Sun Country Airlines Baggage Fees 2023: What To Expect
Since it commenced operations in 1983, Sun Country Airlines has been known for its ultra-low fares. Today, the Minnesota-based airline offers service to more than 50 destinations across the United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. If you’re looking for an affordable flight, you may be on the verge of booking with Sun Country Airlines.
Before you fly, however, you should make yourself aware of the airline’s policies regarding baggage allowances. Even if you’ve flown with Sun Country Airlines in the past, it’s worth revisiting their policies, as they have recently changed. From there, you can take measures to save money and avoid surprise fees by packing accordingly!
Sun Country Airlines Checked and Carry-On Allowances
One of the primary ways in which Sun Country Airlines is able to offer such low fares is by charging for almost all luggage (including standard carry-ons) similar to United Airlines baggage fees. With this in mind, you shouldn’t expect to have any free checked bags or even a standard carry-on included with your fare; you’ll need to pay for each bag you wish to check and bring aboard the plane—with the exception of a small personal item or medically necessary gear.
Checked Bag Allowances and Fees
There is no free checked baggage on Sun Country Airlines, so if you need to check even a single bag, you should expect to pay out-of-pocket. This goes against the industry standard, where many fares include at least one checked bag. However, this is how Sun Country Airlines is able to offer such low fares.
Specific fees for checked bags will vary depending on how many bags you need to check and when you choose to pay for them. For example, if you pre-purchase your checked bags, you’ll generally pay $30 per bag for your first two bags, compared to $40 per bag if you wait until you get to the airport. Additional bags beyond that are a flat fee of $60 each. Keep in mind that these fees are one-way.
If you plan on pre-purchasing your checked baggage, you should be aware that you can only pre-pay for up to two bags; additional checked baggage needs to be added at the airport, and there may be restrictions on the number of bags you can check based on your route.
Checked bags should not weigh more than 50 pounds and may not measure more than 63 linear inches.
Carry-On Allowances and Fees
While most airlines offer at least one free standard-sized carry-on luggage, Sun Country Airlines charges for all carry-on baggage except for a small personal item. The price to add a standard carry-on bag can vary depending on when you pay for it. For instance, your first and second carry-ons will cost $30 each if you pay for them ahead of time, compared to $40 each if you wait until you get to the airport. These fees are one-way. Passengers are not permitted to purchase more than two standard carry-on bags.
Personal carry-on items should not measure greater than 17″ x 13″ x 9″, and they must be able to fit underneath the seat in front of you. Standard-sized carry-ons have larger size allowances of up to 24″ x 16″ x 11″.
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What About Infants, Strollers, and Baby Gear?
If you’ll be traveling with a child under the age of two years old, he or she may travel as a lap infant—meaning you will not need to purchase an additional ticket. No additional baggage is included for lap infants, and non-ticketed children cannot use car seats or booster seats aboard. However, you may check one car seat and one stroller per lap infant at the gate or ticket counter for free.
Charges For Additional Bags and Overweight Luggage
Since no checked baggage is included with any Sun Country Airlines fare, all luggage is technically considered “additional.” Fees to add checked baggage to your fare will vary from $30 to $60 depending on whether you pay online or at the airport, as well as how many checked bags you are purchasing.
Sun Country Airlines has a strict weight limit of 50 pounds per checked bag, and overweight baggage fees will be assessed if your bag is more than 50 pounds. Overweight fees start at $50 for bags weighing between 51 and 60 pounds and increase to $75 for bags weighing 61-100 pounds. Bags weighing over 100 pounds will not be accepted. Keep in mind that fees are for a one-way flight.
Sun Country Airlines also doesn’t permit bags measuring greater than 62 linear inches to be checked. Oversized baggage fees are a flat rate of $75 each way. When measuring your bag for size, be sure to include any handles, wheels, or other accessories for accuracy.
There are also strict size limits on both personal and standard carry-on items. Bags that are too large will be required to be checked, and passengers will need to pay applicable fees. In addition, make sure to comply with TSA rules when packing your suitcase so you don’t have issues getting your luggage on the plane.
Saving On Sun Country Airlines Baggage Fees (Or Avoiding Them Altogether)
While Sun Country Airlines doesn’t have the most generous baggage policies in the industry, there are some ways to go about saving.
Limit What You Pack to Your Personal Carry-On
If you absolutely want to avoid baggage fees altogether, your best option will be to limit what you pack to your personal carry-on. Of course, personal carry-on size limits are rather small, so you may need to get creative. Limiting what you pack to your personal carry-ons will be easiest if you’re taking a shorter trip.
Seek Reimbursement From a Participating Credit Card
Some credit cards offer baggage fee reimbursement, so you may want to inquire with your credit card company to see if this is something for which you’re eligible. In most cases, you’ll need to charge your qualifying baggage fees to your participating credit card and then send in a form to request reimbursement/account credit after the fact. Keep in mind that most credit card companies do not reimburse for some fees, such as overweight or oversized baggage fees.
Pay for Your Baggage Ahead of Time
If you need to check baggage or wish to add carry-on luggage, the easiest way to save some money is to pre-pay online before your flight. This can easily save you $10 per checked bag and carry-on bag.
Look Into Exclusions and Waivers
If you’re an active member of the United States Military, you’ll enjoy two free bags with Sun Country Airlines. This includes a free checked bag and a free standard carry-on. Just be sure to provide a valid military ID at the airport.
Become a Sun Country Rewards Member
Sun Country Rewards members who book a qualifying vacation may also be eligible for additional baggage allowances, such as a free checked bag or a discount on carry-on luggage. If you do a lot of flying with Sun Country Airlines, you may want to consider becoming a member of their rewards program, especially since there are other potential perks as well, such as the ability to redeem points towards rental car purchases and more.
Sun Country Airlines Baggage Policies: Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Sun Country Airlines baggage policies and fees.
How much baggage is included with my fare?
Aside from a personal item, Sun Country Airlines is one of just a handful of airlines that doesn’t include any free luggage with their fares. This means you’ll need to pay not only for each checked bag, but for standard carry-ons as well. There are some exceptions, however, such as for active members of the United States Military and Sun Country Airlines rewards members.
How much will I pay to purchase baggage with Sun Country Airlines?
This will depend on how much baggage you need to purchase and when you pay. If you pay online ahead of time, checked bags are $30 each, as are standard carry-ons. At the airport, you’ll pay $40 for each checked bag and carry-on bag for up to two bags each. Third checked bags and beyond must be purchased at the airport and cost $60 apiece.
All checked and carry-on bags must meet specific size and weight requirements set forth by Sun Country Airlines. If you have an oversized or overweight bag, you’ll be charged applicable fees each way.
How can I pre-pay for baggage?
You can pre-pay for baggage with Sun Country Airlines by logging into your booking using your unique flight/fare information. From there, you can save $10 on each checked bag and each carry-on bag that you add by paying ahead of time rather than waiting until you arrive at the airport.
What if I’m traveling with special equipment?
If you’ll be traveling with any special equipment, such as sporting goods or musical instruments, your best bet is to contact the airline directly before your flight to see if additional accommodations can be made or if you will be subjected to extra fees. You can also check out their website for more information on traveling with special items.
