Understanding Sun Country Airlines’ latest baggage policy can help you avoid surprise charges at the airport. Each passenger is allowed one small personal item that fits under the seat at no additional cost. However, if you want to bring an overhead carry-on bag or check luggage, you may have to pay additional fees. These charges can also increase if you wait until closer to your departure date to pay. This guide explains Sun Country Airlines baggage fees, basic carry-on requirements, checked baggage weight limits, and applicable fees.
With these details, you can choose the best baggage option, manage your travel budget, and make your airport experience easier and more convenient.
Sun Country Airlines at a Glance
Sun Country Airlines is a budget-friendly US airline based at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport. A group of former airline workers started it in 1982, and today it flies to more than 100 places across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Unlike typical budget airlines, Sun Country doesn’t just rely on regular passenger flights. It also runs private charter flights and flies cargo planes. This mix lets it pivot with the seasons and get the most out of its fleet.
Sun Country Airlines: Know the Baggage Fees and Allowance
Knowing Sun Country Airlines’ baggage fees and checked and carry-on limits can save you from unnecessary charges.
1. Checked and Carry-On Baggage Limits
You can get one free personal item, but larger bags have strict size limits and fees.
- Underseat Item (Free): Your under-seat bag can’t exceed 17 x 13 x 9 (inches). Purses, small backpacks, and small duffels all work.
- Overhead Carry-On (Paid): Your bag must fit within 24″ × 16″ × 11″ and weigh no more than 35 lbs. Overhead storage is restricted to passengers who pre-purchase this option, and the bag must fit the sizer box at the counter or gate. If space runs out on board, qualified bags will be gate-checked. Moreover, you can also review the latest Sun Country Airlines carry-on requirements before packing.
- Checked Bag (Paid): Your checked luggage should not exceed 62 linear inches, combining the length, depth, and width. The maximum weight limit is 50 lbs; anything above that will incur a fee.
Important Points to Note About Sun Country Airlines’ Baggage Allowance
Besides the parameters mentioned above, here are some other things to make note of:
- Checked baggage exceeding 70 lbs won’t be permitted on flights to or from Puerto Rico, Canada, and Jamaica.
- Luggage exceeding 80 linear inches or 100 pounds, or both, won’t be accepted.
- The prices are charged each way, per bag, per passenger. Also, they are non-refundable.
- Travelers must choose the overhead bag option to use the overhead bin.
- If your bag doesn’t fit the sizer box, it will be checked at the gate, and extra charges may apply. This may happen even after you have opted for the overhead storage option.
- Mark your names clearly on all bags to prevent them from getting misplaced.
- If Sun Country agents determine a bag is unsuitable, they won’t check it.
- If you have four or more bags, you can’t check them on your own. You will need to call Reservations or make arrangements when checking in at the airport.
2. How Are Sun Country Airlines’ Checked and Carry-on Fees Decided?
Baggage fees for Sun Country Airlines depend on your route and are charged per person, each way, as mentioned above. Prices increase the longer you wait to purchase.
To explore the bag prices, you may visit Sun Country Airlines’ official website and select the Existing or New Trip options. When selecting Existing Trips, enter your Last Name and reservation code.
If you select the New Trip option, you can enter important details, including source, destination, departure date, return date, and the number of travelers. Then click on “Yes, I accept the bag price terms”.” This takes you to the price page, where you will find all the details.
Here are some other important aspects to note regarding Sun Country Airlines’ baggage fees.
- When Booking Online: Get the lowest possible rate.
- Via “My Trips” / Online Check-In: Cheaper than the airport, but more expensive than booking during the initial purchase.
- Ticket Counter: Ticket counter prices are much higher than online rates.
- At the Gate: This is the most expensive option. Plus, if you buy your tickets at the gate, there’s an extra $10 handling fee.
3. Oversized and Overweight Bag Fees For Sun Country Airlines
If your checked bag is too heavy or too big, you will have to pay an extra fee each way that you can’t get back.
| Category | Size / Weight Criteria | Additional Charge |
| Oversize Linear | 63+ Linear Inches | +$100 |
| Special Sporting Equipment | Qualifying oversized items | +$100 |
| Overweight (Before Sept 3, 2025) | 51- 60 lbs61- 99 lbs | +$20+$60 |
| Overweight (On/After Sept 3, 2025) | 51- 60 lbs61- 70 lbs71- 80 lbs81- 90 lbs91- 99 lbs | +$25+$50+$75+$100+$125 |
4. Special Discounts & Exemptions on Sun Country Airlines’ Baggage Fees
Sun Country Airlines offers several special accommodations and exclusive perks for specific groups, specialized gear, and travel needs:
Perks for Active Duty Service Members:
- Free Luggage: Active-duty military members receive two free checked bags (up to 100 lbs each) and one free overhead carry-on.
- Waived Fees: Oversized bag fees are waived for the first two checked bags.
Note: This benefit applies strictly to active military members (who must present a valid Common Access Card) and does not extend to veterans or travel companions.
Cardholder Savings:
- Sun Country Visa Signature® Credit Card: Cardholders receive a 50% discount on their first bag when they pre-purchase online at suncountry.com or book over the phone. Cardholders must be logged in to use the discount.
Sun Country’s Special Baggage Allowance to Cater to Passenger Needs
Though Sun Country is pretty strict about checked and carry-on baggage allowances, some exemptions apply for mobility devices, medical equipment, and more.
