Sun Country Airlines’ Pet Policy For Beginners

What Sun Country Airlines’ Pet Policy About

Sun Country Airlines allows small dogs and cats to travel with passengers under specific conditions. Pets can be transported either as carry-on baggage in the cabin or as checked baggage in the cargo hold.

1. Carry-On Pet Travel

Eligibility and Reservations:

• Advance Booking: It’s advisable to reserve a spot for your pet in advance, as only a limited number of pets are allowed per flight. Reservations can be made by contacting Sun Country Airlines’ customer service.
• Fees: An additional fee applies for pets traveling in the cabin. As of the latest information, the fee is $125 per pet, per flight segment. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid at the time of booking.

Carrier Requirements:

• Dimensions: The pet carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. The maximum allowable dimensions are 16 inches in length, 11 inches in width, and 8 inches in height.
• Weight Limit: Pets and their carriers combined must not exceed 16 pounds.
• Carrier Specifications: The carrier should be well-ventilated, secure, and large enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

Shop This Essentials Now:

• > High-quality carrier with extra padding
• >  Soft-sided carriers
• > Microchip for identification.
• > Vest for easy identification.
• > A light meal
• > Designated harness
• > Sanitizing wipes

In-Cabin Travel:

• Seating Restrictions: Passengers traveling with pets cannot be seated in the first row, exit rows, or the first row in the main cabin.
• Pet Behavior: Your pet must remain inside the carrier at all times during the flight. The carrier should be placed under the seat in front of you.

2. Checked Baggage Pet Travel

Eligibility and Reservations:

• Advance Booking: Reservations for pets traveling as checked baggage should be made in advance by contacting Sun Country Airlines’ customer service.
• Fees: The fee for pets traveling as checked baggage is $199 per pet, per flight segment. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid at the time of booking.

Carrier Requirements:

• Dimensions and Weight: The combined weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed 100 pounds. The carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
• Carrier Specifications: The carrier must be made of rigid material, such as plastic or metal, and have secure latches. It should be well-ventilated and leak-proof.

Check-In and Travel:

• Check-In Time: Pets traveling as checked baggage must be checked in at least 4 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
• Health Requirements: Pets must be healthy and free from signs of illness. A health certificate from a veterinarian may be required at check-in.
• Travel Restrictions: Pets are not accepted on international flights or multi-stop and/or connected flights. They are also not accepted on flights to or from New York.

3. Health and Documentation

• Health Certificate: A certificate of good health from a licensed veterinarian may be required, especially for pets traveling as checked baggage.
• Vaccinations: Ensure your pet is up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations. For international travel, specific vaccinations may be required.
• Identification: Microchipping your pet is recommended for identification purposes.

4. Special Considerations

• Age Restrictions: Pets must be at least 8 weeks old to travel.
• Breed Restrictions: Certain breeds, especially brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds, may have restrictions due to health concerns.
• Pregnant Pets: Pregnant pets are not accepted for travel.

5. Preparing for the Flight

• Acclimate Your Pet: Before the trip, allow your pet to become familiar with the carrier by placing them inside for short periods.
• Exercise: Provide your pet with ample exercise before the flight to help them relax.
• Feeding: Avoid feeding your pet a large meal right before the flight to prevent discomfort.
• Hydration: Ensure your pet has access to water during the journey.

6. At the Airport

• Arrival Time: Arrive at the airport early to allow sufficient time for check-in and security procedures.
• Documentation: Have all necessary documents, including health certificates and vaccination records, ready for inspection.
• Security Screening: Follow TSA guidelines for traveling with pets. You may be required to remove your pet from the carrier during screening.

7. During the Flight

• In-Cabin Pets: Keep your pet inside the carrier under the seat in front of you at all times.
• Checked Baggage Pets: Pets traveling as checked baggage will be transported in the cargo hold. Ensure the carrier is properly labeled with your contact information.

8. Post-Flight

• Pick-Up: If your pet traveled as checked baggage, proceed to the designated area to pick them up upon arrival.
• Health Monitoring: Monitor your pet for any signs of stress or illness after the flight.

 Additional Tips

• Stay Informed: Always check the latest pet policies directly with Sun Country Airlines before booking, as policies may change.

Shop This Essentials Now:

• > High-quality carrier with extra padding
• >  Soft-sided carriers
• > Microchip for identification.
• > Vest for easy identification.
• > A light meal
• > Designated harness
• > Sanitizing wipes

Alternative travel options:

If you’re unsure about the airline’s pet policy or if your pet’s needs are more specific, consider alternative travel options such as driving or using a pet transport service. Sometimes, this can reduce stress for both you and your pet.

• Pet Travel Insurance: From my own personal experience, traveling with a pet can sometimes have unexpected hurdles. Consider purchasing pet travel insurance to cover potential issues such as cancellations or delays. It’s always a good idea to be prepared for the unexpected.
• Stay Calm and Collected: Your pet can sense your emotions, so staying calm during the journey will help them feel more at ease. If you’re stressed, they may become anxious as well.
• Monitor Pet During the Flight: If your pet is in the cabin with you, you’ll likely have time to check on them, especially during a long flight. If your pet is in the cargo hold, monitor them closely upon arrival for any signs of distress.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I bring a larger dog on Sun Country Airlines?

   • No, Sun Country only allows small dogs and cats in the cabin, and they must fit within the specified carrier size limits (16 x 11 x 8 inches). Larger pets can travel as checked baggage in the cargo hold, but there are size and weight restrictions.

2. Can I bring multiple pets on a flight?

   • Generally, Sun Country allows one pet per passenger. If you’re traveling with more than one pet, they must be transported in separate carriers, and you will need to check each pet in separately, which may increase the cost.

3. Are there breed restrictions for pets traveling with Sun Country Airlines?

   • Yes, Sun Country has restrictions for certain dog breeds, especially brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Shih Tzus. These breeds are at higher risk of respiratory issues during travel, so it’s always a good idea to check with the airline to ensure your pet is eligible for travel.

4. How can I prepare my pet for flying?

   • Preparing your pet for a flight involves getting them accustomed to their carrier, ensuring they are comfortable and secure, and providing them with enough exercise and relaxation before the flight. Make sure your pet is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations, and consider taking them for a pre-flight vet check.

5. Can my pet fly with me on international flights?

   • Sun Country Airlines only accepts pets on domestic flights. If you are flying internationally, you will need to explore other options, such as using an international pet transport service or choosing a different airline with international pet policies.

6. What happens if my pet gets sick or stressed during the flight?

   • If your pet exhibits signs of illness or distress before, during, or after the flight, seek immediate medical assistance. It’s essential to monitor your pet closely, especially if they are traveling in the cargo hold.

Final Thoughts on Sun Country Airlines’ Pet Policy

Traveling with your furry friend can add an extra layer of joy to your trip, but it’s essential to be prepared and understand the specific policies of the airline you’re flying with. From my own personal experience, Sun Country Airlines’ pet policy is relatively straightforward, but it’s always a good idea to double-check any updates or changes before your flight. Following the airline’s guidelines for carriers, weight limits, health certificates, and other requirements ensures that your pet will have a smooth and comfortable journey.

Whether you’re taking a short flight or a longer one, your pet’s comfort and safety should always be a priority. By planning ahead and being mindful of the airline’s policies, you can enjoy a stress-free travel experience with your pet by your side.

I would love to hear from you! If you’ve traveled with your pet on Sun Country Airlines or have any additional tips to share, please leave a comment below. Your feedback helps others and enriches the conversation for everyone planning to travel with their pets.