Redding Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

We know your group has a lot to bring along, whether you’re headed on a weekend getaway to Lake Shasta or bringing the whole team down to Sacramento for a tournament. That’s why Charter Bus Rental Redding is here with the ultimate charter bus packing guide! We’ve got tips and answers for all your luggage questions, from “How much can each person bring?” to “Can I fit my bicycle or cooler in the luggage bay?” And if you still have questions after reading this page, our team is available 24/7 at 530-806-0980 to help you.

Storage Space on our Different Bus Models in Redding

One of the first things to know about charter bus packing is that different bus models offer different storage options. The largest buses in our fleet are full-size motorcoaches (like the 56-passenger MCI J4500), which have massive under-floor luggage bays plus spacious overhead racks. These are ideal for long-distance trips, multi-day journeys, or any group with lots of gear—sports equipment, musical instruments, camping supplies, you name it.

Next are mid-size coaches and larger minibuses, like those seating 28, 35, or 40 passengers. Many of these have smaller under-floor bays or rear luggage compartments, suitable for checked bags and some extra gear, plus overhead racks for carry-ons. If your group is traveling light but still wants plenty of room to stretch out, these are great choices.

Smaller minibuses and sprinter vans (10-20 seats) are designed mainly for local shuttles and short hops across town. They usually don’t have under-floor bays, but some come with rear cargo holds or limited overhead space. For a day trip to Turtle Bay Exploration Park or a quick shuttle between hotels, you probably won’t need more than a backpack or small duffel per person anyway!

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

This is the big question for groups hauling serious luggage! On a standard 56-passenger motorcoach, you get about 400-500 cubic feet of under-floor storage—enough for every passenger to bring a full-size suitcase or large duffel bag. Each luggage bay typically runs 8 feet wide, 3-4 feet tall, and 3-4 feet deep, often connecting all the way through to the other side of the bus.

What does that mean in practical terms? If you’re moving a college sports team, you can load dozens of hockey bags or crates of baseball gear with room left for personal suitcases. Musicians can stow drum kits and amp cases below while keeping guitars and valuables up top. Even outdoor clubs bringing kayaks or skis can fit them diagonally in a bay—just tell us what you’re bringing when you call, and we’ll double-check dimensions with your reservation specialist.

Mid-size coaches and some larger minibuses may have one or two smaller luggage bays, usually fitting a couple dozen suitcases or several large crates. Rear cargo holds on minibuses generally hold 10-15 large bags, so be sure to pack efficiently if opting for a compact ride.

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

Inside the bus, overhead racks run above the seats along both sides—think of them as similar to airplane bins, but open and without doors. On a full-size coach, these racks typically measure 10-12 inches high by 16-18 inches deep, easily fitting backpacks, laptop bags, purses, and small coolers. Most passengers will find they can stash a carry-on suitcase or two smaller bags above their seat.

Some newer motorcoach models even offer enclosed, airline-style overhead bins. If you prefer extra security for your carry-on items (or want a sleeker look for a business charter), ask about available bus amenities when booking. Minibuses and sprinters may have smaller racks or none at all, so plan to keep essentials at your feet or in a designated cargo area.

Remember, overhead space is for items you need during the drive—snacks, electronics, jackets. Anything too heavy or bulky should go below, since loose objects can become hazards if the bus stops suddenly.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

Here’s the general rule of thumb: on a full-size charter bus, every passenger can bring one large suitcase or duffel for the under-floor bay, plus one carry-on bag for the overhead rack. That matches the typical airline allowance, but you’ll enjoy far fewer baggage fees and no lost luggage drama!

If your group is packing light, you might fit two smaller bags per person below. Conversely, if everyone brings oversized trunks or hard-sided cases, you could run out of space before filling all the seats. When in doubt, encourage your travelers to pack sensibly and share space where possible—for example, consolidating sports equipment into team bags rather than individual ones.

On minibuses and sprinters, limit each person to a backpack and maybe a small rolling bag. For airport transfers or hotel shuttles, check with our team about your exact headcount and luggage needs—we can recommend the right vehicle size or add a trailer if needed.

Packing & planning tips for group leaders

Ready to make your charter bus journey smooth from start to finish? Start with clear communication: send your group a packing list outlining the limits (one large bag below, one small bag above, etc.), plus reminders about prohibited items (see below). Ask travelers to label all luggage with names and contact info in case anything gets misplaced during loading or unloading.

For special equipment—bikes, wheelchairs, musical instruments—give us advance notice so we can allocate space and ensure safe handling. If your itinerary includes multiple stops (say, a tour of Lassen Volcanic National Park followed by a winery visit), organize luggage by destination to minimize digging through bags en route.

Encourage everyone to keep essential items (medications, chargers, snacks, travel documents) in their carry-on. Once the bus hits the highway, under-floor bays aren’t accessible until the next stop. And remind folks to use soft-sided luggage when possible—it’s easier to stack and squeeze into tight spaces than hard-shell suitcases.

Lastly, plan arrival times accordingly. Loading a full motorcoach’s worth of luggage takes longer than boarding a minibus with just backpacks. Arrive early, form a line, and have someone oversee the process to keep things moving efficiently. Your driver will appreciate the organization, and your group will hit the road on schedule.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Redding

With over a decade of experience serving groups across California, Charter Bus Rental Redding knows how to handle your luggage—and your travel plans—with care. Whether you’re booking a single day-trip or coordinating a weeklong tour, our team is ready to help you choose the perfect bus, customize your onboard amenities, and answer every packing question along the way.

Ready to get started? Call 530-806-0980 anytime for an instant quote and personalized advice. We’re here 24/7 to make sure your next group trip is a success, from the first packed bag to the last drop-off. With Charter Bus Rental Redding, you’ll always have room for everything—and everyone—on board!