Richardson Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

Booking a group trip in Richardson? It’s easy to focus on the fun stuff—like planning your itinerary or choosing amenities for your charter bus—and forget about practical details like luggage space. But making sure everyone knows how much they can bring will save you from headaches on departure day! Whether you’re traveling with a 56-passenger charter bus full of band equipment or a 25-passenger minibus packed with wedding gifts, our team at Charter Bus Rental Richardson wants to help you keep things organized. Here’s everything you need to know about packing for a charter bus trip in Richardson, Texas.

Storage Space on our Different Bus Models in Richardson

Charter buses are some of the most spacious vehicles available for group travel. And if you rent a large 56-passenger motorcoach, you’ll have plenty of room for all your passengers and their belongings. You’ll find two main storage areas: under-floor luggage bays and overhead/parcel racks inside the cabin.

Under-floor luggage bays are large compartments beneath the bus that open outward, perfect for storing big items like suitcases, coolers, musical instruments, or sports gear. Overhead/parcel racks run along both sides of the bus interior above the seats, similar to airplane bins but usually open with a lip to prevent items from falling. These racks are ideal for smaller bags, backpacks, and personal belongings you want to access during the ride.

If you’ve reserved a mid-size coach or minibus, your storage options may be a bit different. Some offer smaller under-floor compartments, while others feature rear luggage areas or only have interior racks. It’s important to check with us when booking so you know exactly what kind of storage space your group will have.

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

Full-size charter buses typically feature 2-3 under-floor bays per side, each measuring around 8 feet wide, 3-4 feet tall, and 3-4 feet deep. For example, a standard 56-passenger Prevost H3-45 offers about 460 cubic feet of underfloor storage without a wheelchair lift. These bays often connect from one side of the bus to the other, allowing for pass-through loading, though curbside loading is generally preferred for safety reasons.

This generous space is designed to hold large “checked” suitcases, oversized duffel bags, equipment cases, and even oddly shaped items like skis (if placed diagonally). The exact capacity depends on your bus model, but you can typically expect enough room for one large checked bag per passenger on a fully loaded coach.

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

Inside the bus, overhead/parcel racks are available above the seats and resemble airline overhead bins, though they are often open rather than enclosed. On a full-size coach, these racks typically measure about 10.5 inches high and 17.5 inches deep, providing ample space for small carry-on suitcases, backpacks, purses, and other personal items you might need during the journey.

Most overhead racks can accommodate one or two small bags per passenger. They’re not intended for heavy or bulky items—those should go in the under-floor bays. If your group members pack compactly, you’ll find there’s enough space for everyone’s essentials within easy reach.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

The general rule of thumb for a full-size charter bus is one large checked bag (such as a suitcase) plus one small carry-on item (like a backpack or tote) per person. This aligns closely with airline baggage allowances, making it easy for travelers to plan.

Weight limits for individual bags are typically around 50 pounds, with some operators allowing up to 75 pounds if special handling is arranged. Total dimensions for checked bags should not exceed 62 inches when adding length, width, and height together. Carry-on items should fit comfortably in the overhead racks, ideally not larger than 16 x 12 x 7 inches and weighing no more than 25 pounds.

For smaller buses or minibuses, storage is more limited. Rear luggage compartments can usually fit 15 to 20 large suitcases, depending on the specific vehicle. In these cases, it’s especially important to encourage your group to pack efficiently and perhaps limit themselves to one medium-sized bag each.

Packing & planning tips for group leaders

If you’re the group leader, a little advance planning goes a long way toward ensuring a smooth boarding process. Start by communicating the luggage policy to all participants well before departure day. Specify the size and weight limits for both checked and carry-on bags, and remind everyone that space is shared among the whole group.

Encourage travelers to label all their bags clearly with their names and contact information. This makes it easier to identify luggage quickly and reduces the risk of mix-ups or lost items. Suggest that essential items (medications, electronics, snacks, etc.) stay in carry-ons, as the under-floor bays are inaccessible while the bus is moving.

On the day of the trip, recommend that your group arrives early to allow plenty of time for loading luggage. Organizing bags by destination or priority can also streamline unloading later on. If you anticipate bringing unusually large or heavy items, inform us ahead of time so we can help accommodate your needs.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Richardson

Whether you’re headed to a conference downtown, a game at Cotton Bowl Stadium, a wedding in Grapevine, or a field trip to the Perot Museum, Charter Bus Rental Richardson has the right vehicle for your group. Our statewide fleet includes full-size charter buses with ample storage, as well as minibuses for more compact trips. We’re committed to making your travel experience as comfortable and convenient as possible.

Ready to book or have questions about specific bus models and their storage capacities? Give us a call anytime at 945-800-7720. Our experienced team is here 24/7 to provide instant quotes and personalized assistance for all your transportation needs. With Charter Bus Rental Richardson, you can relax knowing your group’s luggage—and every other detail—is in good hands.