us recommend the right vehicle size or suggest booking an additional cargo van if necessary.

Encourage passengers to label all bags with their name, contact info, and destination address. This makes it easier to identify luggage during loading and unloading, especially at busy hubs like airports or convention centers. Consider color-coding tags by subgroup (e.g., red for students, blue for chaperones) to streamline the process further.

Arrive at the pickup location early to allow ample time for organized loading. Designate a few strong volunteers to assist with lifting heavy suitcases into the under-floor bay, and have someone oversee the arrangement to maximize space. Place the largest, heaviest bags on the bottom and stack lighter items on top. Reserve the frontmost bay for items that need to be accessed first upon arrival, like event materials or meals.

During the trip, remind passengers to keep the aisle and emergency exits clear of bags. All carry-ons should be stored in the overhead rack or at the passenger’s feet, not blocking walkways. If anyone brings an oversized item that won’t fit, have a backup plan to transport it separately rather than compromising safety on board.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Avondale

No matter where your group is headed, Charter Bus Rental Avondale is committed to making your journey as comfortable and hassle-free as possible. Understanding the luggage capacity of your chosen bus model is key to ensuring that everyone’s belongings arrive safely and there’s enough room for all passengers to relax en route.

By following the packing guidelines outlined above and working closely with our reservation team, you can confidently plan a trip that meets your group’s unique needs. Whether you’re hauling suitcases for a weeklong conference, transporting delicate equipment for a school competition, or simply shuttling day-trippers with backpacks, we have the right bus and storage solution for you.

Ready to get started? Call Charter Bus Rental Avondale at 602-338-9040 today to discuss your itinerary, passenger count, and luggage requirements. We’ll provide a personalized quote for the perfect bus—and make sure there’s plenty of space for everything you need to bring along. With our extensive fleet, customizable packages, and 24/7 customer support, you can hit the road with confidence knowing your group and their gear are in good hands.