Ogden Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

Ogden is one of Utah’s best-kept secrets, offering a mix of mountain adventures and vibrant urban culture. Whether you’re planning a ski weekend at Snowbasin, a student tour to Union Station, or heading to a conference at the Ogden Eccles Conference Center, knowing how much luggage space you’ll have on your charter bus makes it easier to plan for every occasion. Charter Bus Rental Ogden has a fleet of over 100 buses—from 56-passenger coaches to compact minibuses—and each comes with different storage options. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what you can bring, how much will fit, and tips to make sure everyone in your group packs smart.

Storage Space on our Different Bus Models in Ogden

With a range of vehicles from 15-passenger minibuses to full-size 56-passenger motorcoaches, we have something to suit any group size. The key differences? Full-size charter buses have massive undercarriage luggage bays (sometimes called “belly” storage) running the length of the vehicle, while our smaller minibuses typically offer rear luggage compartments or overhead racks only. For example, a 25-passenger minibus may have just one small rear compartment, whereas a 40-passenger coach could provide up to 200 cubic feet of under-floor space—enough for about one large suitcase per person.

When booking your ride, let us know if you're bringing bulky items like skis, golf clubs, musical instruments, or trade show displays. We’ll match you with a bus that fits your gear. And if you need extra room for a long-distance trip or out-of-state tournament, request an additional trailer to tow behind your coach. Our team has moved everything from marching band equipment to science fair exhibits across Utah.

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

Full-size charter buses (40-56 passengers) are built for heavy-duty hauling. Their under-floor luggage bays stretch nearly the entire length of the vehicle, with multiple doors on each side for easy access. On average, a standard 56-passenger MCI or Prevost coach offers 400-500 cubic feet of bay storage. That’s comparable to a small moving truck, plenty of room for one large suitcase per passenger plus extra equipment.

Measuring about 8 feet wide, 3 feet high, and 8 feet deep per bay, these compartments can handle oversized items like bike boxes, PA systems, or even several rows of folding chairs. Most bays connect through to the other side of the bus, so you can load from either curb or street side. For school field trips or sports teams, designate one bay for coolers and another for duffel bags to keep things organized.

If you’re traveling with less than 40 people but still have lots of cargo, ask for a mid-size coach (30-40 passengers). These usually have two under-floor bays instead of three or four, but still provide more storage than any minibus. Our 35-passenger models offer enough room for each person to bring a checked suitcase and a carry-on.

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

Inside the passenger cabin, all our buses feature overhead storage racks above the seats. These are similar to airplane bins but open, with a sturdy metal lip to prevent bags from sliding out. On a full-size coach, overhead racks run almost the entire aisle and measure about 10 inches high by 18 inches deep. You can easily stow a backpack, laptop case, or small duffel bag per person.

For reference, most overhead racks can fit carry-ons up to 22 inches long—the standard airline size. If your group is packing light, you might be able to squeeze two soft-sided bags per section. However, hard-shell suitcases or anything weighing more than 25 pounds should go in the under-floor bays for safety.

On minibuses (15-35 passengers), overhead racks are shorter and sometimes only run half the cabin. These are ideal for purses, jackets, or lunch totes but not large luggage. Some luxury models swap open racks for closed bins with doors, adding a bit more security. Either way, remind your passengers to keep valuables and essentials within arm’s reach during the ride.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

The golden rule: one large suitcase (checked size) and one small carry-on per person is the industry standard for charter bus travel. On a fully loaded 56-passenger coach, this ensures everyone’s luggage fits comfortably without blocking aisles or taking up spare seats. If your group isn’t at capacity, feel free to bring extras or spread out in the bays.

For oversized items like skis, guitars, or trade show banners, count them as a checked bag when planning. Soft-sided gear bags pack tighter than hard cases, so encourage flexibility if storage space is tight. And if you’re unsure whether something will fit, call our 24/7 reservations team at 385-492-5490 for advice based on your exact bus model.

On minibuses, space is more limited. A typical 20-passenger shuttle can handle 12-15 medium suitcases in its rear compartment, so ask your group to pack efficiently. For airport transfers or corporate shuttles where passengers only have briefcases and backpacks, overhead racks alone may suffice. Just avoid bringing anything larger than a roller board unless you’ve confirmed extra space.

Packing & Planning Tips for Group Leaders

To ensure a smooth loading process on departure day, share clear luggage guidelines with your group ahead of time. Suggest suitcase dimensions and weight limits (50 pounds per bag is a safe bet), and remind everyone to label their belongings. For youth groups and schools, collect all bags in advance and assign a chaperone to oversee loading.

If your itinerary includes multiple stops or hotels, organize luggage by destination. Use colored tags or tape to quickly identify which bags stay on the bus and which come off first. For multi-day tours, reserve one bay for overnight bags and another for daily essentials like snacks or sports equipment. This minimizes digging through piles at each stop.

When loading the bus, place heavier suitcases and bulky gear in the center of the under-floor bays to balance the weight. Lighter items and fragile boxes can go toward the ends or on top. Overhead racks should hold only soft bags and personal items—never heavy suitcases or glass containers. Finally, do a headcount of both passengers and bags before hitting the road to ensure nothing gets left behind.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Ogden

No matter where your travels take you in Ogden or beyond, Charter Bus Rental Ogden has the right vehicle and storage solution for your group. From ski weekends at Powder Mountain to campus tours at Weber State, we’ve helped thousands of travelers pack smart and ride in comfort. If you have specific luggage needs or unusual cargo, our team is available 24/7 to customize your reservation. Call 385-492-5490 today to get started, and let us handle the logistics while you focus on the journey ahead.