Michael Turner
Recommendation: passengers should travel with one checked suitcase (maximum 50 lb / 23 kg) plus one cabin bag (maximum 22 x 14 x 9 in / 56 x 36 x 23 cm); confirm specific weight, size caps and any fees with the carrier before departure.
Typical practice on this regional operator: one personal item stored under the seat is free, many fares include one carry-on at no charge, while promotional or budget fares may restrict carry-on access or apply a fee of $10–$25 per checked piece. Oversize items requiring the under-vehicle hold commonly incur an extra charge of $20–$40; exact amounts depend on route and terminal.
Storage notes: checked pieces are placed in the coach lower bay; fragile goods, electronics, prescription medicines and travel documents should remain in the cabin bag. Items that exceed stated dimensions can be refused for carriage or rebooked. Plan to arrive 30–45 minutes early when transporting bulky or numerous items to ensure proper stowage.
Practical checklist: print or save the carrier’s baggage rules, weigh and measure containers at home, label each item with contact information, purchase a reserved oversized space during online booking if available, and keep valuables on board to avoid loss.
Carry-on and checked-bag rules for the coach operator
Recommendation: Pack one small personal item for the cabin and place larger suitcases in the underfloor hold; choose soft-sided bags and compact items that meet common coach dimensions to avoid gate or terminal issues.
Typical size and weight guidance (industry norms): personal item about 9×13×6 in (23×33×15 cm); cabin bag about 22×14×9 in (56×36×23 cm); hold pieces usually accepted up to 50 lb (23 kg) per item with maximum linear dimensions around 62 in (157 cm). Exceeding these commonly used thresholds often triggers extra charges or refusal at boarding.
Hold vs. on-board storage: Overhead racks on coaches are limited; delicate electronics, medications and valuables should be kept in the personal item. Bulky suitcases, musical instruments in hard cases and large boxes belong in the underfloor compartment. Soft-sided bags can be compressed to fit available space more easily.
Special items and fees: Sporting equipment, bicycles and oversized pieces usually require advance notification and a paid reservation; fragile or irregular items may need special packaging. Items that exceed weight or size limits can incur excess-baggage fees or be turned away at check-in.
Boarding and labeling tips: Tag each piece with name and phone, lock only with TSA-approved locks if travelling cross-border, arrive 30–45 minutes early for busy departures, and keep boarding passes accessible for quick hold check-in.
Rain gear suggestion: Compact folding umbrellas that collapse small are ideal for carry; see a highly rated option here: best large umbrella that folds to small.
Consult the carrier website or ticket agent for exact permitted quantities, dimensions and fees prior to travel to avoid surprises at the terminal.
Carry-on size and weight limits for this coach operator
Recommendation: bring one personal item plus one cabin bag with maximum external dimensions of 22 × 14 × 9 inches (56 × 36 × 23 cm) and a weight limit of 25 lb (11 kg).
How dimensions and weight are measured
Measurements must include wheels, handles and external pockets. Personal item examples: small backpack, laptop sleeve, tote or purse; fits under the seat in front. Use a luggage scale at home; soft-sided bags with compression straps often fit better into overhead racks.
Handling of oversized or overweight items
Bags exceeding stated dimensions or weight may be placed in the underfloor cargo compartment; additional fees or advance notice could apply. Fragile items, medications and valuables should remain in the personal item carried onboard. Sporting equipment and large cases frequently require a reservation or special handling–contact the carrier before departure for specific fees and procedures.
Checked baggage policy, fees and payment options
Reserve checked baggage online before departure to secure space and save up to $5–$15 per piece compared with station rates.
Size, weight limits and handling
Standard checked piece: maximum weight 50 lb (23 kg) and maximum dimensions 62 linear inches (157 cm). Items between 51–70 lb incur an overweight surcharge; pieces over 100 lb typically refused. Fragile, perishable, high-value items and devices with non-removable lithium batteries must remain with the passenger and cannot be placed in the hold. Checked items receive a tag and a claim receipt at drop-off; retain the receipt until retrieval.
Fees, excess charges and payment methods
Typical fee structure (USD): first checked piece prepaid online $10–$25; same-day station/agent $15–$35; second piece prepaid $20–$40; second piece at station $30–$50. Overweight surcharges: 51–70 lb $25–$50; 71–100 lb $75–$150. Oversize (over 62 in) surcharge $30–$100 or rejection depending on carrier. Prebooking via website or app usually applies lowest rate; purchase at terminal or onboard (where allowed) may require cash or card with higher cost. Accepted payments: major credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx), Apple/Google Pay through mobile app, and cash at staffed stations when advertised. Request an itemized receipt and baggage tag number at payment; disputed or lost-item claims require this documentation.
Route exceptions: interstate, commuter and charter baggage rules
For interstate scheduled services, present checked items at least 30–45 minutes before departure; underfloor compartments are common but carriers enforce per‑piece weight/size limits and may apply fees or refuse oversized articles.
Interstate and long‑haul routes
Underfloor bays usually accept standard suitcases and equipment trunks when tagged at boarding. Expect weight limits per piece and combined linear dimensions to be enforced; oversized or heavy items require advance approval and often an extra charge. High‑value, fragile or irreplaceable items should be retained in hand‑carried bags and documented with photos; claim checks are issued for checked pieces – keep the stub until retrieval. Hazardous materials (flammables, compressed gases, large lithium battery packs) are prohibited in both compartments and cabins. Bicycles, kayaks and musical instruments may be accepted only with prior arrangement, protective packing and possible surcharge; request written confirmation from the operator.
