Lawrence Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

Whether you're planning a field trip to the Addison Gallery of American Art, shuttling a corporate team to a retreat at the Andover Inn, or organizing a weekend away with friends, one question always comes up: “How much luggage can we bring?” Understanding charter bus storage is key to making your group trip in Lawrence stress-free. At Charter Bus Rental Lawrence, our fleet offers some of the most generous baggage allowances you’ll find anywhere in Massachusetts. Let’s break down what you can expect on board and how to plan your packing accordingly.

Storage Space on our Different Bus Models in Lawrence

We offer multiple bus types, each designed for a different kind of group and outing. Our 56-passenger charter buses are the largest vehicles in the fleet, regularly booked by schools, sports teams, and large tour groups. These full-size motorcoaches have massive undercarriage luggage bays that run nearly the length of the vehicle, plus overhead bins above every seat. They’re built to haul it all: suitcases, band instruments, golf clubs, skis, presentation materials—you name it.

If you’re traveling with a smaller group, consider a minibus instead. We offer minibuses in sizes ranging from 18 to 35 seats. While these don’t have the giant under-floor compartments of a big coach, many feature rear luggage holds or modest undercarriage bays suitable for weekend bags, backpacks, or sports equipment. Overhead racks inside are ideal for coats and small carry-ons. For short hops around town or day-long excursions where everyone packs light, a minibus is perfect.

And if you want something truly special, check out our party buses and sprinter vans! These luxury vehicles prioritize onboard amenities like wraparound leather seating, LED lights, Bluetooth audio systems, and coolers. Luggage space is limited to what fits in small rear trunks or beneath bench seats, so they’re best for events like weddings, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or bar crawls where guests just need personal items and maybe a change of clothes.

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

On our flagship 56-passenger charter buses, the under-floor luggage bays are enormous—the largest available on the market. Each bay typically measures about 8 feet wide, 3.5 feet tall, and 3-4 feet deep. Most coaches have three or four of these bays per side, offering a total capacity between 450 and 550 cubic feet. That’s enough for every passenger to bring a large suitcase (think airline checked-bag size) and still have room for extra gear.

These bays are accessible from curbside doors, which open upward for easy loading and unloading. Many buses feature pass-through compartments that go straight across to the opposite side, so long items like skis, foldable tables, or oversized banners can slide right through. This setup is ideal for high school bands heading to competitions, sports teams with bulky equipment bags, or tour groups with lots of luggage.

For mid-sized buses (28-35 passengers), under-floor storage is more limited but still substantial. You’ll usually find two bays, each capable of holding several medium-sized suitcases or duffel bags. If your group tends to pack light or you’re only going overnight, this will suffice.

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

Step inside any of our charter buses and look up—that’s where you’ll find the overhead parcel racks running along both sides of the aisle. On a 56-passenger coach, these bins are similar to what you see on airplanes: sturdy, open shelves with a lip or sometimes enclosed with sliding doors. Each rack typically measures about 10 inches high and 17 inches deep, providing ample room for small suitcases, backpacks, purses, camera bags, and jackets.

Most overhead racks are divided into sections above every pair of seats, with each compartment able to hold two standard carry-on bags. Across the entire bus, you get roughly 100-120 cubic feet of overhead storage. Encourage passengers to keep essentials here—snacks, books, electronics, medications—since under-floor luggage isn’t accessible while the bus is moving.

On minibuses, overhead racks are more compact but still useful for stowing coats, tote bags, or laptop cases. Some models opt for open shelves, while others have a simple rail to keep items from sliding off during travel. It won’t fit rolling suitcases, but it’s perfect for daily necessities.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

Here’s the rule of thumb for charter bus luggage: on a full-size 56-passenger coach, each person can comfortably bring one large suitcase (up to 62 linear inches, matching airline checked-bag standards) in the under-floor bay plus one carry-on bag (like a backpack or small roller) for the overhead rack. There’s often additional space leftover for group gear such as coolers, folding chairs, or AV equipment, especially if your headcount is below maximum capacity.

Mid-size buses generally allow one medium bag per person underneath and a small carry-on up top. Minibuses and party buses, with their limited storage, are best for “backpack only” trips or occasions where everyone brings just a purse or tote.

Weight matters too: individual bags shouldn’t exceed 50 pounds, and overhead items should be light enough to lift safely over your head. Always check with our staff if you’re bringing unusual cargo (musical instruments, bikes, etc.)—we’ve helped groups transport everything from kayaks to stage props and can recommend the right bus for your needs.

Packing & planning tips for group leaders

Want your group to breeze through boarding and stay organized on the road? Start by communicating clear packing guidelines well before departure. Send an email outlining the luggage limits based on your specific bus—for example, “One suitcase and one carry-on per person”—and remind everyone to label their bags with their name and contact info. This prevents mix-ups and speeds up the loading process at busy pickup points like Lawrence High School or the Lawrence Transportation Center.

Designate a couple of volunteers or chaperones to oversee luggage loading. They can direct passengers to place large bags by the curb for loading into the under-floor bays and ensure that only essential items go in the overhead racks. If your itinerary includes multiple stops (say, a tour of Greater Boston museums), create a system where bags needed sooner are loaded last for easy access.

For longer journeys, encourage travelers to pack a “bus bag” with snacks, water, entertainment, and anything else they might want during the ride. Remind them that under-floor luggage is inaccessible until scheduled stops. And if you’re carrying group equipment (like team uniforms or presentation materials), pack those together and load them in a designated bay for quick retrieval.

Finally, do a headcount and bag count before departure. Double-check that nothing is left behind on the curb, especially at crowded locations like the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell or Fenway Park after a game. A little organization goes a long way toward a smooth trip!

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Lawrence

No matter where your group is headed in Massachusetts, Charter Bus Rental Lawrence has the storage solutions to handle your luggage. From school field trips to weddings, sports tournaments to corporate retreats, our diverse fleet ensures there’s a perfect bus for your headcount and cargo. With spacious under-floor bays, convenient overhead racks, and flexible options for special equipment, you’ll never have to leave anything important behind. Ready to start planning? Call our 24/7 team at 978-691-3240 for an instant quote and expert advice on choosing the right bus. We’ll help you pack smart, travel comfortably, and make your next group journey the easiest yet.