Kirkland Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

Traveling by charter bus in Kirkland can mean a day trip to Seattle, a ski weekend in the Cascades, or a multi-day business conference at Meydenbauer Center. Each itinerary has its own packing demands—and your group will have questions about how much they can bring. “How many bags fit under a charter bus? Can I bring my bicycle? Will my instrument case be safe? Does a minibus have room for luggage?” Here’s everything you need to know about storage space on our fleet of buses in Kirkland, so you can set clear expectations with your travelers and avoid last-minute surprises.

Storage Space on our Different Bus Models in Kirkland

Charter Bus Rental Kirkland offers a range of vehicles from 10-passenger sprinter vans to 56-passenger full-size motorcoaches. The larger the bus, the more underfloor and overhead storage it provides. Our 40-56 passenger models are built for long-distance comfort and come equipped with three or four massive belly bays that run the length of the vehicle. These compartments are ideal for checked suitcases, sports gear, trade show supplies, or anything too bulky for carry-on. You can expect each bay to hold several large roller bags or equipment cases.

Overhead racks above the seats add another layer of storage for smaller items. These bins are similar in size and shape to airline overheads—perfect for daypacks, laptop bags, coats, or musical instruments you want within reach. If you opt for one of our 15-35 passenger minibuses, the configuration changes: most don’t have underfloor cargo space, but many offer a rear luggage compartment or a small trunk area behind the last row of seats. Overhead shelving is still available for compact carry-ons. Our 10-15 passenger sprinter vans maximize interior seating and have limited dedicated storage, so these are best for groups traveling light.

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

On a standard 56-passenger MCI, Prevost, or Van Hool coach, you’ll find three or four underfloor bays running curbside and roadside. Each bay typically measures about 8 feet wide, 3.5 feet tall, and 3.5 feet deep—think of a walk-in closet lying on its side. The bays usually pass through from one side of the bus to the other, making it easy to load from either direction when curb conditions allow. In total, a full-size coach’s belly holds between 450 and 550 cubic feet of luggage. That’s enough for one full-size suitcase per passenger, plus extra room for oddly shaped items like skis, folding tables, or boxed merchandise.

The floor is flat, the doors open upward to provide shelter during loading, and high-end models include LED lighting for night operations. For comparison, this is more than double the trunk space of a typical airport shuttle or school bus. If your group is carrying oversized equipment (like bikes, golf clubs, or AV crates), measure beforehand to ensure it fits the bay height and width, and let us know if you need special accommodations.

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

Inside every motorcoach, overhead parcel racks line both sides of the aisle above the seats. On a 45-foot charter bus, these bins are about 10 inches high and 16 inches deep, with a sturdy lip or sometimes a closing door to keep bags secure. They’re designed for soft-sided duffels, backpacks, briefcases, and personal electronics—not hard-shell luggage or heavy boxes. Think of what you’d comfortably lift into an airplane bin. Each rack section typically spans two seats, so plan on one carry-on per person. The total overhead capacity on a full-size coach adds up to around 100-120 cubic feet, supplementing what’s below deck. Minibuses have simpler open shelves, often without doors, but still accommodate small bags and jackets. Sprinter vans may have compact overheads or none at all, depending on seating layout.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

The industry standard for full-size charter buses is “one checked bag and one carry-on per passenger.” A 56-passenger coach can reliably stow 56 large suitcases or duffels in the underfloor bays (each bag roughly 27 x 21 x 14 inches, or 62 linear inches), plus 56 smaller carry-ons overhead (about 22 x 14 x 9 inches). If some travelers pack lighter, others can bring extra gear, but exceeding these guidelines risks running out of space. Minibuses and sprinters require stricter limits: most can handle only one small suitcase or backpack per person, all stored in the rear or above the seats. Always confirm your group’s baggage needs before booking. If you’re hauling sports teams, orchestra instruments, or trade show booths, detail the quantity and dimensions so we can recommend a vehicle with adequate storage or suggest renting a second bus or cargo trailer.

Packing & Planning Tips for Group Leaders

To avoid delays and confusion, communicate luggage policies early and clearly to your travelers. Specify size and weight limits (“Checked bags must not exceed 50 pounds or 62 linear inches”), and remind everyone to label their belongings with name and contact info. Encourage essential items—medications, valuables, electronics—to stay in the cabin, as underfloor bays are inaccessible while moving. For ski trips or outdoor adventures, pack gear in soft-sided bags that stack easily, and group similar items (helmets, boots) together for quick unloading at the destination. If your itinerary includes multiple hotel stops, consider color-coding tags by property or day to streamline sorting. Budget extra time at departure for loading; even with experienced staff, filling the bays of a full coach takes longer than boarding a plane or train.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Kirkland

Whether you’re shuttling conference attendees from Totem Lake to Bellevue, taking a youth group camping near Lake Sammamish, or organizing a band tour across Washington, Charter Bus Rental Kirkland has a vehicle with the right storage to match your packing list. Our team will help you choose the optimal bus model based on passenger count and cargo volume—and if your plans change, we can adjust the reservation to add a second vehicle or upgrade to a larger coach. With clear communication and smart planning, your group’s luggage will travel safely and efficiently, leaving everyone free to enjoy the ride. For instant quotes and expert advice, call 425-845-5180 anytime.