Longview Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

When you’re booking a charter bus rental in Longview, it’s important to know how much luggage space is available for your group. Whether you’re heading to East Texas Baptist University for a campus tour, loading up for a youth retreat at Pine Cove, or bringing production gear to the Longview Museum of Fine Arts, you need to know if your bus can handle all your bags, coolers, and equipment. Below, our team breaks down exactly how much storage space you get with each bus type and offers some tips to help you pack smart.

Storage Space on our Different Bus Models in Longview

Charter Bus Rental Longview offers dozens of bus models, each with its own luggage layout. Full-size 56-passenger charter buses have massive under-floor luggage bays plus overhead racks. Minibuses (15-35 passengers) may have a small rear trunk, limited overhead bins, or just open floor space. Sprinter vans and party buses prioritize seating and standing room, so storage is limited to what fits in overhead shelves or empty seats.

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

On a full-size motorcoach, the main luggage compartments are three or four long bays running beneath the passenger deck. These are called “under-floor” or “belly” storage. They’re accessed by lifting exterior doors on the side of the bus. Each bay typically stretches 8 feet wide, stands about 3.5 feet tall, and measures 3-4 feet deep. Most are pass-throughs, so you can load from either side. Altogether, you get around 500 cubic feet of storage—enough for one large suitcase per person when fully loaded with 56 passengers.

If you’re renting a minibus, don’t expect any under-floor bays. Some mini-coaches have a small compartment at the very back that can fit 10-15 duffel bags, but most use interior space for seating instead of luggage. Always check with our reservation team before booking if you have more than one bag per person or bulky items like folding tables, band instruments, or sports gear.

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

Inside the bus, you’ll find overhead racks above the seats. On a full-size coach, these resemble airplane bins: about 10 inches high, 17 inches deep, and stretching the length of the cabin. They’re perfect for backpacks, purses, briefcases, and other carry-on items you want during the ride. Each section is designed to hold two standard-sized bags per row.

Overhead racks are less common on minibuses and sprinters, but some do offer shallow shelves or cubbies for jackets and small bags. If your bus doesn’t have overhead storage, you’ll need to keep personal items on your lap or under your seat.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

The general rule for full-size charter buses is one large suitcase in the under-floor bay and one small carry-on in the overhead rack per person. Think of it like flying: one checked bag and one carry-on. Suitcases should weigh less than 50 pounds each and measure no more than 62 linear inches (length + width + height). Carry-ons should be no larger than 16 x 12 x 7 inches to fit comfortably in the overhead bin.

On minibuses, plan for one medium-sized bag per person, stored in the rear trunk or on empty seats. If you have extra gear, like coolers, AV equipment, or props for a show at the Belcher Center, let us know in advance. We can help you choose a larger bus or recommend a second vehicle for cargo.

Packing & planning tips for group leaders

To make loading and unloading quick and easy, ask your passengers to pack light and use soft-sided bags. Hard-shell suitcases take up more space and can be difficult to stack in the luggage bay. Label all bags with names and contact info in case anything gets left behind.

If you’re traveling with children or seniors, remind them to keep essential items (medications, snacks, entertainment) in their carry-on. The under-floor bays aren’t accessible while the bus is moving, so anything stored there will be off-limits until your next stop.

For trips with lots of equipment, like a marching band competition at Lobo Stadium or a film shoot in downtown Longview, provide a packing list and assign someone to supervise loading. Place heavy items on the bottom of the bay and fragile ones on top. Secure everything to prevent shifting during transit.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Longview

Charter Bus Rental Longview has been serving groups across East Texas for over a decade. With a fleet of over 100 vehicles and 24/7 customer support, we’re ready to help you plan your next trip—and pack for it, too! Call 430-323-4580 today for a free quote on a charter bus, minibus, party bus, or sprinter van rental in Longview. We’ll match you with the perfect vehicle and make sure you have all the luggage space you need to hit the road with confidence.