Sun Country Baggage Fees and Policies: Your Complete Guide to Luggage Rules

Sun Country Baggage Fees and Policies: Your Complete Guide to Luggage Rules

When booking a flight with sun country baggage price, it's important to understand their baggage policies to avoid surprises and extra fees. Sun Country, a popular low-cost airline in the U.S., provides affordable fares, but they do charge separately for checked and carry-on bags, unlike some full-service airlines. Whether you're heading out for a weekend getaway or a long vacation, knowing the baggage rules will help you plan ahead and avoid unnecessary costs.

1. Sun Country Carry-On Baggage Policy and Fees

Sun Country offers the option to bring a carry-on bag onboard, but it’s important to know the size and weight restrictions to avoid any additional charges. Here’s a breakdown of what’s allowed when it comes to carry-on luggage:

Carry-On Baggage Allowance

• Number of Bags: Each passenger can bring one carry-on bag.
• Maximum Weight: The maximum weight for a carry-on bag is 35 lbs (16 kg).
• Maximum Dimensions: The maximum dimensions for a carry-on bag are 24 x 16 x 10 inches (61 x 41 x 25 cm).

In addition to your carry-on, passengers are allowed to bring one personal item such as a small purse, backpack, or laptop bag. This item must fit under the seat in front of you and cannot exceed 17 x 13 x 8 inches (43 x 33 x 20 cm).

Carry-On Baggage Fees

Sun Country does not include a free carry-on bag with their basic fares, so you’ll need to pay an additional fee if you want to bring one. The cost depends on when and how you add the carry-on bag to your booking.

• Online Pre-Purchase: The carry-on fee for purchasing in advance ranges from $30 to $35, depending on your route and timing.
• Airport Purchase: If you wait to add your carry-on bag at the airport, the fee increases to around $40 to $45.

To save on costs, it’s recommended to purchase your carry-on bag when booking your flight or soon after, as the fees are generally lower.

2. Sun Country Checked Baggage Allowance and Fees

For larger items or if you need more luggage space, Sun Country also offers checked baggage. Here’s what you need to know about their checked baggage policies:

Checked Baggage Allowance

• Standard Checked Baggage: You are allowed one checked bag per passenger.
• Maximum Weight: The weight limit for each checked bag is 50 lbs (23 kg).
• Maximum Dimensions: Checked bags cannot exceed a total of 62 inches (158 cm) in length + width + height.

Checked Baggage Fees

The price of checking luggage varies depending on when you add the bag to your booking:

• First Checked Bag: The cost for checking the first bag ranges from $30 to $35 when purchased in advance.
• Second Checked Bag: The fee for a second checked bag is around $40 to $45.
• Additional Bags: If you need to check more than two bags, the fee is generally around $100 per additional bag.

Note: Bags exceeding the 50 lbs (23 kg) weight limit will incur additional fees for excess weight:

• Excess Weight Fee (51-70 lbs): $50 per bag.
• Excess Weight Fee (71-100 lbs): $100 per bag.

Make sure to check your bags' weight and size before heading to the airport to avoid these extra charges.

3. Special Items and Fees: Sports Equipment, Musical Instruments, and Pets

Sun Country allows passengers to bring special items like sports equipment, musical instruments, and pets, but these items may be subject to additional fees. Here's an overview of the rules and charges for each:

Sports Equipment

Whether you're traveling with golf clubs, skis, or a bike, Sun Country has specific rules for handling sports equipment:

• Golf Clubs: $50 for checking golf clubs.
• Skis and Snowboards: These items are typically charged a $50 fee for check-in, provided they’re packed in a protective case.
• Bikes: A bike can be checked for a fee of $75 to $100, depending on the route and size.

Musical Instruments

If you're traveling with a musical instrument, Sun Country allows small instruments (like violins and guitars) to be carried onboard if they fit within the allowed carry-on dimensions (24 x 16 x 10 inches). Larger instruments, such as cellos, must be checked or, in some cases, you may need to purchase an extra seat for the instrument.

Pets

Pets can travel on Sun Country flights, either in the cabin or as checked baggage, depending on their size and weight.

• In-Cabin Pets: Small pets weighing up to 15 lbs (6.8 kg), including the carrier, can travel in the cabin for a fee of $50 each way. The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you and meet the airline's approved dimensions.
• Pets in the Hold: Larger pets must be transported in the cargo hold for a fee of $100 to $150, depending on the route and destination.

Service Animals

Service animals are allowed in the cabin at no extra charge. However, passengers must notify Sun Country in advance and may be asked to provide documentation of the service animal's status.

4. Excess Baggage: Fees for Oversized and Extra Bags

If your luggage exceeds the allowed size or weight limits, you will incur excess baggage fees. Here's what to expect if your bags don’t meet Sun Country's size or weight guidelines:

Excess Baggage Fees

• Additional Bags: For every additional checked bag beyond the standard limit, Sun Country charges a fee of $100 per bag.
• Oversized Bags: If your checked bag exceeds the maximum dimensions of 62 inches (158 cm), you’ll be charged a fee ranging from $100 to $200.
• Overweight Bags: Bags exceeding the 50 lbs (23 kg) weight limit incur the following fees:
  • 51-70 lbs: $50 per bag.
  • 71-100 lbs: $100 per bag.

It’s important to avoid these fees by carefully measuring and weighing your luggage before heading to the airport.

5. How to Avoid Sun Country Baggage Fees

To avoid paying extra fees on your Sun Country flight, follow these tips:

• Pre-Purchase Your Baggage: Always add your baggage when booking your flight or within the "Manage Booking" section on Sun Country’s website to secure lower fees.
• Pack Efficiently: If you can, pack everything into your carry-on and personal item to avoid checked baggage fees. Sun Country allows a generous personal item allowance.
• Double-Check Baggage Restrictions: Familiarize yourself with Sun Country’s baggage rules before you travel to make sure your bags meet the size and weight limits.
• Use a Personal Item: Maximize your personal item’s capacity by packing it with essentials like electronics, small items, or snacks, so you can avoid the need for an additional carry-on.

6. Conclusion

Sun Country Airlines provides budget-friendly fares, but understanding their baggage rules is essential to avoid additional costs. From carry-on fees to checked baggage allowances, it's important to plan ahead to keep your luggage within the allowed limits and avoid excess baggage charges.

Be sure to review the baggage policies for your specific flight, pack carefully, and purchase additional luggage early to ensure the best price. With a little preparation, you can travel with ease and keep your baggage fees to a minimum when flying with Sun Country. Safe travels!