Kenosha Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

When you’re planning a group trip, how much luggage you can bring is always an important question. The good news? Charter buses are designed with group travel in mind—and they offer some of the most generous luggage allowances of any ground transportation option. Whether you’re shuttling a sports team to Carthage College, getting ready for a band tour, or just taking your extended family on a weekend getaway to Lake Geneva, you’ll have plenty of space for bags, gear, and even a few odd-shaped items. This handy guide breaks down exactly what kind of storage you’ll find on our charter bus models, how much each area holds, and some pro tips to help your group pack smart. Let’s make sure everyone has what they need for the road ahead!

Storage Space on our Different Bus Models in Kenosha

Charter Bus Rental Kenosha has access to a huge fleet of vehicles, including 15-passenger minibuses, 35-passenger mid-size buses, and full-size 56-passenger motorcoaches. Each vehicle type has different storage options to accommodate your group’s needs.

Full-size charter buses (usually seating 40 to 56 passengers) are the best choice if you know your group will be traveling with a lot of equipment or bulky items. These coaches come equipped with under-floor luggage bays that run nearly the entire length of the vehicle, as well as overhead parcel racks inside the cabin. If you’re heading to Lambeau Field for a Packers game and need to haul coolers, tents, and tailgating supplies, this is the way to go.

Mid-size buses and minibuses usually seat anywhere from 20 to 35 passengers. They may have smaller exterior storage compartments in the rear or along the side, but these aren’t as large as the underfloor bays on a full-size coach. Inside the cabin, you’ll still find overhead racks for carry-on bags. These buses are great for corporate shuttles, airport transfers, or day trips where everyone just needs a backpack or small suitcase.

Not sure which size is right for you? Give our reservation team a call at 262-771-3710, and we’ll be happy to walk through your itinerary and luggage requirements to recommend the best fit.

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

The under-floor luggage bays are the main storage area for checked bags, large suitcases, and oversized items. On a standard 56-passenger charter bus, you’ll typically find three to four separate bay doors on each side of the vehicle. Each bay measures approximately 8 feet wide, 3.5 to 4 feet tall, and 3 to 4 feet deep. In total, you’re looking at around 500 to 600 cubic feet of storage space across all the bays combined.

To put that in perspective: You could easily fit one large “checked” suitcase per passenger (think airline size limits), along with some extra room for things like golf clubs, band instruments, or even a few folding tables. The bays are designed as pass-through compartments, so you can load from either side of the bus. Keep in mind that the exact dimensions may vary depending on the manufacturer and whether the bus is equipped with features like a wheelchair lift, which might slightly reduce available space.

For groups traveling with especially bulky or odd-shaped items—like skis, bicycles, or trade show displays—let us know during booking. We can double-check the bay dimensions and make sure everything will fit comfortably.

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

Inside the passenger cabin, you’ll find overhead parcel racks running above the seats on both sides of the aisle. These are similar to the bins you see on airplanes, though they’re usually open shelves with a lip to keep bags from sliding out. Some luxury motorcoach models may have enclosed, airline-style bins with doors.

The typical dimensions for overhead racks are about 9 to 10 inches high and 16 to 18 inches deep. Each compartment can comfortably hold two carry-on-sized bags, plus a few personal items like jackets or purses. For a 56-passenger bus, that adds up to roughly 100 to 120 cubic feet of additional storage. These racks are perfect for anything you want to keep within arm’s reach during the drive—snacks, books, tablets, or a change of clothes.

Just remember that heavy or hard-sided suitcases should go underneath in the luggage bays. The overhead racks are best for lightweight, soft-sided bags to avoid any risk of items shifting or falling during transit.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

With all that space available, what does it mean for individual packing limits? Here’s a general guideline:

Each passenger can bring one large suitcase (up to 50 pounds) to be stowed in the under-floor luggage bay. This would be similar to the size of a checked bag for air travel—around 27 x 21 x 14 inches or a combined total of 62 linear inches (length + width + height). Each passenger can also bring one smaller carry-on item (up to 25 pounds) to place in the overhead rack. This could be a backpack, duffel bag, or tote—roughly the dimensions of a standard airline carry-on (22 x 14 x 9 inches).

If your bus isn’t filled to capacity, you may be able to bring a little extra. For example, if you only have 40 passengers on a 56-seat coach, there will be additional room in both the under-floor bays and overhead racks. However, if the bus is fully booked, it’s important for everyone to stick to the “one checked, one carry-on” rule to ensure all bags fit safely.

Groups traveling with special equipment (musical instruments, sports gear, etc.) should coordinate with us in advance. We’ll work with you to allocate the necessary space and may recommend upgrading to a larger vehicle if needed.

Packing & planning tips for group leaders

To make loading and unloading as smooth as possible, here are a few tips for group leaders and travelers:

Clearly label all luggage with name tags and contact information. This helps prevent mix-ups when bags are loaded into the under-floor bays, especially if you have multiple stops along your route. Consider color-coding tags by hotel or destination if your itinerary includes several overnight stays. Have passengers keep essential items (medications, electronics, valuables) in their carry-on bags. The under-floor luggage bays are only accessible when the bus is stopped, so anything you might need en route should stay with you in the cabin. Arrive early on departure day to allow ample time for loading. Plan for at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure, more if your group has a lot of gear or you’re coordinating with other vehicles. Appoint a “luggage captain” to oversee the process and check that all bags are accounted for.

Remind everyone to pack light! While charter buses have more storage than most other vehicles, overpacking can lead to delays and cramped conditions. Encourage passengers to share suitcases if possible (e.g., two siblings or teammates in one large bag) and to use soft-sided luggage that’s easier to stack and maneuver.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Kenosha

Whether you’re planning a school field trip to the Milwaukee Public Museum, a ski weekend in the Upper Peninsula, or a multi-day tour across the Midwest, Charter Bus Rental Kenosha has the right vehicle and storage solution for your group. Our team is available 24/7 to answer questions about luggage allowances, recommend the best bus size, and help you customize your itinerary. With spacious under-floor bays, convenient overhead racks, and flexible packing policies, you can rest assured that everyone will have room for their essentials (and maybe a few souvenirs, too). Ready to start planning? Call us today at 262-771-3710 for a free quote and let’s hit the road together!