- Mobility Devices: You can bring walkers, canes, or wheelchairs at no extra cost, and they won’t count as standard luggage. Check your manual wheelchair at the gate or ticket counter. If you want to keep your manual wheelchair in the cabin, space is available for one on a first-come basis. Moreover, passengers traveling with wheelchairs or other mobility devices can review Sun Country accessibility services in advance. You can also store canes and walkers in the cabin, as long as they do not block emergency exits or aisles.
- Medical Equipment: You can bring FAA-approved Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs) on board (requires airport inspection at check-in at least one hour before departure and prior notice to reservations). If you are traveling with medical equipment, check the Sun Country medical equipment policy before departure. For manual wheelchairs, you may check them either at the gate or ticket counters absolutely free of charge. If you have detachable items like footrests or seat cushions, you can tag them as bags in the cargo bin.
- Sporting Equipment: Select sports gear can be substituted for a standard checked bag, though oversized or extra items may incur additional fees. Check the table below to learn
| Scuba Diving Equipment | One regulator, one mask, one pressure gauge, two fins, one snorkel, one BC vest, and one spear gun; you cannot transport scuba diving tanks even if they are empty |
| Wakeboards, Surfboards and Kiteboards | The length shouldn’t exceed five feet |
| Hockey Equipment | A single hockey bag with no more than two sticks that are bound together |
| Windsurfing Equipment | A windsurfing board along with a mast not exceeding five feet, a wooden broom, and a sail |
| Trailer Hitches | They should be packed and wrapped properly to prevent damage |
| Antlers | They should be free of residue; the skull must be wrapped, and the tips should be protected; the airline isn’t liable for the antlers |
| Bowling Equipment | A bowling bag, a bowling ball, bowling shoes (one pair). If you carry items more than what is allowed, then a fee may be incurred |
| Skiing Equipment | Skis (one pair), Ski poles (one pair), ski bindings (one pair), ski boots (one pair), snowboard (one), bindings (one set), boots (one pair); exceeding the specified allowance means you will be charged the additional bag fees |
| Lacrosse Equipment | A lacrosse bag with two sticks that are bound together |
- Musical Instrument: All musical instruments aren’t accepted onboard. A small instrument packed in a case is permissible, provided it fits below the seat or in the overhead bin. Check the musical instrument if you cannot stow it properly. You will also be charged overhead bag fees.
For larger instruments like tabla or guitars, you must buy a seat for the instrument. It will not be permitted if the weight exceeds 100 pounds. You may even check your instrument, and the bag fees and rules may apply. They will be checked as limited-liability items because they are fragile.
- Pet Travel: You can bring cats and dogs in the cabin on certain flights across the mainland U.S. It costs $75 if you book in advance or $100 at the airport. Only six pets are allowed per flight, so book early. Before booking, review the Sun Country pet policy for eligible flights, fees, and requirements.
- Rules for medicines: Keep them in your carry-on, not in checked bags. Syringes and needles are allowed as carry-ons unless you can provide prescriptions. If you are carrying formula milk or breast milk, baby food, juice, medicines in the form of gels or liquids, and so on, you have to declare them at the TSA security checkpoints.
- Wedding Dress: You can carry it in the overhead bag if it fits inside the sizer bag and doesn’t weigh more than 35 kg.
- Firearms and Ammunition: These must go in checked baggage only. You must pack them in the original container and keep the cartridge separate. The ammunition you carry must not exceed 11 pounds.
- Diaper Bag: Each infant may bring one diaper bag in addition to a personal item. Breast pumps aren’t subject to baggage fees because they count as a medical device.
Besides the list mentioned, several other items are allowed, while some are restricted or forbidden. For a complete list, refer to the airline’s official website.
Quick Tips to Save Money On Your Baggage At Sun Country Airlines
Here are some tips to help you save money on baggage.
- Check your underseat personal bag size at home to make sure it fits and avoid extra Sun Country Airlines baggage fees.
- Buy overhead bin space and checked bags online early to get the lowest rate before prices rise.
- Keep your checked luggage under 50 pounds to dodge expensive penalties for heavy and oversized bags.
Conclusion:
Now that you know the Sun Country Airlines baggage fees and allowance for carry-on and checked bags, you can make your trip easier and avoid unexpected costs. Before heading to the airport, check your bag’s size and weight and decide which baggage option you need. You get one free personal item, while carry-on and checked bags may cost extra. Booking your bags online as early as possible can help you get a better price. Also, keep overweight and oversized baggage rules in mind.
FAQs:
Sun Country Airlines lets you bring one personal item for free, but charges for carry-on and checked bags based on when you pay. Adding bags when booking costs between $25 and $40 per bag. If you wait until after booking, the price increases to $50. Buying bags at the airport costs $55 or more, plus an extra $10 gate handling fee.
You can bring one small bag, like a purse or laptop case, for free if it fits under the seat ahead of you (up to 17 x 13 x 9 inches). If you need an overhead carry-on or a checked bag, you will usually have to pay extra, unless you have special military or ticket perks.
Airlines charge heavy bag fees once you pass 50 pounds. Depending on how much over you are, a bag weighing 51 to 99 pounds will cost you an extra $25 to $125 to fly.
Yes. Eligible active-duty U.S. military members can get two free checked bags of up to 100 pounds each plus one free overhead carry-on, subject to the airline’s requirements.
Paying online is usually the better deal. Sun Country charges more as you wait, so adding your bags when you book your flight can help you save.
Yes, you can, but there are certain conditions. For example, the volume must not exceed 70%, and it should be in the original unopened packaging. Also, each person should carry no more than five liters of alcohol.
