Kalamazoo Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

When you book a charter bus in Kalamazoo, you want your group to travel comfortably and have everything they need on board. Whether you’re packing for a weekend festival at Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, a weeklong tour of campus visits, or a day trip to Lake Michigan, it’s important to know just how much storage space is available on the bus you choose. At Charter Bus Rental Kalamazoo, we get questions about luggage space all the time! Below, we’ll break down what our different bus models can carry, how many bags each person should plan for, and tips for keeping your group organized and ready for anything. If you still have questions after reading this guide, give us a call at 269-350-7770 and our reservation team will be happy to help!

Storage Space on our Different Bus Models in Kalamazoo

Charter buses come in all shapes and sizes—from 15-passenger minibuses built on sprinter van chassis, to full-sized 56-passenger coaches with underfloor luggage bays. The amount of storage space available depends on which model you book, so let’s break down the options most commonly rented by groups in Kalamazoo.

Minibuses (15-35 passengers): Minibuses are ideal for shuttling between local venues like Kalamazoo College and Western Michigan University, or for quick trips to regional airports. Most minibus models offer limited storage: a small rear luggage area behind the last row of seats, and overhead racks above the seats that can fit backpacks, briefcases, or duffel bags. If your passengers pack light, a minibus works well for day trips. But if everyone brings a large suitcase, you might run out of room quickly.

Full-size Charter Buses (40-56 passengers): These motorcoaches are built for long-distance trips and heavy-duty hauling. Under the passenger deck, you’ll find spacious luggage bays that span the length of the bus, accessible from exterior doors on either side. Inside, wide overhead parcel racks run above the seats, similar to airplane bins but without doors. Full-size coaches can easily handle a checked suitcase plus a carry-on per passenger—perfect for multi-day tours, band equipment, or sporting gear.

Not sure which size bus you need? Our team is happy to recommend the best option based on your headcount and itinerary. We can also combine multiple vehicles (for example, a coach bus and a minibus) if your group needs extra flexibility or has members flying in separately.

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

The massive luggage bays underneath a full-size charter bus are the main reason these vehicles are so popular for long trips. On average, a 56-passenger coach offers 400-500 cubic feet of underfloor storage—enough to fit one large suitcase per person, plus some extra room for odd-shaped items like golf clubs, folding tables, or even a couple of wheelchairs.

Each bay typically measures about 8 feet wide, 3 feet tall, and 3 feet deep, though exact dimensions vary by manufacturer. There are usually three or four bays on each side of the bus, connected by an open pass-through so you can load from either curbside or roadside. When your group arrives at a pickup point like the Radisson Plaza Hotel downtown, our team will handle loading everyone’s big bags into the bays while passengers settle in up top.

If you’re bringing specialized equipment (musical instruments, trade show displays, coolers for a tailgate), let us know when you request a quote. We can double-check that everything will fit safely and suggest the right bus size or additional trailer if needed.

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

Inside every charter bus and minibus, you’ll find overhead storage racks running along both sides above the seats. These open shelves are designed for carry-on sized items: think backpacks, tote bags, laptop cases, camera bags, or a small duffel. The typical overhead rack is about 10 inches high and 16 inches deep, with enough length to hold several bags per section.

Unlike airplane bins, most bus racks don’t have closing doors, so passengers should avoid placing loose items that could slide around during turns or stops. Encourage your group to keep valuables and essentials (wallets, phones, medications) in a bag that fits securely overhead or under their seat, rather than buried in the underfloor luggage compartment.

Some premium coach models also feature enclosed, airline-style overhead bins with doors that latch shut. If your group is traveling with fragile electronics or needs extra peace of mind, ask about upgrading to a luxury bus with this amenity.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

The golden rule for charter bus packing is “one checked bag and one carry-on per person.” This ensures there’s enough room for everyone’s belongings without overloading the storage bays or crowding the aisles. Here’s how we define those bag sizes:

Checked Bag: A standard rolling suitcase or duffel, up to 50 pounds and no larger than 62 linear inches (length + width + height). These go in the underfloor luggage bays.

Carry-On: A backpack, messenger bag, or small roller that fits in the overhead rack or under the seat in front of you. Carry-ons should weigh no more than 25 pounds and measure roughly 18 x 14 x 8 inches or smaller.

If your group is packing unusually heavy or bulky items (team equipment, medical supplies, film gear), please let us know in advance. We may recommend limiting checked bags or renting a second vehicle to ensure safe weight distribution and compliance with DOT regulations.

For minibuses and sprinter vans, where storage is tighter, encourage passengers to bring only what they can carry onto the bus themselves. A single soft-sided bag per person usually suffices for day trips or airport transfers around Kalamazoo.

Packing & planning tips for group leaders

As the group leader, your job is to set clear expectations and keep everyone’s baggage manageable! Here are a few pro tips from our reservation specialists:

Share a packing list before departure. Specify the allowed number and size of bags, remind passengers to label everything with their name and phone number, and note any prohibited items (e.g., hazardous materials, loose liquids).

Designate someone to oversee loading and unloading at each stop. This helps ensure nothing gets left behind in the bays or overhead racks, especially when making multiple pickups (like shuttling between Wings Event Center and the Air Zoo during a convention).

Encourage people to keep essentials in their carry-on, since the underfloor bays aren’t accessible while the bus is moving. Snacks, meds, chargers, and entertainment should stay within arm’s reach.

If your itinerary includes overnight stays, coordinate with hotels about early luggage drop-off or late pickup. Some properties can store your group’s bags temporarily, freeing up bus space for sightseeing between check-in and check-out times.

Consider color-coding luggage tags by subgroup (students, staff, VIP guests) if you’re managing a large roster. This speeds up sorting and delivery at destinations like Miller Auditorium or Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport.

By planning ahead and communicating clearly, you’ll minimize headaches and maximize comfort for everyone on board!

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Kalamazoo

With ample storage space beneath and above, charter buses are the best way for groups to travel together with all their gear in tow. Whether you’re heading to a conference at WMU, a music festival at Arcadia Creek Festival Place, or a class field trip to Binder Park Zoo, we’ll make sure your passengers ride in comfort without having to leave anything important behind.

Ready to reserve the perfect bus for your next adventure? Call Charter Bus Rental Kalamazoo today at 269-350-7770. Our team will walk you through the available models, help estimate your group’s luggage needs, and provide a free, no-obligation quote in minutes. With flexible packages, statewide coverage, and a commitment to 100% customer satisfaction, we’re here to help you hit the road with confidence!