Lake Charles Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

Group travel in Lake Charles is all about planning and preparation. Whether you’re heading to L’Auberge Casino Resort for a weekend conference, shuttling a team to McNeese State University for an away game, or taking your family reunion to Prien Lake Park, packing right is the key to a smooth trip. One big question we get at Charter Bus Rental Lake Charles: “How much storage space will my group have on the bus?” We’ve put together this comprehensive guide to charter bus luggage capacity so you can pack with confidence! If you still have questions after reading through our tips, call 337-549-6260 anytime.

Storage Space on our Different Bus Models in Lake Charles

We offer several different types of buses, each with their own storage options. The biggest vehicle in our fleet is the 56-passenger motorcoach. These are built for long-distance highway trips, large groups, and heavy luggage. They feature massive under-floor luggage bays (like what you’d find on a Greyhound or Megabus) plus interior overhead racks for smaller bags. If you’re organizing a multi-day band tour, a corporate retreat with lots of AV gear, or a major event like Contraband Days Festival, this is the bus you want.

Our mid-size coaches (35 to 40 passengers) are slightly smaller but still offer both under-floor luggage bays and overhead racks. These are great for medium-sized sports teams, church retreats, or shuttling wedding guests between hotels and venues. You’ll sacrifice a bit of total storage compared to a 56-passenger coach, but unless every single person is bringing two suitcases, you’ll have plenty of room.

Minibuses (18 to 28 passengers) and sprinter vans (10 to 15 passengers) are designed more for local shuttles and day trips. Most don’t have under-floor luggage compartments. Instead, they may have a rear cargo area behind the last row of seats, or just overhead racks inside the cabin. These are ideal for moving people around downtown Lake Charles or short hops between sites, not hauling everyone’s checked baggage. Think carry-on sized bags and backpacks only.

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

Full-size 56-passenger coaches usually come equipped with three or four under-floor luggage compartments that run the width of the bus. Each bay typically measures about 8 feet wide by 3.5 feet tall by 3 feet deep. All together, you’re looking at 400 to 500 cubic feet of storage below the passenger deck. To put that in perspective, you could easily fit 60+ large suitcases (think checked-bag size) down there, along with instrument cases, golf clubs, or even folding tables and chairs. If you’ve ever loaded up a charter bus after a week-long band camp or sports tournament, you know how much those bays can swallow.

Mid-size coaches might have two or three bays, totaling around 250 to 350 cubic feet. Still a ton of room for luggage, but maybe not quite enough if you’re maxing out the passenger count and everyone brings two giant suitcases. For most school field trips or company outings, it’s plenty.

Minibuses and sprinters rarely have under-floor bays. Some models have a small trunk-like area in the back, good for a few duffel bags or coolers. If your group needs to bring a lot of equipment, these aren’t the vehicles to book.

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

Inside the bus, you’ll find overhead parcel racks above the seats. On a full-size coach, these bins typically measure about 10 inches high by 16 inches deep, and run almost the entire length of the cabin on both sides. They’re perfect for stowing backpacks, purses, laptop bags, and other carry-on items you want access to during the ride. Think of them like airplane overhead bins, but without the doors. Depending on how tightly you pack, you could fit 40 to 50 small bags up top.

Mid-size coaches and larger minibuses often have similar open racks, though sometimes a bit smaller. Smaller minibuses and sprinters may have no overhead storage at all, just the floor space by your seat. Plan accordingly!

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

Here’s the general rule of thumb for a fully loaded 56-passenger coach: one large suitcase per person in the under-floor bay, plus one small carry-on in the overhead rack. If your group isn’t filling every seat, you can spread out and bring extra stuff. But if you’re running at maximum capacity, try to stick to those limits. Overpacking slows down loading/unloading and makes for a cramped ride.

For mid-size coaches, assume roughly one medium suitcase per person below, plus a carry-on up top. For minibuses and sprinters, tell everyone to pack light—backpacks or small duffels only, with maybe a couple larger bags in the rear cargo area.

Weight matters too. Most charter companies recommend keeping individual bags under 50 pounds. Not only does this make loading safer, but it also prevents overloading the bus’s axles. Super heavy items like sound equipment or crates should be distributed evenly between bays.

Packing & planning tips for group leaders

Want to avoid the classic “we can’t fit it all!” panic in the parking lot? Communicate clear packing guidelines to your group ahead of time. Specify the number and size of bags allowed (e.g., “One suitcase, one backpack per person”), and encourage people to label their luggage with names and phone numbers in case anything gets mixed up. If you’re traveling with bulky items like musical instruments, bikes, or wheelchairs, let us know when booking so we can reserve extra space or send a trailer if needed.

On departure day, arrive early and organize all luggage in one spot before loading. Group similar items together (all suitcases, then all instrument cases, etc.) to maximize bay space. Keep valuables and essentials (medications, passports, electronics) in carry-ons within arm’s reach during the ride. Once en route, remind passengers that under-floor bays are inaccessible until the next stop, so plan accordingly.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Lake Charles

With the right bus and a little prep, your group’s luggage will be the least of your worries. At Charter Bus Rental Lake Charles, we’ve moved everything from marching bands to movie crews, and we know how important storage is for a successful trip. Ready to book your next adventure? Call 337-549-6260 anytime for a personalized quote and expert advice on which vehicle fits your group’s needs and gear. Our team is here 24/7 to help you plan the perfect itinerary and pack smart for the road ahead!