Southfield Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

Whether you’re loading up for a Tigers game at Comerica Park, packing suitcases for a multi-day field trip to the Michigan Science Center, or bringing musical gear to a gig in downtown Detroit, knowing what you can fit on your bus is crucial. Charter Bus Rental Southfield has put together this comprehensive guide to storage and luggage space on our different bus models so you know exactly how much room you have for each passenger and every suitcase.

Storage Space on our Different Bus Models in Southfield

Storage space on your charter bus depends entirely on which model you book. Some smaller minibuses are built only for short hops with no undercarriage bays, while full-size motorcoaches offer hundreds of cubic feet for large suitcases, golf clubs, instruments, coolers, and more. Here’s what you can expect from the most common coach types available in Southfield:

Full-Size Charter Buses (40-56 passengers): These classic motorcoaches are the standard for sports team travel, band tours, cross-state school trips, and any group hauling lots of luggage. Nearly all feature huge under-floor “belly” bays accessed from outside, plus overhead parcel racks inside above the seats. Many also include rear cargo holds for extra-long items. Count on 450-550+ cubic feet of total storage capacity, enough for one large checked bag per person plus small carry-ons.

Mid-Size Coaches (30-39 passengers): Slightly shorter than full-size buses but still built on a true motorcoach platform, these seat around 35 guests and typically offer two under-floor luggage bays plus overhead racks. Expect about 250-350 cubic feet of storage, suitable for one medium suitcase and one small carry-on per passenger. Great for mid-size corporate shuttles or school trips with moderate packing needs.

Minibuses (15-28 passengers): Minibuses are designed primarily for local shuttle service and airport transfers. Most do not have under-floor bays, though some premium models add small rear luggage compartments behind the last row. Overhead racks inside are usually open shelves with a raised lip. Plan on fitting only what you can carry aboard: one small carry-on or backpack per rider, plus perhaps 10-15 suitcases in the back if there is a rear hold.

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

On a typical full-size charter bus such as a Prevost H3-45 or MCI J4500, the under-floor luggage bays are the primary storage area for big bags and heavy equipment. Each bay spans the entire width of the bus (about 8 feet), stands roughly 3.5 feet tall, and extends inward 3-4 feet deep. Most coaches have three or four such bays per side, often connecting across as “pass-through” compartments that allow loading from either curbside or streetside doors.

Add it all up and a standard 56-passenger coach offers between 400 and 500 cubic feet of under-bus storage—enough for every passenger to check a full-size suitcase (roughly 27” x 21” x 14”) plus a few odd-shaped items like golf bags, keyboard cases, or coolers. If you’re booking a mid-size coach with two bays, figure on 200-300 cubic feet total, which still fits 25-30 large suitcases or duffel bags loaded Tetris-style. But on most minibuses, there are no under-floor bays at all, so pack light!

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

Every modern charter bus includes some form of overhead storage inside the passenger cabin. On full-size motorcoaches, these are enclosed bins or open racks running the length of both sides above the seats, similar to airplane carry-on compartments but slightly larger. Typical dimensions are 10-12 inches high, 16-18 inches deep, and 24-36 inches long per section—sized perfectly for backpacks, briefcases, laptop bags, and small roller suitcases.

A 56-passenger coach may offer 100-120 cubic feet of total overhead space, divided among 20-25 rack sections along the aisle. Figure on each section holding two airline-style carry-ons (22” x 14” x 9”) or one larger duffel. Many overhead racks are open with a solid lip to prevent bags from sliding out, while premium coaches may have hinged doors for a tidy look. On minibuses, overhead racks are usually just open shelves about 10 inches high, wide enough for a purse or backpack but not a hard-sided suitcase.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

The golden rule: on a fully loaded 56-passenger charter bus, plan for each rider to bring one large checked bag for the under-floor bay plus one small carry-on for the overhead rack. That matches the luggage allowance of most airlines and ensures everyone gets a fair share of space. If your group is packing light or the bus isn’t full, there’s wiggle room for extra gear like ski bags, folding tables, or instrument cases.

For mid-size coaches, reduce expectations to one medium suitcase below and one personal item above per person. On minibuses, assume each rider can bring only what they can keep at their seat or stow in a small rear compartment: one overnight bag or backpack, max. Always confirm with your sales agent if you have unusually bulky items, like trade show booths or sports coolers, to ensure they’ll fit safely.

Packing & planning tips for group leaders

If you’re the group leader organizing a charter bus trip, make luggage guidelines clear to your passengers before departure day. Send an email or itinerary note specifying the maximum bag size and weight allowed in both the under-floor bays and overhead racks. Remind everyone that essential items (medications, valuables, electronics) should stay with them on the bus, since the undercarriage isn’t accessible while rolling down I-75.

Encourage travelers to use soft-sided duffels instead of hard-shell suitcases, which are easier to squeeze into tight spaces. For school trips or youth sports teams, color-code or label bags by student name and chaperone group to speed loading and unloading. And if you have special cargo (musical instruments, AV equipment, donation boxes), measure it beforehand and share exact dimensions with your reservation specialist so we can recommend the right bus size and configuration.

Finally, always arrive early at your pickup point—whether it’s your hotel in Southfield, Detroit Metro Airport, or the school parking lot in Royal Oak—to allow plenty of time for organized, careful loading. Rushed or late arrivals lead to sloppy packing, forgotten bags, and delayed departures. With a detailed headcount and pre-assigned luggage tags, you’ll be on the road smoothly and stress-free.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Southfield

No matter what you’re hauling—suitcases for a wedding party, science kits for a field trip, or tailgate grills for a Lions game—Charter Bus Rental Southfield has a bus with storage space to match. Our fleet covers every size from compact minibuses to 56-passenger coaches with cavernous belly bays, ensuring your gear rides as comfortably as your group. Get an instant quote online or call 947-282-7810 to discuss your itinerary and packing needs. We’ll help you choose the perfect coach, set smart luggage limits, and deliver a seamless charter experience across Southfield and beyond!