Sun Country is a low-cost American airline. Before you board your flight with Sun Country, acquaint yourself with the airline’s policies. Sun Country has rigid baggage allowances for checked and carry-on luggage. Furthermore, the airline has specifications for what items can and can’t board the flight.
The policies are straightforward. Everyone who flies on Sun Country airlines is entitled to cabin and check-in baggage. You may bring one free standard personal item to put under the seat. Note that both carry-on (overhead) and check-in baggage are not complementary. We explain the dimensions and specifications of those items in this article. Sun Country expects passengers to monitor the weight and dimensions of their luggage.
We will discuss Sun Country’s policies for carry-on, checked baggage, and all precautions customers should take before flying with Sun Country.
Sun Country Carry On Size
Image is courtesy of Sun Country
When you fly with Sun Country, you can bring up to one personal item (under the seat item) for free. The size and weight of those items are closely monitored by the airline. If you choose to bring a personal item on the airline, it must fall within the allotted weight and dimensions as demonstrated in the image above. This item must fit safely and securely under the seat. Examples include small backpacks, purses, wallets, and shopping bags.
Passengers should know that due to the airline’s affordable pricing they charge fees for carry-on baggage (overhead). Any item that does not fit under the seat in front of you is considered carry-on or overhead baggage. You can review the maximum dimensions of these items in the diagram above or the table below. Examples of overhead or carry-on baggage are large backpacks, duffle bags, small suitcases, or anything that exceeds the size limit of an under-the-seat item or can not fit under the seat in front of you.
You may be subjected to appropriate fees for carry-on (overhead) baggage. The fee is dependent on the flight route. There isn’t a single standard price; therefore, you should use the airline’s price calculator to see exactly what fees are applicable to your flight.
If your bag does not fit in the overhead bin space when you arrive at the airport, you will be charged additional fees to have the item checked, even if you already paid for overhead carry-on baggage. If the overhead bin space fills up, all other bags must be tagged and put in the check-in baggage area for transport. Overhead bin space is limited on the airline.
What is the difference between carry-on (overhead) and check-in baggage? There are two major differences. One, you can bring a larger or heavier bag when you use their check-in services (see the table below or image above for details). Two, you may take the carry-on (overhead) bag with you onto the plane. This is a good idea if you have valuables or important documents inside the bag. Check-in baggage is always taken by airline staff and stored away on the plane.
Passengers are advised that Sun Country is an American airline; therefore, you may have your bag measured and weighed in inches and pounds. Read the table carefully to ensure your item will be accepted onboard.
Sun Country Check-In Baggage Allowance
The cost of your baggage will depend on the route in which you take. We’ve created an example of the baggage fees below, but note that your actual fees may differ.
You can verify the cost of your luggage by going directly to the Sun Country website. They have a user-friendly and free luggage cost calculator. Type in your flight details and you will receive a summary in mere seconds of your baggage fees. You can access the cost calculator here.
We chose a long flight to use as an example as customers on longer routes are more likely to experience high service fees.
- Personal Item (Under the Seat) = $0
- Carry-On Baggage (Overhead Bin): $30 – $50
- Check-In Baggage: $30 -$60 per bag
Overweight or Excess Baggage Fees
You must pay excess baggage fees if your item is overweight or oversize. You will be charged an overweight fee if your bag is more than 23 kg (50 lbs).
The maximum weight is 32 kg (70 lbs) for flights to and from Puerto Rico or Jamaica. The maximum is extended to 45 kg (100 lbs) for all other routes. Your bag will not be accepted on any Sun Country flight if it exceeds 45 kg (100 lbs.)
When Should I Buy My Carry-On or Check-In Baggage?
You should purchase your baggage during the online booking process to save money. The airline charges lower fees when the item is booked and paid for before arriving at the check-in counter.
Sun Country Fares and Memberships
Sun Country does not have any special fares to ensure extra baggage allowances. All passengers have the same baggage allowances, regardless of fare. The only exception to this rule is military members.
Military service men and women are entitled to three complimentary luggage, one free overhead carry-on, and two check-in baggage.
If you desire priority boarding you can choose from Sun Country’s seating options during the booking process. Sun Country offers the following seating options.
- Priority Boarding
- Best
- Exit Row
- Standard
Priority boarding is an additional $5-15. When you book priority boarding, you will be entitled to benefits such as early entry and exit from the plane. Read the full details here.
Customers who want preferred boarding (zone 2) should select the best option. This option entitles you to extra leg room, onboard entertainment, power outlets and USB ports, and one free alcoholic beverage.
Exit Row is suitable for passengers who desire a little more leg room, in-seat USB ports, and free entertainment during their flight.
Standard will only grant you access to in-seat USB ports and free entertainment. The seat size and leg room are standard. Book the Exit Row or Best options if you need more space during your flight to Sun Country.
What to Bring in Your Carry-On When Flying with Sun Country
You may bring your pet onto your flight. Both dogs and cats are accepted as carry-on baggage on a number of flights within the United States. Pets are not accepted on all flights; therefore, passengers should prepare accordingly.
Pets and service animals are not regarded as the same by the airline; therefore, you may bring your service animal with you on any flight. Read Sun Country’s full policy on service animals if you desire to bring one on your next flight.
- Fee for Pets: $70
- Fee for Pets at the check-in counter: $100
We’ve simplified Sun Country’s policies, so carefully review the instructions below. Sun Country has deemed certain items as permissible exclusively on carry-on luggage.
- Portable chargers
- Battery packs
- Electronic devices
- E-Cigarettes / Vaping devices
- One lighter for personal use
Pack valuable or irreplaceable items, such as identification cards, laptop computers, money, keys, and expensive jewelry or devices on your carry-on.
Prohibited Items on Sun Country
You can not bring any items that are banned by TSA. You may bring a number of different items with you onto the aircraft as long as it is safe, non-hazardous, and non-explosive. The following are examples of prohibited items.
- Explosives
- Poison
- Oxygen generators
- 70%+ alcohol
- Gas stoves and gas cartridges
- Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices
- Hoverboards
- Smart Luggage with non-removal batteries
Sun Country has the right to examine a customer’s baggage; therefore customers should ensure they have not unintentionally brought a prohibited item onto the aircraft.
The airline may update its policies on restricted and prohibited items, this includes moving articles from the acceptable items list to the prohibited or restricted list. If you want to verify that your item meets boarding requirements, visit the airline’s webpage on restricted and prohibited items.
Conclusion
When you choose Sun Country, you can fly away to numerous destinations in North America, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Sun Country is a budget airline; therefore, passengers should prepare to buy carry-on (overhead) baggage, although it is complimentary on numerous other airlines.
Ensure that your baggage meets requirements and size restrictions before going to the airport. Preplan and book your luggage online during the booking process to save money on your flight. If you require additional assistance for your flight, contact the airline directly.
