La Mirada Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

Whether you’re heading to a conference at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, planning a day trip to Knott’s Berry Farm, or organizing a school outing to Biola University, knowing how much luggage you can bring on your charter bus is essential. At Charter Bus Rental La Mirada, we understand that packing efficiently and confidently makes group travel smoother. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you plan what to bring aboard our buses — and how to make the most of every cubic foot of storage space! Call us anytime at 657-325-9040 for questions about packing, amenities, or to get a custom quote.

Storage Space on our Different Bus Models in La Mirada

Charter Bus Rental La Mirada offers a wide range of vehicles, each with its own unique storage capabilities. Understanding the differences between our full-size charter buses, minibuses, sprinter vans, and party buses will help you choose the right vehicle for your group’s specific needs.

Our 56-passenger charter buses are the largest models available, designed for long-distance trips and large groups. They feature spacious under-floor luggage bays and overhead parcel racks, providing ample room for suitcases, sports equipment, instruments, and more. These buses are ideal for airport transfers, sports team travel, and multi-day tours where significant luggage capacity is required.

Minibuses, which accommodate between 15 and 35 passengers, offer a more compact solution while still providing reasonable storage options. Most models include rear cargo holds and smaller overhead racks suitable for carry-on bags and personal items. While they may not have the extensive under-floor storage of larger coaches, minibuses are perfect for local shuttles, corporate events, and day trips around La Mirada and nearby attractions like Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center.

Sprinter vans are the smallest in our fleet, seating 10 to 15 passengers. These vehicles typically feature limited rear cargo space, sufficient for small groups with minimal luggage requirements. They’re best suited for executive transportation, small group outings, or short-distance travel where large suitcases aren’t necessary.

Party buses, ranging from 10 to 50 passengers, prioritize onboard amenities such as perimeter seating, dance floors, and entertainment systems over storage space. While some models may include small compartments for personal belongings, they are generally not intended for transporting large amounts of luggage. Party buses are ideal for celebrations, nightlife tours, and special events where the focus is on the experience rather than carrying extensive baggage.

When selecting a bus, consider the nature of your trip and the amount of luggage your group will bring. Our reservation specialists are available 24/7 to help you assess your needs and recommend the most suitable vehicle. By matching the right bus to your itinerary, you ensure comfortable seating and adequate storage for everyone on board.

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

Full-size charter buses (40-56 passengers) offer the most generous storage options, thanks to their expansive under-floor luggage bays. These compartments run along the length of the bus beneath the passenger cabin, accessible through side doors on either side of the vehicle. On average, a 56-passenger coach provides between 450 and 550 cubic feet of under-floor storage, equivalent to fitting approximately one large suitcase per passenger.

For example, a typical MCI J4500 or Prevost H3-45 model features three to four bay doors on each side, with each bay measuring roughly 8 feet wide, 3.5 feet tall, and 3 to 4 feet deep. These bays are designed to accommodate standard checked luggage, large duffel bags, equipment cases, and even oversized items like golf clubs or skis when placed diagonally.

The pass-through design of these compartments allows for loading and unloading from either side of the bus, offering flexibility depending on the layout of your pickup and drop-off locations. This feature is particularly useful during busy events at venues like the La Mirada Civic Theatre or Norwalk Town Square, where curbside access may vary.

It’s important to note that while the under-floor bays are spacious, there are practical limits to what can be stored. Each bag should not exceed 50 pounds to ensure safe handling, and total dimensions should ideally stay within airline-checked luggage standards (no more than 62 inches when adding length, width, and height). If your group plans to bring unusually large or heavy items, such as AV equipment for a trade show at the Anaheim Convention Center, inform our team in advance so we can confirm compatibility and assist with loading logistics.

The substantial under-floor storage of our full-size charter buses makes them the top choice for long-distance travel, airport transfers, and any itinerary requiring passengers to bring multiple or bulky pieces of luggage. By maximizing this space, you keep the cabin clutter-free and maintain a comfortable ride for everyone on board.

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

In addition to the under-floor luggage bays, all of our charter buses and most minibuses are equipped with overhead parcel racks inside the passenger cabin. These racks are similar to those found on airplanes, running above the seats along both sides of the aisle. They provide convenient, easily accessible storage for smaller bags and personal items that passengers may need during the journey.

On full-size coaches, the overhead racks typically measure about 10.5 inches high and 17.5 inches deep, with a continuous length that allows for flexible placement of variously sized items. The total overhead storage on a 56-passenger bus can add up to 100 to 120 cubic feet, accommodating one standard carry-on bag per passenger. Most racks are open with a retaining lip to prevent items from falling out, though some newer models feature enclosed bins with doors for added security.

