Chino Hills Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

When you book a charter bus in Chino Hills, you know you’ll have all the luggage space you need. If you’re planning a big group trip and wondering how much luggage to bring (or what kind of equipment will fit), we’ve got you covered! This guide breaks down our different bus models, their typical luggage capacity, and tips for smart packing—so you can book the perfect ride for your group.

Have questions about specific amenities, or ready to get a quote? Our team is available 24/7 at 909-304-2480 to answer any of your questions!

Storage Space on our Different Bus Models in Chino Hills

Our company has access to one of the largest fleets in Southern California, so we can offer the right vehicle for every group size and itinerary. Our most popular options are:

Full-size charter buses: These 40- to 56-passenger coaches are built for long trips with large groups. You’ll find them loaded with premium features like WiFi, power outlets, restrooms, and plush reclining seats. Most importantly, they have huge undercarriage luggage bays and overhead parcel racks for all your bags and gear. These are the best choice for sports teams, school field trips, band tours, and conferences that require everyone to bring suitcases or equipment.

Minibuses: Perfect for 18 to 35 passengers, minibuses offer many of the same amenities as full-size coaches but in a more compact package. They’re great for local shuttles around Chino Hills, off-site parking runs, or day trips where you won’t need to bring a ton of luggage. While they don’t have under-floor storage, some models do have rear cargo holds and overhead bins for smaller bags.

Sprinter vans: If you’re keeping it simple with a small group (10-15 people), sprinter vans are easy to maneuver and park anywhere. They usually have rear luggage areas suitable for carry-ons and duffel bags, but not enough for full-size checked suitcases for everyone. We recommend these for quick airport transfers or nights out when you can pack light.

Party buses: Headed to a concert at Toyota Arena or bar hopping in downtown LA? Party buses have wraparound seating, coolers, and sound systems—but minimal dedicated luggage space. There might be a small area near the back or under seats for purses and jackets. Anything bigger should be left at home or in a hotel room.

Not sure which model fits your needs? Just let our reservation team know how many people you’re bringing and what kind of stuff you need to haul. We’ll make sure you get a bus with enough storage, whether that’s for hockey sticks, band instruments, or just a bunch of suitcases!

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

The real star of the show on a full-size charter bus is its “under-floor” or “undercarriage” luggage bay. This is the giant compartment beneath the passenger cabin, accessible by doors on both sides of the bus. It’s designed to hold everything from hard-shell suitcases to golf bags and even oversized items like bikes (with wheels removed) or folding tables.

A typical 56-passenger coach offers between 400 and 500 cubic feet of under-floor storage. To put that in perspective, each bay door is about 3.5 feet tall and 4 feet wide, and there are usually three or four bays per side. The total length of the storage area runs almost the entire length of the bus! Most operators estimate you can fit 50-60 large checked suitcases in the undercarriage—one per passenger, plus some extra room for odd-shaped items.

If you’re traveling with something bulky (like ski equipment or musical instruments), measure it ahead of time and tell us the dimensions. Our team can double-check that it will fit in the bay, and we’ll make sure the loading process goes smoothly. Just remember that the under-floor compartment is only accessible when the bus is parked, so anything you need during the ride should go up top in the overhead rack or stay with you in your seat.

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

Inside the bus, above the seats, you’ll find the overhead parcel racks. These are similar to airplane bins but usually open shelves instead of enclosed compartments. They’re perfect for small bags, backpacks, laptop cases, and personal items you want to keep handy during the trip.

The typical overhead rack on a charter bus measures about 12 inches high, 18 inches deep, and runs the length of the passenger cabin. Each section can easily hold two carry-on-sized roller bags or several smaller backpacks stacked side by side. For a 56-passenger bus, that adds up to space for 50+ carry-ons in addition to what’s in the under-floor bay.

We recommend using the overhead rack for anything you might need en route: snacks, books, electronics, toiletries, or a change of clothes. Since the aisle is narrow, please make sure your bag isn’t sticking out or blocking emergency exits. Heavy or fragile items should also go underneath the bus to avoid falling during sudden stops.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

As a general rule, if you’re booking a full-size charter bus in Chino Hills, each person can bring:

One large checked suitcase (up to 50 pounds) for the under-floor bay

One smaller carry-on bag or backpack for the overhead rack

This matches the luggage allowance of most airlines, but without the fees or hassle! If your group isn’t filling every seat on the bus, you may be able to bring extra bags or larger items. Just let us know your headcount and packing plans, and we’ll advise if you need a trailer or a second vehicle for overflow.

For minibuses and sprinter vans, assume there’s space for one carry-on per person in the rear cargo area or overhead shelf. Checked-size suitcases may need to be stacked in the aisle or left behind if the luggage area fills up. If you’re doing an airport shuttle run with lots of baggage, upgrade to a full-size coach or rent an additional van just for luggage.

Packing & planning tips for group leaders

To make loading and unloading fast and painless, follow these pro tips:

Label all bags clearly with names and contact info. Use matching tags or ribbons for easy group identification.

Pack essentials (medication, chargers, documents) in a carry-on you can keep with you. Under-floor bays are only accessible at rest stops.

Distribute weight evenly across all bays and racks. Don’t overload one side of the bus or stack heavy items on top of lighter ones.

Leave hazardous materials (flammables, weapons, etc.) and live animals at home. Charter buses follow strict safety regulations.

Arrive 30-60 minutes early to allow time for organized loading. Assign a group leader to check that nothing gets left behind.

If you have special luggage needs (wheelchairs, coolers, AV equipment), tell us when you book. We can reserve a bus with a lift, extra storage, or whatever else you require.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Chino Hills

No matter where your group is headed—an away game in San Diego, a conference in Anaheim, a wedding at Vellano Estate, or a field trip to the Chino Hills State Park—we’ll make sure you have the right bus and plenty of room for everything you need. With our flexible fleet, experienced staff, and 24/7 customer service, you can relax knowing your luggage (and your people) are in good hands.

Ready to start planning your next trip? Call 909-304-2480 today for a free, no-obligation quote. We’ll help you choose the ideal bus model and customize your itinerary down to the last detail. With Charter Bus Rental Chino Hills, group travel has never been easier—or more comfortable!