Lehi Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

Whether you’re gearing up for a youth ski trip to Sundance Resort, loading up the team for a basketball tournament at Thanksgiving Point, or organizing a multi-day corporate retreat at the Traverse Mountain Outlets, packing efficiently and knowing your charter bus’s storage options will ensure a smooth ride. At Charter Bus Rental Lehi, we have over a decade of experience moving groups large and small across Utah County. Our fleet includes full-size 56-passenger coaches, compact minibuses, party buses, sprinter vans, and everything in between—each with different storage layouts and capacities.

Below, our reservation specialists break down exactly how much luggage space is available on each vehicle type, what kind of bags fit where, and smart packing tips for group leaders. If you have questions about specialty equipment (like skis, bikes, or instruments) or need help choosing the right bus for your itinerary, give us a call anytime at 385-746-6060. We’ll match your headcount and gear list to the perfect Lehi charter bus rental!

Storage Space on our Different Bus Models in Lehi

If you’re heading out on a long-distance excursion from Lehi, like a school field trip to Moab or a band camp near Bear Lake, nothing beats the secure, weatherproof undercarriage storage bays on a full-size charter coach. These pass-through compartments run the width of the bus and can swallow up big checked suitcases, coolers, ski bags, folding wheelchairs, and other bulky items you won’t need until you reach your destination. Onboard, overhead parcel racks above the seats provide additional space for smaller carry-on bags, backpacks, and personal items.

Minibuses (seating 15-35) and sprinter vans (10-15) are ideal for local shuttles within the Lehi area, such as corporate commuter routes between Silicon Slopes offices or wedding transportation to venues like The Lodge at Traverse Mountain. These compact vehicles typically have limited dedicated luggage space—usually a rear cargo area or small back-of-bus compartment that can handle a few duffel bags or carry-ons. Overhead bins may be present on larger minibuses, but most passengers will need to keep their belongings in their laps or under seats. For tours requiring lots of gear, it’s best to upgrade to a larger bus model.

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

Full-size 40- or 56-passenger motorcoaches have the largest luggage capacity by far, thanks to the cavernous bays beneath the passenger deck. Most models offer 3-4 bays per side, with each measuring around 8 feet wide, 3.5-4 feet tall, and 3-4 feet deep. That adds up to roughly 450-550 cubic feet of storage—enough for every rider to bring one large suitcase plus extras like instrument cases, coolers, or team equipment bags.

These underfloor bays are accessible only when the bus is parked, so anything you need during the drive should stay with you in the cabin. They’re perfect for stowing checked luggage on overnight trips, spare uniforms for sports teams, or even odd-shaped items like skis (placed diagonally). Our staff will load and unload these compartments curbside at designated stops—just make sure to clearly label all bags with your group name and contact info.

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

Inside the passenger cabin of a full-size charter bus, you’ll find open or enclosed overhead racks running the length of the aisle above the seats. These bins function much like airplane carry-on storage, though they’re generally a bit more spacious and easier to access. Standard dimensions are about 10.5 inches high by 17.5 inches deep on newer coaches, with each segment designed to hold two standard carry-on bags (think 22 x 14 x 9-inch rollerboards).

Overhead racks are ideal for keeping essentials close at hand: laptops, purses, camera bags, snacks, jackets, and anything else you might want during the ride. Soft-sided items like backpacks and tote bags fit especially well. However, hard-shell suitcases and oversized gear should go below to avoid blocking the aisle or creating safety hazards. On minibuses, overhead storage may be minimal or absent altogether, so check with our team if your group needs a lot of onboard bag space.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

The golden rule for most charter bus trips is “one checked bag and one carry-on per person,” mirroring airline standards. On a fully loaded 56-passenger coach, this means each rider gets room for a large suitcase (up to 62 linear inches and 50 pounds) in the undercarriage bay and a smaller carry-on (backpack, duffel, or rollerboard) in the overhead rack. If your group isn’t filling every seat, you’ll have extra wiggle room for collective gear.

For minibuses or sprinters, storage is tighter. We recommend one soft-sided carry-on per passenger, with maybe 5-10 additional bags fitting in the rear cargo area depending on the exact vehicle size. If everyone brings a giant suitcase, you’ll quickly max out capacity—so pack light and consolidate whenever possible! For events where guests need to haul formalwear, AV equipment, or displays (like weddings or conventions), a full-size coach or second support vehicle may be necessary.

Packing & planning tips for group leaders

Coordinating luggage for a big group can get tricky fast, especially if you have a mix of ages, abilities, or special equipment needs. Here are some expert strategies to streamline packing and avoid headaches on departure day:

First, communicate clear baggage limits to all participants well in advance—ideally in your initial trip emails or registration packets. Specify the maximum number and size of bags allowed per person based on your bus type, using concrete examples (“One suitcase no larger than 29 x 20 x 12 inches, plus one backpack or tote”). Remind travelers to pack medications, electronics, and valuables in their carry-ons, as undercarriage bays aren’t accessible en route.

Second, assign color-coded luggage tags or stickers to identify your group’s bags at a glance, especially if sharing a hotel or venue with other visitors. This prevents lost items and speeds up loading/unloading at each stop. For youth trips, consider collecting all checked bags in a central location before departure and doing a quick headcount to verify nothing is left behind.

Finally, build extra time into your schedule for luggage handling, especially at the start and end of your journey. Loading 50+ suitcases takes longer than you might think! Arrive at least 30 minutes early for major transfers, and designate a few volunteers to assist with passing bags to the curb or checking the bays for stragglers. A calm, organized boarding process sets the tone for a stress-free trip.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Lehi

Ready to roll with a perfectly packed bus? Charter Bus Rental Lehi makes group travel easy with a modern fleet, flexible scheduling, and friendly 24/7 support. Whether you’re shuttling tech employees along I-15, hauling students to a science camp in the Uinta Mountains, or moving wedding guests between ceremony and reception sites, we’ll match your headcount and luggage needs to the ideal vehicle. Just tell us your headcount, pickup/drop-off locations, and any special gear requirements—we’ll handle the logistics so you can focus on the fun stuff.

Our online quote tool delivers instant pricing in about 30 seconds, or you can call 385-746-6060 anytime to speak with a real person. From single-day shuttles to weeklong tours across Utah, we’ve moved thousands of happy riders and hundreds of tons of luggage without a hitch. Book today and see why we’re Lehi’s top-rated charter bus company for events of all sizes!