Perris Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

If you’re planning a trip around Riverside County, or anywhere else in Southern California, chances are you’ll need to pack for a charter bus ride. But how much can you bring? And where will your bags go once you board the bus? At Charter Bus Rental Perris, we believe that one of the best benefits of traveling by charter bus is all the storage space you get—and we’re here to help you make the most of it! Whether you’re a first-time group leader or a seasoned pro, this packing guide will answer all your questions about luggage space on a charter bus in Perris.

Storage Space on our Different Bus Models in Perris

We offer access to a variety of different bus models, each with its own unique features and amenities. The amount of storage space available will depend on the type of bus you choose for your trip. Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect from each option:

Full-size charter buses: These 56-passenger buses are the largest option available and come equipped with spacious under-floor luggage bays as well as overhead parcel racks inside the cabin. This makes them ideal for long-distance trips, airport transfers, sporting events, or any occasion where you need to haul a lot of gear.

Minibuses: For smaller groups, minibuses are a great alternative. They typically seat between 18 and 35 passengers and may have limited or no under-floor storage. However, they still offer overhead parcel racks and can accommodate carry-on items like backpacks and small duffel bags.

Sprinter vans: If you’re looking for something even more compact, consider renting a sprinter van. These vehicles usually seat up to 15 passengers and have minimal storage space, so they’re best suited for short trips or events where guests won’t need to bring much luggage.

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

The under-floor luggage bays on a full-size charter bus are essentially large compartments located beneath the passenger seating area. They’re designed to hold suitcases, equipment, and other bulky items that would be difficult to store elsewhere on the bus.

On average, these bays offer about 500 cubic feet of storage space—enough to fit approximately 50 pieces of standard-sized luggage (think checked bags at the airport). The exact dimensions will vary depending on the make and model of the bus, but you can generally expect each bay to measure around 8 feet wide by 3 feet high by 4 feet deep.

One of the biggest advantages of using the under-floor bays is that they keep the main cabin free of clutter, allowing passengers to enjoy a comfortable and spacious ride. Plus, since the bays are only accessible from outside the bus, there’s no risk of items shifting or falling during transit.

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

In addition to the under-floor bays, most charter buses also feature overhead parcel racks above the seats inside the cabin. These racks are similar to the ones you’d find on an airplane and are perfect for storing smaller items that you might want to access during the trip.

The typical dimensions for an overhead rack are about 10 inches high by 17 inches deep, running the length of the bus aisle. While they’re not intended for large suitcases, they can easily accommodate backpacks, purses, laptop bags, and other personal belongings.

It’s important to note that overhead racks don’t have doors or covers, so you’ll want to make sure your items are secure and won’t roll out during the ride. If you have valuable or fragile items, it’s best to keep them with you at your seat rather than stowing them overhead.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

Now that you know how much storage space is available on a charter bus, you’re probably wondering how many bags each person can bring. While there’s no hard-and-fast rule, a good guideline is to allow each passenger one large suitcase for the under-floor bay and one carry-on item for the overhead rack.

This mirrors the baggage allowance for most airlines and should be sufficient for the majority of trips. Of course, if you’re traveling with a smaller group or have extra space on the bus, you can adjust this limit as needed. Just be sure to communicate any restrictions to your passengers ahead of time to avoid confusion or last-minute surprises.

If you have special equipment or oversized items (like golf clubs, musical instruments, or presentation materials), let us know when booking your trip. Our reservation team can help you determine whether they’ll fit in the available storage areas or if you’ll need to make alternative arrangements.

Packing & planning tips for group leaders

To ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience, here are some additional tips for managing luggage on your charter bus trip:

Encourage passengers to pack light and use soft-sided bags whenever possible, as they’re easier to fit into tight spaces than hard-shell suitcases. If you have a large group with lots of luggage, consider assigning a designated baggage handler to oversee loading and unloading. Make sure all bags are clearly labeled with the owner’s name and contact information in case anything gets misplaced during the journey. Remind passengers to keep essential items (like medications, electronics, and travel documents) in their carry-on bags rather than checking them in the under-floor bay. If you’re making multiple stops or picking up passengers along the way, create a luggage manifest to keep track of everyone’s belongings.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Perris

At the end of the day, one of the biggest advantages of renting a charter bus is the ample storage space you get compared to other modes of transportation. With roomy under-floor bays and convenient overhead racks, you can bring everything you need for your next adventure without having to worry about leaving anything behind.

If you have specific questions about luggage space or need help choosing the right bus for your group, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re available 24/7 at 951-613-4220 to provide personalized recommendations and instant quotes for your trip. With years of experience serving groups across California, we know what it takes to deliver a seamless travel experience from start to finish.