Sun Country Baggage Policy Fees

Travelers flying with Sun Country Airlines need to understand the airline’s baggage rules to avoid unexpected costs and ensure a smoother journey. The Sun Country baggage policy is straightforward but comes with specific limits and fees that vary depending on the type of luggage you carry. Unlike some airlines that include free checked luggage, Sun Country operates on a low-cost model where passengers usually pay for both carry-on and checked baggage. Only one small personal item is included for free. By understanding the full policy, you can plan your trip effectively, minimize fees, and breeze through the airport without stress.

Sun Country Baggage Policy – Quick Overview

  • Each passenger is allowed one free personal item (up to 17″ x 13″ x 9″) that fits under the seat.
  • Carry-on bags (24″ x 16″ x 11″, max 35 lbs) are not free and usually cost $30-$40 if purchased online in advance. Higher fees apply at the airport.
  • Checked bags (up to 62 linear inches, max 50 lbs) require a fee, typically $30-$40 for the first bag and more for additional bags.
  • Overweight fees apply to bags 51-100 lbs; oversized fees apply to bags over 62 linear inches. Bags over 100 lbs are not accepted.
  • On flights to Canada, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico, bags weighing 70 lbs or more are not permitted.
  • Tips to save fees: purchase baggage online during booking, pack efficiently, and ensure all bags meet Sun Country’s size and weight limits.

Sun Country Baggage Policy Overview

The Sun Country Airlines baggage policy gives passengers the flexibility to choose what kind of luggage they need for their trip. Every passenger is entitled to bring one free personal item, but additional carry-on or checked luggage comes with extra fees. The airline strictly enforces size and weight restrictions, which means preparing your bags in advance is key. Purchasing baggage allowance at the time of booking or through the airline’s online portal is usually cheaper than paying at the airport. Sun Country also applies extra charges for overweight and oversized bags, which can add up quickly if you are not prepared.

Free Personal Item Allowance

Every Sun Country passenger can bring one free personal item such as a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack. This item must fit completely under the seat in front of you. The personal item allowance ensures that even passengers who do not purchase carry-on or checked luggage can travel with essential belongings. However, anything larger than the approved dimensions will be considered a standard carry-on bag and will incur additional fees.

Carry-On Baggage Policy

Unlike the free personal item, carry-on baggage that goes into the overhead bin is not free on Sun Country Airlines. Passengers are required to pay a fee for these bags, which varies depending on whether you pay at the time of booking, during check-in, or at the airport gate. The earlier you purchase, the cheaper it is.

Carry-on bags must also comply with strict size and weight restrictions. Oversized carry-on bags may be denied or forced to be checked at the gate for an additional fee. To save money and avoid inconvenience, it is highly recommended to measure your bag before traveling.

Checked Baggage Policy

Sun Country Airlines does not include free checked bags with most fare types. If you need to check luggage, you must purchase it separately. The standard allowance for checked baggage is:

  • Weight limit: 50 lbs (23 kg)
  • Size limit: 62 linear inches (length + width + height)

Passengers who exceed these limits will need to pay additional overweight or oversized baggage fees. These fees can be quite expensive compared to the standard checked bag fee, so packing wisely is important.

Checked Baggage Fees

The checked bag fee on Sun Country depends on several factors:

  • When you purchase (cheapest at booking, more expensive at the airport)
  • Your travel route
  • The number of bags you check

On average, the first checked bag may cost between $30-$40 if purchased in advance online, but prices are higher if paid at check-in or at the gate. Additional bags and oversized luggage will add to the cost.

Sun Country Baggage Policy Fees

Understanding Sun Country Airlines baggage fees is essential for travelers who want to avoid last-minute surprises at the airport. Unlike some full-service carriers, Sun Country operates as a low-cost airline, which means most baggage options beyond a personal item require additional charges. Fees depend on the type of bag, weight, size, purchase method, and route.

