Reading Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

When you’re planning a group trip, one of the most common questions is: “How much luggage can we actually bring on the bus?” If you’ve never booked a charter bus before, it’s tough to picture what will fit and where. Charter Bus Rental Reading knows you don’t want to leave anything important behind or deal with overcrowded aisles packed with bags. That’s why we created this in-depth guide to Reading charter bus storage space, so you can pack smart and travel comfortably!

Storage Space on our Different Bus Models in Reading

We offer three main types of buses for groups traveling around Berks County: full-size charter buses, minibuses, and sprinter vans. Each has its own storage configuration and ideal use case. Not sure which to choose? Call 484-579-2910 for help! Our team can ask about your luggage needs and match you with the perfect vehicle.

Charter buses (40-56 passengers) are the largest vehicles in our fleet and have the most storage capacity. These are true motorcoaches built for long-haul trips, such as school field trips to Washington, DC, corporate outings to Philadelphia, or sports team tournaments across Pennsylvania. They feature large undercarriage bays that run the length of the bus, plus overhead racks inside the cabin. This makes them ideal if you’re bringing lots of suitcases, equipment, coolers, or other bulky items.

Minibuses (15-35 passengers) are smaller, single-level coaches without an undercarriage. They’re great for local shuttles, wedding transportation, or any short-distance trip where you only need a bag or two per person. Most models have open overhead racks above the seats for backpacks and small duffels. Some also include a rear luggage compartment at the very back, accessible via exterior door. The exact size varies by bus, but it’s usually enough for 10-15 medium suitcases.

Sprinter vans (10-15 passengers) are essentially luxury passenger vans with captain’s chairs. Luggage space is limited to the trunk area behind the last row of seats. It’s best for airport transfers or small groups with light packing. You might fit 8-10 carry-ons or 4-5 larger checked bags. There are no overhead racks, so all belongings must go in the rear cargo area or be held on laps.

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

The under-floor storage bays are the workhorses of any charter bus. On a standard 56-passenger MCI or Prevost coach, you’ll typically find three or four huge compartments running beneath the main passenger deck. These bays are accessed via side doors on either side of the bus. Each bay measures roughly 8 feet wide by 3 feet tall by 3 feet deep, creating a massive amount of total cargo volume. When you add it up, a full-size charter bus offers around 500 cubic feet of undercarriage storage—enough to accommodate approximately one large suitcase per passenger if everyone packs efficiently.

This is the space to load anything large or heavy that you won’t need until you reach your destination. Think checked luggage, hockey or band equipment, coolers, folding tables, tents, or even golf clubs. The bays are weather-tight and separated from the passenger cabin, so you don’t have to worry about muddy gear or cold air. For best results, try to load the heaviest items first and distribute weight evenly between bays. If your group is bringing unusually bulky cargo (like a wheelchair, bike racks, or A/V cases), let us know in advance so we can recommend the right vehicle or adjust seating as needed.

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

Inside the bus, you’ll find overhead racks running above both rows of seats, similar to airplane bins but open rather than enclosed. On a full-size charter bus, each rack section is about 10 inches high and 17 inches deep—plenty of room for backpacks, purses, tote bags, laptop cases, or small duffels. These are intended for personal items you want to keep within reach during the ride, not for hard-sided suitcases or anything too heavy.

Most charter buses do not have individual doors on the racks, so it’s important to secure loose items and avoid overstuffing. Soft-sided bags work best here, and you should be able to slide them in and out easily without blocking the aisle. Overhead space is shared among nearby seats, so encourage your group to pack light and be considerate. If someone does need to bring a larger carry-on, see if there’s extra room in the under-floor bays instead.

Some newer luxury coaches may offer enclosed overhead bins with flip-up doors, adding an extra layer of security. However, the basic dimensions and weight limits remain the same. As a rule of thumb, if you can lift your bag above your head without straining and it fits in an airline-style bin, it’s suitable for the bus racks.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

For a full-size charter bus at maximum occupancy, plan on one large suitcase in the under-floor bay and one small personal item in the overhead rack per passenger. This is the equivalent of a checked bag plus a carry-on, just like flying. If your group isn’t filling every seat, you may be able to bring a second suitcase per person or allocate extra space for special equipment. Always check with your reservation specialist if you have concerns about fitting everything.

On a minibus, it’s best to limit each person to one carry-on sized bag in the overhead rack and perhaps one medium suitcase in the rear compartment (if available). Since there’s no undercarriage, storage fills up quickly, especially if you’re transporting musical instruments, strollers, or presentation materials. For day trips or event shuttles, many groups get by with just a backpack or shoulder bag per person.

In a sprinter van, luggage capacity is even more limited. Realistically, you can fit one carry-on or briefcase per seat in the trunk area, plus a few coats or purses on empty seats. Large suitcases or boxes may require removing the back row of seats, which reduces passenger count. If you have more bags than will fit in the van, consider booking a trailer or upgrading to a minibus.

Packing & Planning Tips for Group Leaders

To ensure a smooth departure and comfortable ride, share these packing guidelines with your group ahead of time:

• Label all luggage with names, addresses, and phone numbers in case anything gets misplaced during loading or unloading.
• Use soft-sided duffels or rolling suitcases rather than hard-shell trunks, which are harder to stack and maneuver in tight spaces.
• Pack valuables, medications, electronics, and snacks in a small daypack to keep in the overhead rack or at your seat. Under-floor bays are not accessible while driving.
• If anyone requires mobility aids (wheelchairs, walkers, etc.), notify us when booking so we can reserve a bus with a lift or extra storage.
• For overnight trips, consider color-coding luggage tags by hotel stop or group subgroup to speed up sorting at each destination.
• Arrive early on departure day to allow plenty of time for organized loading, especially if you have a lot of gear or special requests.

By communicating clearly and encouraging efficient packing, you’ll make the most of your charter bus’s storage and keep everyone happy on board.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Reading

No matter where your group is headed or how much you need to bring, Charter Bus Rental Reading has a bus with the right amount of storage. From 10-person sprinter vans for airport transfers to 56-passenger motorcoaches hauling sports teams’ gear, we’ve seen it all—and loaded it all. Our reservations team is available 24/7 to answer any questions about luggage space, recommend the best vehicle, and provide instant online quotes. Just call 484-579-2910 or fill out our quick form to get started. With Charter Bus Rental Reading, you’ll never have to leave anything (or anyone) behind!