Lawton Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

If you’re planning a group trip around Lawton, Oklahoma and beyond, it’s essential to know how much luggage your charter bus can handle. Whether you’re heading to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge for a weekend retreat, organizing gear for a sports tournament at Cameron Stadium, or packing suitcases for a business conference at the Hilton Garden Inn Lawton-Fort Sill, our team will help you find the ideal bus size with enough storage space for every traveler and all their belongings. Below, we’ve broken down the typical luggage capacity of each bus type in our fleet and provided tips to ensure you pack efficiently and travel comfortably.

Storage Space on Our Different Bus Models in Lawton

At Charter Bus Rental Lawton, our fleet includes everything from full-size 56-passenger motorcoaches to compact sprinter vans and minibuses. Each option offers a different amount of storage space, so the right choice depends on your group size and what you need to bring along.

56-passenger charter buses have the most room for luggage, equipment, and supplies. These full-size vehicles are perfect for large groups traveling long distances—think school field trips, band competitions, or multi-day conferences in Tulsa or Dallas. Underneath the passenger cabin, you’ll find up to 500 cubic feet of undercarriage storage space, accessible from both sides of the bus. This is where you can stow large suitcases, coolers, boxes, or oversized items like golf clubs and musical instruments. Inside the cabin, overhead parcel racks above the seats provide additional space for carry-on bags, backpacks, coats, and other essentials you want within reach during the ride.

For mid-sized groups of 20 to 35 passengers, consider a minibus rental. These smaller coaches don’t have the same massive undercarriage bays as a full-size bus, but many models do offer rear luggage compartments that can fit several large suitcases or duffel bags. Overhead racks inside the bus hold small carry-ons and personal items. Minibuses are ideal for airport shuttles to Will Rogers World Airport, day trips to Medicine Park, or wedding transportation between venues and hotels in downtown Lawton.

Sprinter vans and party buses work best for small groups traveling light. There may be limited designated storage areas, but these vehicles are great for short-distance rides where everyone can keep their essentials (like a purse or laptop bag) on their lap or in the seat next to them. If you’re bar-hopping along Gore Boulevard or taking a quick shuttle to Fort Sill, minimal luggage won’t be an issue.

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

The undercarriage luggage bays on a 56-passenger charter bus are the largest storage areas available on any model in our Lawton fleet. Each bay typically measures about 8 feet wide, 3 feet tall, and 4 feet deep, running nearly the length of the bus. With three or four bays per side, you’ll have approximately 500 cubic feet of total space below deck. This is enough room to accommodate one large suitcase or equipment case per passenger, plus extra gear if your group isn’t at full capacity.

These bays are perfect for bulky or heavy items that you won’t need access to during the drive. Load up checked suitcases, band instruments in hard cases, coolers filled with snacks and drinks, tents and camping gear, or even bicycles (with wheels detached). The bays are lockable and only accessible when the bus is parked, ensuring your belongings are secure while you’re on the road. When planning your trip, arrange for group members to bring their largest items to be loaded first, filling the bays from back to front and bottom to top to maximize space.

If you’re booking multiple charter buses for a large event—such as a military troop movement at Fort Sill or a statewide academic competition—our reservations team can help you determine exactly how many vehicles you’ll need based on the total volume of luggage and equipment. We’ve moved everything from hundreds of suitcases for marching bands to dozens of crates for trade shows, so just let us know what needs to fit!

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

Inside the passenger cabin of both full-size charter buses and minibuses, you’ll find overhead parcel racks similar to those on airplanes or trains. These open shelves run the length of the aisle above the seats and are designed to hold small carry-on bags, backpacks, briefcases, jackets, hats, and other personal items you want easy access to during your journey.

On a 56-passenger coach, the overhead bins typically measure about 10 inches high by 18 inches deep, with enough linear footage for each rider to claim a section. Most travelers can fit a standard airline carry-on suitcase or a medium-sized backpack in these racks, though soft-sided bags are easier to maneuver into tight spaces. Encourage your group to pack essentials they’ll need en route—such as medications, electronics, books, snacks, and chargers—in their overhead bag so they don’t need to access the undercarriage bays until reaching your destination.

Minibuses usually have slightly smaller overhead racks, suitable for purses, laptop bags, and lightweight totes. If your minibus has no overhead storage, riders should plan to keep their personal items on the floor in front of them or in an empty seat beside them. Sprinter vans and party buses may not have dedicated racks, so packing light is key. Remind everyone to only bring what they can comfortably carry and store in their immediate seating area.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

The general guideline for charter bus luggage allowances is one large “checked” bag per person in the undercarriage bays and one small carry-on bag per person in the overhead racks. This mirrors the baggage policy of most airlines and ensures that there’s enough space for every passenger’s belongings without overloading the vehicle.

A large checked bag should be a standard rolling suitcase or duffel measuring no more than 62 linear inches (length + width + height) and weighing up to 50 pounds. This is the ideal size for storing in the undercarriage bays and will allow your group to pack clothing, shoes, toiletries, and other necessities for a multi-day trip. If you’re bringing oversized items like coolers, instrument cases, or sports equipment, count each piece as one passenger’s checked bag allocation.

Carry-on bags should be small enough to fit easily in the overhead rack or under the seat in front of you. A backpack, messenger bag, or tote is perfect for holding valuables, electronics, snacks, water bottles, and anything else you might want during the drive. Limit carry-on items to 25 pounds or less to keep the aisles clear and avoid crowding the shared space.

If your group is traveling for a specific purpose that requires extra gear—such as a film crew with camera equipment, a theater troupe with props and costumes, or a science class with lab materials—let our team know when you book your charter bus. We can help you choose a larger vehicle with surplus storage or arrange for a second luggage-only bus to follow your main coach.

Packing & Planning Tips for Group Leaders

As the organizer, it’s your job to set expectations and communicate packing guidelines to your group before departure day. Start by sending out detailed instructions on luggage limits and what types of bags are allowed on the bus. Emphasize the one checked bag/one carry-on rule and encourage travelers to pack efficiently, leaving behind unnecessary items to conserve space for everyone.

Advise your group to use soft-sided duffels or collapsible suitcases instead of hard-shell luggage, as these are easier to stack and squeeze into the undercarriage bays. Label all bags clearly with names and contact information in case anything gets misplaced during loading and unloading. If you’re making multiple stops or switching hotels, color-code luggage tags by destination to streamline the process and prevent mix-ups.

For trips involving special equipment or supplies, create a master inventory list and assign a point person to oversee loading at each stop. Make sure heavy items are distributed evenly between bays to balance the weight and avoid exceeding the bus’s maximum load capacity. Remind everyone that the undercarriage bays are only accessible when the bus is parked, so anything needed during the ride should stay in their carry-on bag.

On travel day, ask your group to arrive 30-60 minutes early to allow plenty of time for luggage check-in and boarding. Have a few volunteers assist with lifting and organizing bags in the bays, placing heavier items on the bottom and lighter ones on top. Once everything is loaded and secured, do a final headcount and inventory check before hitting the road.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Lawton

No matter where your next Lawton adventure takes you, Charter Bus Rental Lawton has the perfect bus and enough storage space to get your group and all your gear there safely. From full-size coaches with cavernous undercarriage bays to sprinter vans for quick jaunts across town, we’ll match you with the ideal vehicle for your headcount and luggage requirements. Call 580-400-9240 anytime to speak with our reservations team, get expert advice on packing and planning, and receive an instant quote tailored to your trip details. With over 10 years of experience moving groups of all sizes across Oklahoma, you can trust us to make your journey comfortable, efficient, and hassle-free from start to finish!