These racks are ideal for stowing backpacks, laptop bags, purses, jackets, and other essentials that passengers may want to access without retrieving their main luggage from the under-floor compartment. For example, students on a field trip to Biola University can keep their notebooks and water bottles handy, while business travelers headed to a conference at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim can store briefcases and presentation materials within arm’s reach.

While overhead racks are sturdy, they are not designed for very heavy or oversized items. Each compartment is intended to hold bags weighing no more than 25 pounds, and placing large or hard-sided suitcases overhead can pose a safety risk if the bus encounters sudden stops or turns. Encourage your group members to use soft-sided carry-ons or duffels for overhead storage and reserve the under-floor bays for bulkier luggage.

By utilizing the overhead racks efficiently, you free up legroom and aisle space, contributing to a more organized and pleasant travel environment. Remind passengers to label their bags clearly and pack only what they need for the duration of the trip in the cabin, keeping the area tidy and minimizing confusion during boarding and disembarkation.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

Determining the exact number of bags each person can bring on a charter bus depends on several factors: the size of the bus, the type of luggage, and the total passenger count. However, as a general rule, our standard policy aligns closely with airline guidelines, making it easy for travelers to plan accordingly.

On a 56-passenger charter bus, each passenger is typically allowed one large checked bag (such as a suitcase or duffel) to be stored in the under-floor bay and one small carry-on item (like a backpack or tote) for the overhead rack. This allocation ensures that the available space is distributed fairly among all riders and that the bus remains within safe weight limits.

If your group is using a minibus or sprinter van, the storage capacity is naturally more limited. In these cases, we recommend that each passenger brings only one medium-sized bag and one personal item. For party buses, since the primary focus is on socializing and entertainment, storage is minimal, and guests should limit themselves to essentials that fit comfortably under seats or in designated compartments.

Special considerations apply for groups traveling with non-standard luggage, such as musicians with instruments, athletes with gear, or exhibitors with trade show displays. If your group falls into one of these categories, provide detailed information about the size and quantity of items when booking. Our team can then advise whether a larger bus or an additional trailer is needed to accommodate everything safely.

Ultimately, the key to maximizing luggage allowance is clear communication and advance planning. Share the packing guidelines with all participants well before departure, and encourage everyone to label their bags and consolidate belongings where possible. If in doubt, err on the side of packing lighter to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey for all.

Packing & Planning Tips for Group Leaders

As the group leader, your preparation sets the tone for a successful trip. Start by distributing clear packing instructions to all participants, specifying the number and size of bags allowed based on the bus model you’ve reserved. Include reminders about weight limits (generally 50 pounds per checked bag and 25 pounds per carry-on) and the types of items suitable for under-floor versus overhead storage.

Encourage travelers to pack efficiently, using soft-sided luggage that can be compressed if necessary. Rolling clothes and utilizing packing cubes can help save space and keep belongings organized. Suggest that valuable or essential items (medications, electronics, important documents) be kept in personal carry-ons rather than checked luggage, as access to the under-floor bay is limited while the bus is in motion.

For groups with special equipment or unusual baggage, such as sports teams with gear bags or performers with costumes and props, create a detailed inventory ahead of time. Share this list with our reservations team so we can assess whether additional storage solutions, like a luggage trailer or a second vehicle, might be required.

On the day of departure, arrive early to oversee the loading process. Assign a few responsible individuals to help organize luggage by type or destination, ensuring that heavier items go on the bottom and fragile or frequently accessed bags are easily reachable. Double-check that all luggage is securely stowed and that aisles and emergency exits remain clear.

Finally, maintain open communication with your group throughout the trip. Remind everyone to keep track of their belongings, respect the shared space, and report any issues immediately. By fostering a cooperative and considerate atmosphere, you help ensure that the journey is as enjoyable and hassle-free as the destination itself.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental La Mirada

Understanding the luggage space and packing guidelines for your charter bus trip is crucial to a smooth and comfortable travel experience. At Charter Bus Rental La Mirada, we strive to provide clear, practical information and personalized support to help you make the most of our fleet’s storage capabilities. Whether you’re coordinating a large-scale event or a simple day trip, our team is here to assist with every detail, from vehicle selection to itinerary planning.

Ready to hit the road? Contact us today at 657-325-9040 to discuss your upcoming trip, request a customized quote, or get answers to any other questions about our services. With Charter Bus Rental La Mirada, you can travel confidently, knowing that your group’s comfort and convenience are our top priorities. Let us handle the logistics so you can focus on creating lasting memories with your fellow travelers.