Rochester Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

Planning a group trip in upstate New York? From day-long school field trips at the Strong National Museum of Play to week-long conferences and trade shows at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center, you’ll want to make sure your passengers have everything they need—and that it all fits on the charter bus! Luckily, traveling with Charter Bus Rental Rochester means you’ll have some of the most spacious and comfortable rides available for your group. Our reservation team will be happy to connect you to the perfect motorcoach for your headcount and itinerary needs. Call 585-910-1310 today to get started with a free quote!

Storage Space on our Different Bus Models in Rochester

Whether you’re planning to bring a lot of luggage or just a few personal items, one of the biggest factors to consider when packing is how much storage space your bus rental has to offer.

If you’ve booked a full-size charter bus, you’ll have plenty of room for large suitcases and other bulky items in the undercarriage luggage bays. These compartments are accessible from outside the bus and are perfect for keeping heavy or cumbersome items out of the aisleways and seating areas. In addition, most full-size coaches also come equipped with overhead parcel racks above the seats, which are ideal for storing smaller bags, coats, and other personal belongings within easy reach.

On the other hand, if you’re traveling in a minibus, you may not have access to undercarriage storage. Instead, these smaller buses often feature rear luggage storage areas and overhead parcel racks. While these spaces are still quite roomy, they may not be able to accommodate as many large items as a full-size charter bus. That being said, minibuses are still an excellent choice for groups who plan to pack light or who are only traveling for a short period of time.

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

While every bus is different, most full-size charter buses offer between 400 and 500 cubic feet of undercarriage storage space. To put that into perspective, that’s enough room to comfortably fit one large suitcase or duffel bag per passenger, plus a few additional items like sports equipment, musical instruments, or even a folding wheelchair or two. Of course, if your group is smaller than the bus’s maximum capacity, you’ll have even more room to spread out your belongings.

It’s important to note that the exact dimensions of the undercarriage bays can vary from model to model, so be sure to check with your reservation specialist if you have any particularly large or oddly-shaped items you’d like to bring along. They’ll be able to let you know whether your cargo will fit and can even help you upgrade to a larger bus if necessary.

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

Overhead parcel racks are typically located above the seats and are designed to hold smaller items like backpacks, purses, and briefcases. On most buses, these racks are about 10 inches high and 18 inches deep, with enough length to run the entire length of the seating area on both sides of the aisle. This gives each passenger enough space to stow a carry-on sized bag or two, plus a coat or jacket.

Keep in mind that overhead racks are not suitable for very heavy or bulky items, as they are not designed to support a lot of weight. It’s always best to store your heaviest and largest bags in the undercarriage bays and use the overhead racks for lighter, more frequently-used items.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

As a general rule of thumb, most charter bus companies allow each passenger to bring one large suitcase or duffel bag to be stored in the undercarriage bay, plus one smaller carry-on item to be kept in the overhead rack or under their seat. This is similar to the baggage allowance on most airlines and should be more than enough for most trips.

Of course, if your group is small or you’ve booked a larger bus than you strictly need for extra comfort, you may be able to bring additional bags or larger items without any issues. Conversely, if you’re traveling with a full bus and everyone brings oversized luggage, you may find yourself running out of space. If you have any concerns about fitting all your belongings on board, don’t hesitate to ask your reservation specialist for advice. They can help you choose the right size bus for your group and even suggest ways to maximize your storage space.

Packing & Planning Tips for Group Leaders

To ensure a smooth and stress-free trip, here are a few tips for group leaders when it comes to packing and luggage:

Communicate clearly with your passengers about the baggage allowance and any restrictions or guidelines. Let them know how many bags they can bring, what sizes are allowed, and where each type of bag should be stored on the bus. Encourage passengers to label their bags with their name and contact information, especially if you’ll be making multiple stops or transferring to different buses during the trip. This will help prevent lost luggage and make it easier to reunite bags with their owners if anything goes missing. If you’re traveling with valuable or fragile items, such as musical instruments or expensive equipment, consider investing in hard-sided cases or extra padding to protect them during transit. You may also want to keep these items in the cabin rather than the undercarriage bay, if possible. Make a list of all the essential items your group will need for the trip, from medications and chargers to snacks and entertainment. Share this list with your passengers ahead of time to help them pack efficiently and avoid forgetting anything important. Finally, be mindful of any local or regional regulations regarding luggage and prohibited items. For example, certain types of hazardous materials or weapons may not be allowed on board, and there may be restrictions on bringing food or plants across state lines. Your reservation specialist can advise you on any relevant rules and help you plan accordingly.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Rochester

Ready to start planning your next group trip in Rochester? With spacious and comfortable bus rentals from Charter Bus Rental Rochester, you’ll have all the storage space you need to bring everything your group requires for a successful journey. Whether you’re packing light for a day trip or loading up for a week-long adventure, we’ll make sure you have the perfect ride for the job. Call us today at 585-910-1310 to learn more about our fleet, amenities, and pricing, and let us help you hit the road with confidence!