Lakewood Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

No matter if you’re planning a weekend getaway to Disneyland or a field trip to the Columbia Memorial Space Center, packing for a group trip can be stressful. And when your travel plans include a charter bus rental, it can be difficult to know what to pack and how much room you’ll have for luggage. Not to worry! This handy packing guide will walk you through all the essentials of what to bring on your Lakewood charter bus rental and how to best utilize the storage space available to you.

Storage Space on our Different Bus Models in Lakewood

When you rent a bus with Charter Bus Rental Lakewood, you’ll have access to a variety of onboard amenities and storage solutions that can make your ride comfortable and clutter-free. The most common types of storage spaces you’ll find on our buses are undercarriage luggage bays and overhead parcel racks. Full-size charter buses (like 56-passenger models) offer the most luggage space, with large undercarriage compartments designed to hold everyone’s suitcases, sporting equipment, or presentation materials for a business convention at The Centre in Lakewood. Minibuses (seating 18-35 passengers) usually have smaller rear luggage holds or no dedicated luggage space at all, making them ideal for day trips around town where only light carry-ons are needed.

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

Full-size motorcoaches typically feature three to four under-floor luggage bays on each side of the bus. Each bay generally measures about 8 feet wide, 3.5 to 4 feet tall, and 3 to 4 feet deep. For example, a standard 56-passenger coach often has four bays, each around 46 inches high by 47 inches wide by 95 inches deep—enough space to fit several full-size suitcases per compartment. These pass-through bays connect from one side of the bus to the other, allowing easy loading from either curbside or street-side (though, for safety, it’s best to stick to the curb). Sports teams heading to Mayfair Park or traveling musicians with bulky gear will appreciate this spacious solution for their equipment.

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

Overhead storage bins inside the passenger area are similar to those found on airplanes. On full-size coaches, these bins typically measure about 10.5 inches high and 17.5 inches deep. Some buses come with open racks, while others have enclosed compartments with doors. They’re perfect for stowing away backpacks, purses, jackets, or small coolers. Most overhead bins are sized to fit two carry-on bags per section, giving each passenger convenient access to personal items during the drive. If you’re shuttling wedding guests between hotels and reception venues in Lakewood, these bins will easily accommodate gifts, flowers, or extra pairs of shoes without cluttering the aisles.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

The answer depends on the size of your bus and the number of passengers. As a general rule, a 56-passenger charter bus provides enough space for every rider to bring one large suitcase (stored underneath) and one small carry-on bag (placed in the overhead bin). If you’re not filling every seat on the bus, you might be able to bring along an extra bag or two per person. However, if you’re traveling with a full house or have oversized items like bicycles or musical instruments, it’s wise to pack conservatively. Group leaders should communicate clear guidelines before departure: ask each traveler to limit themselves to one checked bag (no more than 50 pounds) and one carry-on. This ensures everyone has room for their belongings and prevents last-minute scrambles to rearrange luggage at the curb.

Packing & planning tips for group leaders

Efficient group packing starts with good communication. Before the trip, send out a detailed packing list tailored to your itinerary and the storage capacity of your Lakewood charter bus rental. Remind travelers to pack essential items like medications, chargers, and snacks in their carry-on bags, as undercarriage compartments won’t be accessible until scheduled stops. For school field trips to places like El Dorado Nature Center, encourage students to keep electronics and valuables with them at all times. If your group includes athletes or performers with special equipment, coordinate with Charter Bus Rental Lakewood in advance so we can recommend the best vehicle for your needs. Finally, label all bags with names and contact information—especially if you’ll be making multiple stops or switching buses during a multi-day itinerary across California.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Lakewood

Ready to plan your next adventure? With over 100 different vehicles in our fleet, Charter Bus Rental Lakewood has the perfect transportation solution for groups of all sizes and occasions. Our team is available 24/7 to provide instant quotes, answer questions about onboard amenities, and help you customize your package for maximum comfort and convenience. Whether you’re organizing a corporate retreat, a church outing, or a family reunion, we’ll make sure your group travels safely and efficiently to every destination on your list. Call 562-724-9610 today to get started and experience the difference of renting with Lakewood’s top-rated charter bus company!