Personal Item (Free)

  • Allowance: 1 free personal item per passenger
  • Size Limit: 17″ x 13″ x 9″
  • Examples: Purse, laptop bag, small backpack
  • Cost: Always free

Carry-On Baggage Fees

  • Size Limit: 24″ x 16″ x 11″
  • Weight Limit: 35 lbs
  • Cost:
    • $30-$40 if purchased online in advance
    • Higher fees apply at the airport or gate
  • Note: Only one personal item is free. Standard carry-ons require payment.

Checked Baggage Fees

  • Size Limit: 62 linear inches (L+W+H)
  • Weight Limit: 50 lbs
  • Cost (per bag, one-way):
    • $30-$40 for the first checked bag (online purchase)
    • $40-$50 for the second checked bag
    • Additional checked bags cost more
  • Important: Buying baggage allowance at booking is cheaper than paying at the counter.

Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees

  • Overweight Bags:
    • 51-60 lbs → $20-$40 extra per bag
    • 61-100 lbs → $60-$100 extra per bag
  • Oversized Bags:
    • Over 62 linear inches → $40-$100 extra per bag
  • Not Allowed: Bags over 100 lbs or extremely large items

Special Destination Rules

For flights to Canada, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico:

  • Bags weighing 70 lbs or more are not accepted
  • Standard overweight and oversized fees apply within allowable limits

Tips to Save on Sun Country Baggage Fees

  • Purchase early online – Cheapest option
  • Pack light – Maximize free personal item space
  • Weigh bags at home – Avoid overweight charges
  • Bundle baggage at booking – Saves compared to last-minute fees

Oversized and Overweight Baggage

If your checked bag weighs more than 50 lbs (23 kg) or exceeds 62 linear inches, Sun Country applies extra charges. Overweight bags are typically charged per weight category (51-60 lbs, 61-100 lbs), and oversized bags are charged based on dimensions. Since these charges can be significantly higher, passengers are advised to keep bags within the standard allowance whenever possible.

Sports Equipment and Special Items

Sun Country Airlines allows passengers to travel with sports equipment such as skis, golf clubs, and bicycles. These items are treated as checked baggage and must comply with size and weight restrictions. If the equipment exceeds standard limits, it will be subject to overweight or oversized baggage fees. Musical instruments and fragile items can also be carried, but passengers are encouraged to pack them securely to prevent damage during transit.

Tips to Save on Baggage Fees

Since Sun Country charges for most luggage types, smart travelers can save money by planning ahead. Here are a few tips:

  • Pre-book online: Always purchase your baggage allowance at the time of booking or through “My Trips” on the airline’s website.
  • Travel light: Use your free personal item effectively by packing essentials in a compact backpack.
  • Avoid last-minute payments: Fees are always higher at the airport.
  • Check dimensions: Ensure your bag fits within size limits to avoid extra charges.
  • Weigh your luggage: Stay under 50 lbs to avoid overweight fees.

How Strict Is Sun Country with Baggage?

Sun Country is known for being strict with baggage rules. At boarding gates, staff carefully check personal items and carry-on sizes. If your bag does not fit under the seat or in the overhead bin, it may be checked for a fee. To prevent delays and extra costs, travelers should ensure they comply with the size and weight guidelines.

Quick Summary

Sun Country Airlines allows each passenger to bring one personal item for free, but both carry-on and checked bags require a fee. Carry-on fees are cheapest if paid online during booking, while checked bags cost around $30-$40 if purchased in advance. Oversized and overweight baggage can lead to higher charges. Sun Country enforces its baggage rules strictly, so measuring and weighing bags before travel is essential.

FAQs: Sun Country Baggage Policy

Does Sun Country charge for a carry-on?
Yes. Sun Country Airlines charges for all standard carry-on bags. Only one personal item that fits under the seat in front of you is free.
How strict is Sun Country with carry-on?
Sun Country is strict about enforcing carry-on rules. If your bag does not meet size or weight limits, it will need to be checked at the gate for an additional fee.
Does Sun Country Airlines have free baggage?
The only free baggage allowance is one personal item per passenger. All carry-on and checked bags require additional fees.
How much is the checked bag fee?
The first checked bag typically costs between $30–$40 when purchased online in advance. Prices are higher if paid at the airport, and extra fees apply for overweight or oversized bags.

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