What Fee Does Sun Country Charge for a Pet?

Sun Country Airlines allows small dogs and cats to travel in the cabin on select domestic flights, but the airline charges a mandatory pet fee that depends on when you add your pet to the reservation. In 2025, Sun Country’s pet fee ranges from $75 to $100 per direction, with availability limited and strict carrier requirements enforced at the airport. Because Sun Country operates a low-cost, a-la-carte model, understanding the exact pet fee and booking rules is essential before you travel.

This guide explains Sun Country’s pet fee, how much it costs when booked in advance versus at the airport, what the fee includes, and the rules that determine whether your pet will be accepted onboard.

Sun Country Pet Fee at a Glance

Sun Country charges a pet fee of $75 per direction when booked in advance, or $100 per direction for walk-up requests, for small cats and dogs traveling in the cabin on domestic flights within the 48 contiguous United States. The fee applies per pet, per one-way trip, is non-refundable, and covers in-cabin travel only. Pets must ride in a soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat, and only a limited number of pets are allowed per flight, so early booking is strongly recommended.

Key Pet Fee Details (2025):

• Advance booking fee: $75 per direction
• Walk-up fee: $100 per direction (if space is available)
• Pet type: Small cats and dogs only
• Travel area: Domestic flights within the lower 48 U.S. states
• Carrier: Soft-sided, under-seat only
• Availability: Limited pets per flight
• Refunds: Pet fees are non-refundable

How Much Does Sun Country Charge for Pets?

Sun Country’s pet fee depends on when you add your pet to the reservation.

• If you reserve your pet in advance, Sun Country charges $75 per direction.
• If you request to add a pet at the airport, the fee increases to $100 per direction, and acceptance depends on whether pet slots are still available on the aircraft.

Because pet space is limited, walk-up requests are never guaranteed. Travelers who wait until the airport risk being denied even if they are willing to pay the higher fee.

Is the Sun Country Pet Fee Charged Per Flight or Per Trip?

The Sun Country pet fee is charged per direction, not per round trip.

This means:

• A one-way flight = one pet fee
• A round-trip flight = two pet fees

For example, a round-trip domestic flight with advance booking would result in a $150 total pet fee ($75 each way).

What the Sun Country Pet Fee Covers (and What It Doesn’t)

The pet fee allows your pet to travel inside the cabin only.

Pet fee includes items such as:

• In-cabin transport for one pet
• Space under the seat for the carrier
• Pet reservation confirmation on the flight

The pet fee does NOT include:

• Checked baggage or cargo transport
• Extra seating or legroom
• Onboard pet services or amenities
• International travel

Sun Country Pet Policy does not allow transport pets as checked baggage or cargo under any circumstances. For help, You can dial the flight pet reservation help number +1 (866) 558-3017 and contact a live agent 24/7 at the help center.

Sun Country Pet Fee and Carrier Requirements

Paying the pet fee does not guarantee acceptance unless your carrier meets Sun Country’s rules.

Carrier requirements include:

• Soft-sided design
• Maximum size of 16″ L × 11″ W × 8″ H
• Must fit completely under the seat in front of you
• Leak-proof and well-ventilated
• Pet must be able to stand and turn comfortably

If the carrier does not fit under the seat, Sun Country may deny boarding even after the pet fee has been paid.

Booking Rules for the Sun Country Pet Fee

Sun Country requires passengers to contact reservations to add a pet to the booking. Pets cannot be added online during standard self-service booking.

Important booking rules:

• Only one pet per traveler
• Limited number of pets per flight
• Pet reservation must be confirmed before travel
• Walk-up requests are accepted only if space allows

Because of these limits, adding your pet early is the safest way to secure in-cabin travel.

Domestic-Only Pet Travel (No International Pet Fees)

Sun Country’s pet fee applies only to domestic flights within the lower 48 U.S. states.

Sun Country does not allow pets on:

• International flights
• Alaska or Hawaii routes
• Cargo or baggage hold

If your itinerary includes any non-eligible route, your pet will not be allowed to travel.

Are There Any Sun Country Pet Fee Waivers?

Sun Country does not offer a pet fee waiver for standard in-cabin pets.

The only exception:

• Trained service animals, which travel free of charge under a separate policy and require advance documentation through Sun Country service animal portal.

Emotional support animals are not exempt from pet fees and must meet standard pet travel rules.

Why the Sun Country Pet Fee Feels Strict

Many travelers find Sun Country’s pet fee policy strict because:

• Fees apply per direction with no discounts
• Walk-up requests are risky
• Pet slots per flight are limited
• There is no cargo or backup option
• Fees are non-refundable

However, the rules are clearly defined. Travelers who book early and meet carrier requirements usually experience smooth pet travel.

Final Thoughts

Sun Country’s pet fee in 2025 is straightforward but firmly enforced. Passengers pay $75 per direction when booked in advance or $100 per direction for walk-up requests, with travel limited to small cats and dogs flying in the cabin on domestic routes within the lower 48 states. Because Sun Country Airlines caps availability and enforces strict carrier rules, travelers flying with pets must plan ahead.

Related Posts

• Air Canada Pet Fees
• Delta Pet Fee
• Flights Help Center