Diamond Bar Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

Planning a group trip in Diamond Bar? Whether you’re headed to Disneyland, the LA Convention Center, or Joshua Tree National Park, understanding what you can bring — and where it will go — is key to a smooth ride. At Charter Bus Rental Diamond Bar, we want every trip to be comfortable, organized, and stress-free. That’s why we put together this detailed guide covering all things luggage, from under-floor bays to overhead racks, plus tips for group leaders and answers to your most common questions!

Storage Space on our Different Bus Models in Diamond Bar

The amount of luggage you can bring depends on the size of your charter bus. We recommend booking a vehicle that provides enough space for every passenger to bring at least one carry-on item, such as a backpack or duffel bag, and one larger piece of checked luggage, like a rolling suitcase. If passengers are packing extra gear (think golf clubs, ski equipment, or trade show displays), consider reserving a larger model or multiple buses to ensure everyone’s belongings fit comfortably.

Here’s a general guide to the storage space available on each type of bus:

Charter Buses (40-56 passengers): These full-size motorcoaches offer the most room for luggage. You’ll find multiple large under-floor bays running the length of the bus, perfect for storing big items and checked bags. Inside, there are also spacious overhead racks similar to those on an airplane.

Minibuses (15-35 passengers): Minibuses have less storage than a full-size coach, but many models include a rear luggage compartment or modest under-floor bays. Overhead racks inside are smaller but still suitable for carry-ons. If your group is light on luggage or just making a day trip, a minibus may suffice. For longer journeys with lots of baggage, stick with a charter bus.

Sprinter Vans & Party Buses (10-15 passengers): These small vehicles offer limited luggage space, usually just behind the last row of seats or in a compact rear cargo area. There are no overhead racks. They’re best for local shuttles, nights out, or groups with minimal gear.

If you’re not sure which bus size suits your needs, call our team at 1840-240-8120. We’ll help you pick a vehicle with adequate storage for your group’s itinerary.

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

On full-size charter buses, the under-floor bays are the primary spot for large suitcases, boxes, coolers, sports equipment, and anything else too bulky for the cabin. These compartments run below the passenger deck and are accessible from both sides of the bus when parked. Most 56-passenger coaches feature 3-4 bay doors per side, each measuring roughly 8 feet wide, 4 feet tall, and 3-4 feet deep.

Total storage volume in the under-floor bays typically ranges from 450 to 550 cubic feet—enough for about one standard checked suitcase per passenger, plus some extra room for odd-shaped items. As a rule of thumb, if everyone brings a suitcase no larger than 62 linear inches (length + width + height) and weighing under 50 lbs, everything should fit with space to spare.

These bays can handle heavy and awkward cargo, such as band instruments, bicycles (with wheels removed), trade show booths, or even several sets of golf clubs. Just be sure to inform our team in advance if you’ll have oversized or unusually heavy items so we can confirm they’ll fit safely and load them accordingly.

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

Inside the bus, you’ll find overhead racks above the seats running along both sides of the aisle. These are similar to airline bins, though typically open racks with a lip rather than enclosed compartments with doors. On a charter bus, each rack section is about 10 inches high, 17 inches deep, and spans the length between rows—plenty of room for backpacks, purses, laptop bags, camera cases, briefcases, and other small carry-on items.

While the racks are sturdy and designed to hold personal belongings, they do have weight limits (usually around 25 pounds per section). Avoid placing hard-sided suitcases, heavy boxes, or items that could shift and fall during travel. If you must store something fragile or valuable, keep it with you at your seat instead of overhead.

Minibuses often have smaller or fewer overhead racks due to their lower ceilings and compact interiors. In these vehicles, the main storage will be in the rear compartment or wherever space allows behind the seats.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

For a fully loaded 56-passenger charter bus, we recommend the following luggage allowance per person: one medium-to-large suitcase (checked bag) in the under-floor bay and one small carry-on bag in the overhead rack or at your seat. This mirrors the baggage policy of most airlines and ensures there’s enough room for everyone’s essentials without overcrowding the bus.

If your group isn’t traveling at max capacity, you can bring a bit more. An empty seat means extra space in the bays and racks, so feel free to pack an additional duffel or garment bag if needed. Conversely, if you know your passengers are heavy packers or bringing specialty equipment, reserve a larger bus or add a second vehicle to avoid any storage crunch.

For minibuses and sprinter vans, limit each person to a single carry-on or small duffel bag. The rear compartment might fit 15-20 pieces of luggage total, depending on their size, but don’t count on accommodating full-size suitcases for every passenger.

Packing & planning tips for group leaders

To make boarding and unloading quick and hassle-free, follow these tips when organizing your group’s luggage:

• Ask passengers to label all bags with their name and contact info. Use tags, stickers, or even brightly colored ribbons for easy identification.
• Designate one or two people to oversee luggage loading and unloading. They can check off bags as they go into/out of the bays and ensure nothing gets left behind.
• Load heavier items first, placing them toward the front or bottom of the compartment to distribute weight evenly. Lighter and more fragile bags go on top or at the rear for easy access.
• Keep valuables, medications, electronics, and anything else you’ll need during the drive in a carry-on. The under-floor bays aren’t accessible while the bus is moving, so plan accordingly.
• For trips with special cargo (musical instruments, sports gear, trade show materials), let us know ahead of time. We’ll recommend the best way to pack and secure these items.
• Remind everyone to pack light and only bring what’s necessary. The more compact and organized your luggage, the smoother your journey will be!

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Diamond Bar

When it comes to group travel in Diamond Bar, no one does it better than Charter Bus Rental Diamond Bar. With a fleet of modern buses, flexible packages, and a commitment to customer service, we’ve helped thousands of groups reach their destinations comfortably and on time. From school field trips to corporate events, weddings to sports tournaments, our team knows how to make your journey seamless from start to finish.

If you have any questions about luggage policies, storage space, or which vehicle is right for your next trip, don’t hesitate to call us at 1840-240-8120. Our reservation specialists are available 24/7 to provide instant quotes, customized recommendations, and peace of mind for your travels. Book with Charter Bus Rental Diamond Bar today and experience the difference a professional transportation partner can make!