Mount Pleasant Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

Whether you’re hauling golf clubs to Patriots Point, packing coolers for a beach day on Sullivan’s Island, or loading art supplies for a field trip to the Gibbes Museum, knowing how much luggage space your charter bus offers makes group travel planning so much easier. At Charter Bus Rental Mount Pleasant, we want every group—from wedding parties to sports teams—to have the right amount of storage and zero surprises about what will (or won’t) fit beneath your seats. Here’s everything you need to know about charter bus luggage space, including tips for maximizing storage and keeping your ride clutter-free!

Storage Space on our Different Bus Models in Mount Pleasant

Charter buses are designed to haul people and all their stuff. The amount of storage available depends on the type of bus: full-size motorcoaches offer the largest capacity, while minibuses and sprinter vans have smaller but still useful options.

The most common storage location is under the passenger area, known as an “under-floor bay.” Full-size 56-passenger charter buses usually have three or four large bays running the width of the bus, accessible from doors on both sides. These are ideal for checked suitcases, sports equipment, musical instruments, folding tables, or anything large that fits in a passenger car trunk.

Inside the bus, overhead racks (sometimes called “parcel racks”) run above the seats. These work like airplane bins and can hold small carry-ons, backpacks, laptop bags, jackets, or purses. If your group is traveling on a minibus without under-floor bays, you’ll often find a rear luggage compartment behind the last row of seats. This is great for duffel bags or a few medium-sized suitcases. Some larger minibuses have shallow side compartments below the floor, but these are best for small items.

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

Full-size charter buses are the kings of road-trip cargo. The bays typically measure between 30 and 40 inches tall, 90 to 100 inches deep, and 36 to 48 inches wide per door. On most models, the bays connect across the width of the vehicle (a “pass-through” design), so you can load from either curbside or street-side. The total volume is usually 400 to 500 cubic feet—enough for one full-size suitcase per passenger if everyone packs reasonably.

If you’re hauling something oversized (like easels for an art class headed downtown or lacrosse goals for a tournament at Park West Recreation Complex), measure before booking! Most standard charter bus bays can fit skis, golf bags, or boxed event gear diagonally, but extra-wide or unusually tall objects may be tricky. Let us know what you’re bringing, and we’ll help you choose the right vehicle size.

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

Overhead racks vary by bus model, but on a typical 56-passenger coach they’re about 10-12 inches high and 16-18 inches deep, with a continuous shelf that runs nearly the length of the cabin. That’s enough for each rider to stash one carry-on item—a backpack, purse, briefcase, or small gym bag—plus a coat or hat tucked alongside it. Some newer buses feature enclosed bins with doors that flip up, while others have open racks with a lip to keep things from sliding out during turns.

On minibuses, parcel racks are often slightly smaller or omitted entirely to maximize headroom. If yours has them, expect dimensions closer to 8 inches high and 12 inches deep—suitable for light bags or a boxed lunch, but not hard-shell roller cases.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

For full-size charter buses (the kind seating 49 to 56 passengers): Plan on one full-size suitcase (checked-bag size, about 62 linear inches) in the under-floor bay plus one small carry-on (like a backpack or tote) in the overhead rack. If your group isn’t filling every seat, there’s more flexibility—extra room means you can bring additional gear, such as team coolers, AV equipment, or display stands.

On minibuses (15 to 35 passengers): With just a rear luggage compartment or no dedicated storage, encourage travelers to pack light. One soft-sided duffel or weekender bag per person, plus a personal item, is a good rule. Remember, bulky hard-shell suitcases take up more space than soft bags that squish together. Also, weight matters: most charter bus companies recommend no single bag over 50 pounds for safety and ease of loading.

Packing & Planning Tips for Group Leaders

To make boarding and unloading quick—especially at busy places like Charleston International Airport or Waterfront Park—ask your group to label all luggage with names and phone numbers. Consolidate anything the whole group needs (snacks, first-aid kits, printed itineraries) into one shared box or tote for easy access. If possible, stagger arrival times so half the group boards first and stores their bags, then the rest follow. This prevents a bottleneck at the luggage bays and keeps the aisle clear.

Remind everyone to keep essentials (medication, ID, wallet, phone charger, headphones, a book) in their carry-on or pocket. Once the bus is rolling, you won’t be able to access the under-floor bay until the next stop. If you’re organizing a multi-day trip with several hotel changes, color-code or tag bags by day or destination. This speeds up unloading at each stop and ensures nothing gets left behind in the shuffle.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Mount Pleasant

With a little advance planning and clear guidelines, your group will have all the storage space it needs for a comfortable, organized journey. Whether you’re heading to a conference at the Gaillard Center, a family reunion picnic at Palmetto Islands County Park, or a weekend festival in downtown Charleston, Charter Bus Rental Mount Pleasant has a bus and a luggage solution to fit your itinerary. Not sure which vehicle has the right amount of cargo space? Call our 24/7 team at 843-994-4010 or use our online quote tool to get instant prices and expert advice. We’ll help you pick the perfect ride—and make sure there’s room for every suitcase, cooler, and golf bag your crew wants to bring along!