Cicero Charter Bus Packing and Carry-On Guide

Traveling with a group in Cicero, Illinois, is easier than ever with Charter Bus Rental Cicero. But before you board, it’s important to know what to pack and how to make the most of your bus’s storage space. Whether you’re heading to a corporate event at the Cicero Community Center, planning a wedding near Morton College, or organizing a field trip to Hawthorne Works Museum, this guide will help you maximize every square inch of your charter bus’s luggage compartments.

Storage Space on Our Different Bus Models in Cicero

Charter Bus Rental Cicero offers a diverse fleet designed to accommodate groups of all sizes and types of trips. For large-scale events or long-distance travel, our full-size 56-passenger charter buses are equipped with the most generous storage options. These buses feature under-floor luggage bays that can easily fit large suitcases, sports equipment, or even musical instruments. If you’re planning a school trip to the Chicago Children’s Museum or a band competition at Cicero Stadium, these are the ideal choice for hauling lots of gear.

Our mid-size minibuses, seating between 15 and 35 passengers, offer a balance between comfort and convenience. They come with either rear luggage areas or smaller under-floor compartments, suitable for weekend retreats to Camp Sagawau or airport transfers to Midway International Airport. While the storage is not as extensive as the full-size coaches, it’s more than enough for overnight bags and small equipment.

For smaller groups or quick trips, our sprinter vans and party buses provide overhead racks perfect for backpacks, purses, and briefcases. These are commonly used for nights out in downtown Cicero, bachelor parties, or shuttling executives to business meetings. The key is to pack light—think essentials only—since these vehicles prioritize passenger space and maneuverability over large cargo holds.

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

Under-floor luggage bays are the primary storage solution on our larger charter buses. These compartments run the length of the bus beneath the passenger deck and are accessible from exterior doors on both sides. On a standard 56-passenger coach, you’ll typically find three to four bays, each measuring approximately 8 feet wide, 3.5 feet tall, and 3 to 4 feet deep. That translates to about 500 cubic feet of total storage—enough to fit one large suitcase per passenger plus additional items like folding tables, coolers, or AV equipment.

This ample space makes our full-size charter buses the go-to option for Cicero-based sports teams traveling to tournaments at Morton East High School or companies exhibiting at trade shows in nearby Chicago. You can load everything from hockey sticks to pop-up banners without worrying about cramped quarters. Just remember that these bays are only accessible when the bus is parked, so keep anything you’ll need en route in the cabin.

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

Inside the passenger area, all of our buses are equipped with overhead or parcel racks running along both sides of the aisle. On full-size coaches, these racks resemble airplane bins and are designed to hold carry-on-sized bags, laptops, jackets, and other personal items. Each compartment typically measures around 10 inches high by 17 inches deep, providing enough room for two medium backpacks or a couple of duffel bags per section.

Mid-size minibuses and sprinter vans feature open racks with a lip to prevent items from sliding during transit. These are slightly smaller but still sufficient for daypacks and tote bags. When using these racks, be mindful not to overload them—they’re intended for lighter items to ensure safety and easy access throughout your journey. This setup is especially handy for school groups visiting the Field Museum or corporate teams commuting between Cicero offices and downtown Chicago.

So, How Many Bags Can Each Person Bring?

The general rule of thumb for charter bus travel is one large suitcase in the under-floor bay and one carry-on in the overhead rack per person. On our 56-passenger buses, this means each rider can comfortably bring a checked bag (up to 50 pounds) and a smaller bag for the cabin. For mid-size minibuses, we recommend scaling back to one medium suitcase or duffel per passenger, given the reduced storage capacity. Sprinter vans and party buses are best suited for a single carry-on item per person due to limited space.

If your group is bringing bulky items—like golf clubs for an outing at Fresh Meadow Golf Club or art supplies for a creative retreat—let us know in advance. We can help you choose a bus with extra storage or arrange for a trailer if necessary. Clear communication ensures everyone has space for their essentials without last-minute surprises on departure day.

Packing & Planning Tips for Group Leaders

Efficient packing starts with clear guidelines. As the group leader, set expectations early by sharing a suggested packing list tailored to your itinerary. Remind participants to label all luggage with their name and contact information—this speeds up loading and reduces the risk of lost items during stops at busy locations like Navy Pier or Soldier Field.

Encourage travelers to pack versatile clothing and limit non-essential electronics or valuables. For multi-day trips, consider distributing a color-coded tag system: red for equipment, blue for personal bags, green for shared supplies. This simple step streamlines unloading at hotels or event venues, ensuring priority items are retrieved first.

Lastly, plan for contingencies. Keep a small emergency kit onboard with basic first aid supplies, chargers, and snacks. Designate a point person to oversee luggage counts at each stop, particularly if your itinerary includes multiple destinations across the Chicagoland area. With thoughtful preparation, your charter bus journey will be smooth from start to finish.

Hit the Road with Charter Bus Rental Cicero

Charter Bus Rental Cicero is committed to making your group travel experience seamless and stress-free. Our fleet is available 24/7, offering flexible scheduling and instant price quotes to fit any budget or itinerary. Whether you’re organizing a school field trip, coordinating corporate transportation, or celebrating a special occasion, we have the right bus and the right amount of storage for your needs.

Ready to book? Call us today at 708-943-1560 to speak with our friendly team, or use our online tool for a personalized quote in just 30 seconds. With fully customizable packages and a decade of experience serving Cicero and beyond, we’re your trusted partner for safe, comfortable, and efficient group travel. Pack smart, ride easy, and enjoy the journey with Charter Bus Rental Cicero!