Erie Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

Whether you’re planning a multi-day tour of the Great Lakes, heading to Presque Isle for an outdoor adventure, or organizing a sports team trip across Pennsylvania, knowing how much luggage space you have on your charter bus is crucial. At Charter Bus Rental Erie, we get asked about storage options all the time—and for good reason! You want to make sure everything from suitcases and sports gear to band instruments and presentation materials can be packed safely and efficiently.

This guide breaks down exactly what kind of cargo room you can expect with each of our most popular bus rentals. We’ll share typical bay measurements, overhead rack sizes, and real-world examples of what groups just like yours have fit onboard. Plus, we’ll offer tips for maximizing every inch of space so your Erie charter bus trip goes off without a hitch.

Storage Space on our Different Bus Models in Erie

Charter Bus Rental Erie offers buses for every group size and itinerary, from streamlined minibuses perfect for city shuttles to spacious 56-passenger motorcoaches built for long-haul journeys. Each model has its own unique storage configuration, so let’s look at the differences:

Full-Size Charter Buses (47-56 passengers): These are your classic “tour coach” style vehicles, featuring large undercarriage luggage bays running the length of the bus. You’ll also find sturdy overhead racks similar to those on airplanes. If maximum cargo capacity is a top priority, this is the model to choose for trips between Erie and Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo, or beyond.

Mid-Size Charter Buses (30-40 passengers): These coaches offer many of the same amenities as their full-size counterparts but on a slightly smaller scale. They typically have one or two luggage bays underneath, plus overhead racks inside. Perfect for mid-sized groups that need some baggage space but not quite as much as a full-size coach.

Minibuses (15-35 passengers): Minibuses prioritize passenger seating over storage. Most will have either a small rear luggage compartment or compact overhead shelves above the seats. While you won’t fit a truckload of gear, they’re ideal for day trips around Erie where everyone can travel light.

When requesting a quote, always mention if your group will be bringing oversized items like coolers, golf clubs, or musical instruments. Our reservation specialists can recommend the best vehicle type based on your exact headcount and packing list.

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

The under-floor luggage bays are the workhorses of any large charter bus. These compartments run along both sides of the bus beneath the passenger deck, accessible via exterior doors. On a standard 56-passenger motorcoach, you’ll usually find three or four separate bays, each measuring roughly 8 feet wide, 3.5 feet tall, and 3 feet deep.

All together, this gives you approximately 450-500 cubic feet of storage—enough to hold one large suitcase per person if the bus is fully booked. The bays are designed to carry hard-sided luggage, duffel bags, and even odd-shaped equipment like skis or folding tables. Since they’re pass-through compartments, you can load items from either side of the bus (though curbside loading is safest).

If you’re traveling with a school band or sports team, these bays are spacious enough for instrument cases, team coolers, and other bulky gear. Just keep in mind that once the bus is moving, the under-floor compartments aren’t accessible until the next stop. Anything you might need en route should go in the cabin.

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

Inside the passenger area, every full-size charter bus and most mid-size models feature overhead parcel racks above the seats. These function much like airplane bins: they’re perfect for backpacks, tote bags, laptop cases, and other personal items you want within easy reach during the ride.

On a typical motorcoach, overhead racks measure about 10.5 inches high by 17.5 inches deep, running nearly the entire length of the aisle. Some buses have open shelves with a raised lip, while others include enclosed bins with latching doors for added security. Each section is sized to fit two carry-on bags similar to airline standards (roughly 22x14x9 inches each).

The total overhead storage capacity will vary depending on the bus length, but it’s generally enough for each passenger to stow a small bag or jacket. For safety, heavier items should go in the under-floor bays rather than the overhead racks. And if your group includes elderly travelers or children, consider reserving a bus with enclosed bins to prevent anything from shifting during sharp turns or sudden stops.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

As a rule of thumb, most charter bus operators (including us) recommend a “one checked, one carry-on” policy for full-size and mid-size coaches. That means each passenger can bring one large suitcase (up to 50 pounds, stored in the under-floor bay) and one smaller item like a backpack or purse for the overhead rack.

Here’s how that breaks down by bus type:

56-passenger motorcoach: Holds up to 56 large suitcases underneath plus a carry-on bag for everyone overhead.
40-passenger mid-size coach: Fits around 40 large suitcases in the bay and a carry-on per person inside.
25-passenger minibus: May only accommodate 15-20 small suitcases in the rear compartment or overhead shelves, so encourage your group to pack light.
If your trip requires more luggage capacity—for example, a wedding party with extra decorations or a college team hauling lots of sports gear—let our team know in advance. We can either recommend a larger coach or add a second bus to handle overflow items.

Pro tip: Always label every piece of luggage with the owner’s name and contact info. This makes unloading at hotels, venues, or attractions like the Erie Zoo or Waldameer Park much smoother.

Packing & Planning Tips for Group Leaders

Want to maximize your charter bus’s storage potential? Follow these expert tips:

Communicate baggage limits early. Include clear packing guidelines in your pre-trip emails or itinerary handouts. Specify the size and weight restrictions for both checked and carry-on items.
Encourage soft-sided luggage. Duffel bags and collapsible totes are easier to stack and squeeze into tight spaces than hard-shell suitcases.
Load heavy items first. When filling the under-floor bays, start with the heaviest gear closest to the axle for better weight distribution. Lighter bags can go on top.
Reserve a trailer for oversize equipment. If your group needs to bring bikes, kayaks, or stage props, ask us about adding a tow-behind trailer to your booking.
Keep valuables and medications in carry-ons. Remind passengers that the under-floor bays won’t be accessible until scheduled stops, so anything important should stay in the cabin.
By planning ahead and sticking to sensible packing rules, you’ll avoid last-minute stress and ensure a comfortable ride for everyone on board.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Erie

Ready to book your next group trip out of Erie? Charter Bus Rental Erie has the right bus and plenty of storage space for your itinerary. From airport transfers to cross-state tours, our fleet can handle all your luggage needs with room to spare.

Still have questions about fitting specific items or choosing the best bus size? Call our reservations team at 814-960-6650. We’re available 24/7 to provide personalized recommendations and instant price quotes. With the right charter bus and a smart packing plan, your group can sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey—luggage and all!