Fountain Valley Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

Getting ready for a group trip in Fountain Valley? Whether you’re planning a school field trip to Mile Square Regional Park, a corporate retreat at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach, or a wedding celebration at The Revere House, knowing how much luggage your charter bus can handle is key to a smooth ride. This guide covers everything you need to know about storage space on our different bus models, what you can realistically bring, and tips for keeping everyone happy (and comfortable) on the road.

Storage Space on our Different Bus Models in Fountain Valley

We offer a wide range of buses to match any group size or occasion. If you’re booking a full-size 56-passenger bus, you’ll have access to the largest undercarriage luggage bays — perfect for long-distance trips or groups with lots of gear (think sports teams headed to tournaments at Fountain Valley Sports Park). These bays can easily fit one large suitcase per person, plus extra room for odd-shaped items like golf clubs or musical instruments. Overhead racks above the seats add even more space for smaller carry-ons.

Mid-size buses (like our 35-passenger models) still offer under-floor storage, though it’s a little less than the biggest coaches. Overhead racks are standard here too. These buses work well for weekend getaways, airport shuttles to John Wayne Airport, or day trips where you might not need quite as much baggage. For local shuttles around Orange County or short hops between hotels and event venues, our minibuses (20-28 passengers) are a popular pick. Most minibuses skip the big luggage bays and instead provide a rear cargo area or expanded overhead racks. They’re ideal when everyone just has a backpack or small roller bag.

If you’re going all out for a night on the town or bachelor/bachelorette party, consider a sprinter or party bus. These focus on fun over storage, so space is limited to what fits under seats or in small rear compartments. Pack light — think purses, jackets, and maybe a small tote for snacks or drinks.

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

Our largest motorcoaches can hold up to 500 cubic feet of luggage below deck. That’s enough for one large checked-size suitcase per seat, with room left over for extra equipment. Dimensions vary by model, but a typical bay might measure 8 feet long, 3 feet high, and 4 feet deep — and most buses have multiple bays that connect through to the other side. This design makes loading and unloading fast, whether you’re at a hotel curb or a busy venue parking lot.

Keep in mind, these under-floor compartments are only accessible when the bus is parked. Anything you want during the ride (laptops, medications, food, etc.) should stay up top in the cabin with you.

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

Every bus except our smallest models includes overhead racks running along both sides of the interior. These are similar to airplane bins, though usually open rather than closed — making it easy to grab your stuff mid-trip. On a full-size coach, each rack section typically measures about 10 inches tall, 16 inches deep, and runs the length of several seats. You can fit a small duffel, backpack, or carry-on roller in each spot.

For planning purposes, figure on one small bag per passenger in the overheads. Encourage your travelers to follow airline-style carry-on rules: bags should be light enough to lift themselves and sized to slide easily into the rack without blocking the aisle.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

Here’s the golden rule: one large checked bag and one carry-on per passenger if you’re on a full-size charter bus. Mid-size coaches might allow the same, though packing slightly lighter helps avoid cramming. On minibuses, it’s best to stick to just a carry-on-sized bag per person, especially if you’re filling every seat.

Weight matters too. Most operators ask that no single bag exceeds 50 pounds, to keep things manageable during loading. Oversized items (like bikes, coolers, or AV gear) should be discussed in advance so we can recommend the right bus and loading plan.

Packing & Planning Tips for Group Leaders

As the organizer, setting clear expectations will make boarding day a breeze. Share your packing guidelines early, and remind everyone that space is shared — the bus isn’t a moving van! If you’ll have bulky items, let us know before you book to ensure the bus you choose can accommodate them safely.

Label all luggage with names and contact info. It’s rare, but bags can get mixed up during quick stops or at crowded destinations. Arrive early so there’s plenty of time for loading — nothing slows down departure like a last-minute scramble to rearrange suitcases.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Fountain Valley

Ready to start planning your next group adventure? Our team is here 24/7 to answer questions, suggest the best bus for your needs, and provide a custom quote — including detailed info about luggage capacity. Call 657-277-1120 today and see why so many groups across Orange County trust us to get them (and their gear) where they need to go. With the right bus and smart packing, your trip will be comfortable from the first mile to the last!