Luggage on the Bus

What am I allowed to take with me on the bus?

You’re looking for additional information on luggage? What are you allowed to take with you on the bus? Do you want to know if you’re allowed to take a bicycle or stroller with you? Will it be possible to take your dog or an additional piece of luggage with you – and are there going to be extra-fees?

With CheckMyBus you’ll learn all about what you’re allowed to bring along – from luggage, oversized-luggage, carry-on luggage or bicycles.

Send us your comments and questions. – We’re here to help!

Write Comment

Baggage Allowance on Buses

Taking the intercity bus is easy and so is bringing luggage. As opposed to going by plane, there are no long queues in front of check-in counters. Instead, you can usually simply take your carry-on luggage on board with you and give larger suitcases to the driver for him to store in the luggage compartment of the bus. However, there are some things to consider: What is the maximum baggage allowance? How large or heavy are the pieces of luggage allowed to be? Can I take my wheel chair? What about baby strollers on the bus? If you are looking for the answer to any of these questions, then read on as we have compiled a detailed overview over the luggage policies of several major US bus companies.

What Kind of Luggage can I Bring With Me?

There’s two types of luggage: the one you take on board with you and the one that needs to be stored in specific compartments. It is highly recommendable to store valuable items in your carry-on luggage since they will be safer there. Also, taking you tablet or laptop on board with you, generally makes the time pass much faster. A rule of thumb is that the carry-on luggage should be small enough to fit in the overhead compartment of the bus or under the seat in front of you. So taking a handbag or a rucksack should not be a problem at all. When it comes to larger luggage items such as suitcases or oversized back bags, then they can usually be stored beneath the passengers’ cabin. However, the individual bus companies have individual baggage allowance policies. Whereas on Greyhound Bus, you can only take one suitcase for free, Trailways allows you to take two. Also note the size limits. In general the weight of your bag should not exceed 50lbs. If you have heavier luggage, then some companies allow you to store it in the luggage compartment, but they might charge a specific fee. Some companies like megabus, on the other hand, do not allow oversized or overweight luggage. The same goes for bicycles: Some companies are fine with you taking your bike, while others will refuse it. If your item of luggage is really big or heavy, then you might have to ship it via a bus parcel service, such as the Greyhound Package Express.

Take a look at the following table to find out how much luggage you’re allowed on Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, megabus and Trailways. You should, however, note that some companies, such as Trailways, offer journeys which are conducted by smaller bus operators. So if in doubt, find out who exactly serves the bus connection of your choice and contact them for more info on their respective baggage allowance.

Wheel Chairs, Baby Car Seats and Strollers

Wheel chairs, baby car seats and stollers are necessary items, which is why there are specific rules for them. They do not count as oversized/overweight luggage, but can usually be taken on board for free. Taking a baby car seat or a stroller is not a problem with any of the major US bus companies. If you want to take the bus while remaining seated in your wheel chair, then this is usually ok as well. However, note that there’s a standardized weight limit for safety’s sake. The overall weight of the wheel chair and the passenger in it must not exceed 600lbs. If it does, then the wheel chair will be stored in the luggage compartment and the passenger has to refrain to a normal seat on the bus.

If you want to take the bus as a wheel chair user, then it is necessary to contact the respective bus company in advance. We to do this a few days prior to your desired date of travel in order to make sure that there is still a wheel chair space available. Also make sure to be at the bus stop a bit earlier so that someone can help you with baggage storage or other possible issues.

What Happens if My Luggage gets Lost?

In general, every passenger is responsible for their own belongings. This is something that is particularly true for carry-on luggage. Greyhound Bus, for instance, cannot compensate you if your handbag, which you should carry with you at all times, is lost. It is different, however, for luggage items stored in the baggage compartment of the bus. If it gets lost or stolen, you can file a claim. Greyhound Bus Lines and megabus US, for instance, will reimburse you up to a maximum of $250 per adult ticket. If you have bought a child ticket on Greyhound then the maximum compensation is $150. If you travel with valuable items, then you should check whether a luggage insurance is an option for you. Greyhound, for instance, offers this. Should your luggage or parts of it be lost, then you should also contact the bus company directly. Most of the bus companies, like megabus, offer specific Lost and Found offices which try to locate missing items. Sometimes, however, there might be a time limit: Greyhound, for instance, tries to recover your lost luggage for 15 days. Afterwards the inquiry will be treated as a claim for reimbursement.

Are Animals Allowed on Board?

Unfortunately, animals are not allowed on board. However, if you are in need of a guide or assistance dog, then you are usually able to take them on the bus trip as well. Make sure, though, that the service animal is properly trained and always under your control. The bus company megabus US, for instance, also demands that service animals be properly harnessed.