Roswell Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

Every group trip is easier when you have a dedicated charter bus rental to carry your passengers and all their luggage—and with Charter Bus Rental Roswell, that’s exactly what you get! We make it easy to book the right size charter bus or minibus for your group and itinerary. And when it comes to storage, we offer options for every passenger count, from overhead racks for carry-ons to spacious undercarriage luggage bays for large suitcases, golf clubs, and more.

But how much luggage will really fit on your bus? Can you bring skis or musical instruments? What about carry-ons and special equipment? Here are answers to all those questions and more in our ultimate guide to charter bus packing and storage.

Storage Space on our Different Bus Models in Roswell

Charter Bus Rental Roswell offers several different sizes of buses, each with its own storage configuration. In general, the larger the vehicle, the more space available for luggage and equipment. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most popular bus types in our fleet:

Our 56-passenger charter buses have the largest storage capacity, making them ideal for long-distance trips or groups carrying bulky gear. These full-size coaches feature multiple under-floor luggage bays running the length of the bus, as well as overhead parcel racks above every seat row inside the cabin. If you’re planning a multi-day tour of Georgia’s historic sites or need to transport sports teams with all their equipment, this is your best bet for maximizing storage without sacrificing comfort.

Our 35- and 28-passenger minibuses are designed for mid-sized groups and shorter trips around the city. While they don’t offer the same cavernous under-floor compartments as the larger models, many minibuses include a rear luggage area behind the last row of seats. This is perfect for day trips where passengers only need to stow backpacks, briefcases, or small duffel bags.

Sprinter vans (15-passenger) are great for airport shuttles, corporate outings, or small wedding parties. Storage is limited to the space behind the rear bench or optional roof-mounted carriers. Passengers should pack light, using soft-sided bags that can easily be stacked if needed. Overhead racks may be available on select models but are typically smaller than those found on larger buses.

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

On a standard 56-passenger charter bus, you’ll find three to four under-floor luggage bays, each accessible from curbside doors along the exterior of the vehicle. The exact dimensions can vary slightly by manufacturer, but a typical bay measures about 8 feet wide, 3.5 feet tall, and 3.5 feet deep—providing roughly 450 to 500 cubic feet of total storage across all compartments.

This is enough room to accommodate one large suitcase per passenger, plus extra space for specialty items like folding wheelchairs, golf bags, or musical instrument cases. The bays are designed as “pass-through” compartments, meaning you can load items from either side of the bus and slide them all the way through to the opposite door. This makes loading and unloading fast and efficient, especially at busy spots like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport or major event venues near Roswell.

If you’re traveling with oversized equipment—such as skis for a winter retreat to Blue Ridge or bikes for a team charity ride—let us know in advance so we can confirm the best way to store these items. While the bays are spacious, there are limits to what can fit, especially if every passenger brings maximum-size luggage.

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

Inside the bus, overhead parcel racks run above the seats on both sides of the aisle, similar to the bins found on commercial airplanes. On full-size charter buses, these racks measure approximately 10 inches high by 17 inches deep, offering enough space for small carry-on suitcases, backpacks, purses, or laptop bags.

Think of the overhead rack as your in-cabin storage for anything you want to keep within reach during the journey—snacks, books, tablets, jackets, and other personal essentials. Most passengers will have space for one item each, though groups with fewer people than seats may find extra room to spread out.

It’s important to note that hard-sided roller bags or heavy items are better suited for the under-floor bays, as the overhead racks are not designed to handle excessive weight. Soft-sided bags that can be compressed or stacked are ideal for this area.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

The general rule of thumb for charter bus luggage is one large “checked” bag in the under-floor bay and one small “carry-on” bag in the overhead rack per person. For example, if you’re booking a 56-passenger bus at full capacity, plan for 56 large suitcases plus 56 carry-ons. If your group isn’t filling every seat, you may have additional space to bring extra items or larger pieces of equipment.

Weight restrictions also apply, both for safety and ease of handling. Individual bags should not exceed 50 pounds, and the combined weight of all luggage must stay within the bus’s total cargo limit set by the manufacturer. This ensures smooth loading and unloading, especially when navigating busy streets in downtown Atlanta or tight parking lots at popular attractions like the Chattahoochee Nature Center.

For minibuses and sprinter vans, expect tighter constraints. A typical 25-passenger minibus with a rear luggage compartment can hold about 15 to 20 medium-sized suitcases, so passengers may need to share space or pack lighter. Carry-ons should still fit comfortably in any available overhead racks or under the seats.

Packing & planning tips for group leaders

Now that you have an idea of how much storage space is available, here are some tips to help your group make the most of it:

Encourage passengers to use soft-sided luggage whenever possible, as it’s easier to stack and compress in the bays or racks. Hard-shell suitcases take up more room and can create gaps that waste valuable space.

For large or full-capacity trips, consider collecting all luggage in one spot before loading the bus. This allows you to organize items by size and weight, placing heavier bags on the bottom and fragile or lightweight items on top. Assign a few volunteers to assist with this process to speed things up.

Ask passengers to clearly label their bags with names and contact information. This prevents mix-ups and makes it easier to identify any lost or misplaced items, especially if you’re visiting multiple destinations in a single day.

If your group needs to transport special equipment—such as AV gear for a conference at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center or coolers for a tailgate party at Truist Park—let your reservation specialist know during booking. They can help you choose a bus with the right storage configuration or recommend alternative solutions, such as towing a small trailer.

Remind everyone to keep essential items (medications, travel documents, electronics, etc.) in their carry-on bags. Once the bus is on the highway, under-floor bays are inaccessible until the next scheduled stop, so anything you might need en route should stay in the cabin.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Roswell

No matter where your group is headed—from school field trips to Fernbank Museum to corporate retreats at Lake Lanier Islands—Charter Bus Rental Roswell has the vehicles and expertise to ensure your luggage travels safely alongside you. Our team is available 24/7 at 943-777-5380 to answer any questions about bus storage, packing guidelines, or custom accommodations for unique cargo.

Ready to get started? Request a free quote online today and let us help you plan a seamless, stress-free journey across Georgia and beyond!