Commuter shuttles and charter services
Short commuter runs frequently lack underfloor storage; service typically limits carriage to items that fit overhead racks or under seats and enforces strict boarding order. Folding strollers and collapsible mobility aids generally permitted if stowed; non‑folding equipment may require a charter or cargo service. Charter agreements define all terms: per‑piece weight/volume, maximum total payload, pickup/drop windows, handling responsibilities and liability caps. For group moves involving sports gear, staging equipment or bulky freight, specify cargo trailer availability, manifest requirements and insurance in the contract and allow 72+ hours notice for special handling. In every case, label pieces clearly, photograph contents, declare valuables in writing and confirm any extra fees or restrictions with the operator before payment or boarding.
How to stow, tag and retrieve under-bus storage items
Place heavy suitcases and boxes on the compartment floor centered over the axle, distributing weight evenly left-to-right; position wheels or flat sides against the compartment wall to prevent shifting during turns.
Stack items by weight: heaviest on bottom, rigid cases beneath soft bags, fragile contents cushioned with clothing or bubble wrap. Use luggage straps, ratchet straps or bungee cords anchored to interior tie points; avoid over-tightening that deforms shells. Seal liquid containers in double zip bags and keep them upright where possible; if storing small motors or garden tools, drain fuel and water, secure movable parts and wrap hoses–see guidance for similar gear at best pressure washer for low pressure areas.
Attach a durable external tag with full name, contact number, boarding stop and seat or coach number; fasten with a zip tie so the label cannot be torn off during handling. Place a duplicate tag or printed inventory inside an internal pocket in a waterproof bag. Photograph the tag on the bag and the open compartment showing bay number before closing the hatch; store those photos with the boarding confirmation.
Request and retain the claim check or receipt issued by the driver or agent; verify that the claim stub number matches the external tag. At the destination, arrive at the loading area 10–15 minutes before scheduled arrival, present the claim stub and photo ID, and request the driver open the correct bay number. Inspect seals and contents before leaving the platform; note any damage on the driver’s incident form and take timestamped photos.
If an item is missing or damaged, obtain an incident report, record coach number, route and stop names, and file a formal complaint with the carrier within 24–48 hours; keep copies of claim stubs, photos and repair receipts for reimbursement. For valuable items, use a tamper-evident cable tie and keep a digital copy of the internal inventory to speed recovery.
Transporting bulky or special items: bikes, instruments, wheelchairs, pets
Provide advance notice for items exceeding standard carry-on dimensions; reserve compartment space and verify fees at booking.
- Bicycles
- Prep: partial disassembly (remove front wheel, pedals; turn handlebars), pack in a bike box or padded soft bag.
- Typical acceptance size: boxed bikes with linear dimensions ≤ 62 in (157 cm) and single-item weight ≤ 50 lb (23 kg) accepted by many carriers; confirm exact limits with the operator.
- Fees & timing: expect fees commonly between $25–$50; request transport at least 24–48 hours before departure.
- E-bikes: remove battery. Lithium-ion battery carriage rules vary; many operators prohibit batteries in undercarriage – carry the battery onboard only if the operator explicitly permits.
- Labeling: attach a visible tag with contact info, photograph the bike before drop-off, and obtain a claim check at drop-off.
- Musical instruments
- Small instruments (violin, ukulele, small guitar): acceptable as a seat-side item if case fits within aisle/seat footprint (typical maximum ~40 × 20 × 12 in); keep fragile case on lap or between legs when possible.
- Large instruments (full-size guitar, cello, bass): purchase an extra seat when available for high-value gear; otherwise plan for checked carriage in hard case and expect oversized fees ($15–$60 range).
- Packing: hard-shell cases recommended; secure loose items inside case; pad bridge and neck areas.
- Claims: photograph serial numbers and case condition; obtain written receipt and file damage claims within the operator’s stated timeframe (usually 7–30 days).
- Wheelchairs and mobility devices
- Manual collapsible wheelchairs: usually stowed as checked items if they fold; keep personal cushions and removable batteries with the passenger when possible.
- Powered wheelchairs/scooters: request accommodation at booking; lift capacity and securement systems vary – common rated lift capacity ~600 lb (272 kg) including occupant, but verify specific coach limits.
- Batteries: sealed lead-acid generally accepted if terminals insulated; lithium batteries require documentation from the manufacturer and prior approval; loose batteries must be isolated and protected.
- Boarding assistance: request assistance at least 48 hours prior; driver or ground staff will secure device or transfer passenger per operator protocol.
- Documentation: carry user manual for powered device and any battery spec sheets; photos of the device are useful for claims.
- Pets and service animals
- Service animals (trained to perform tasks) are generally accommodated free of charge under accessibility regulations; informal behavior standards apply (control, hygiene).
- Emotional support animals often receive pet treatment and may be restricted; check operator policy before booking.
- Domestic pets: many intercity coaches prohibit pets from the cabin and undercarriage transport rules vary; where permitted, crates required, maximum crate dimensions typically 24 × 16 × 16 in for small-animal carriage, and vaccination records must be presented.
- Fees & pickup: pet fees range widely ($20–$100); pets should never be left unattended in undercarriage without confirmation from staff; always obtain a pet claim ticket.
- Health papers: carry up-to-date vaccination certificate and a recent photo; microchip info recommended.
- General operational tips
- Notify carrier at booking; same-day acceptance often refused for oversized or restricted items.
- Arrive 30–60 minutes early for drop-off of special items; plan extra time for securement and documentation.
- Tagging: use a printed tag with name, phone, destination, and item description; request a written receipt or claim check for every checked item.
- Risk management: insure high-value items (in-transit coverage) and photograph condition pre-drop; pack valuables or irreplaceable items in carry-on when feasible.
- Odd shapes: items such as a large outdoor umbrella (example: best high end patio umbrella) frequently count as oversized and require prior approval and special packing.
Final step: confirm all size, weight, battery and pet policies with the specific coach operator before travel; written confirmation by email reduces disputes at drop-off.
