Sun country Airlines Luggage Policy For Beginners

Traveling with Sun Country Airlines offers a blend of affordability and convenience. Understanding their luggage policy is crucial to ensure a smooth journey and avoid unexpected fees. Drawing from my own personal experience, I’ve compiled this detailed guide to help both seasoned travelers and beginners navigate Sun Country’s baggage allowances and fees. This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

1. Carry-On Baggage

Sun Country Airlines allows each passenger to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item free of charge. Here’s what you need to know:

• Carry-On Bag Dimensions and Weight:
  • Maximum size: 24 inches long x 16 inches wide x 11 inches tall (including wheels and handles).
  • Maximum weight: 35 pounds.
• Personal Item:
  • Examples include a purse, briefcase, laptop bag, or small backpack.
  • Maximum size: 17 inches long x 13 inches wide x 9 inches tall.
  • Must fit under the seat in front of you.

Pro Tip: To maximize space, use a soft-sided carry-on bag that can slightly compress to fit into the overhead bin.

2. Checked Baggage

For checked luggage, Sun Country has specific allowances and fees:

• Standard Allowance:
  • Each checked bag must not exceed 62 linear inches (length + width + height).
  • Maximum weight: 50 pounds.
• Fees:
  • First checked bag: $30 if purchased online during booking or before online check-in; $40 if purchased at the airport.
  • Second checked bag: $40 if purchased online; $40 at the airport.
  • Third and additional checked bags: $60 each.

Pro Tip: Pre-purchase your checked baggage online to save on fees.

3. Overweight and Oversized Baggage

Exceeding the standard baggage limits incurs additional fees:

• Overweight Bags:
  • 51 to 70 pounds: Additional $20 per bag.
  • 71 to 100 pounds: Additional $60 per bag.
• Oversized Bags:
  • Bags exceeding 62 linear inches but not more than 80 linear inches: Additional $75 per bag.
  • Bags exceeding 80 linear inches: Not accepted.

Pro Tip: Weigh and measure your luggage at home to avoid surprises at the airport.

4. Special Items and Sports Equipment

Sun Country accommodates various special items:

• Sports Equipment:
  • Items like skis, golf bags, and bicycles are accepted as checked baggage.
  • Fees may apply, and items must adhere to size and weight restrictions.
• Musical Instruments:
  • Small instruments can be carried on if they fit within the personal item dimensions.
  • Larger instruments may require a separate seat or be checked as oversized baggage.

Pro Tip: Contact Sun Country in advance to arrange for special items to ensure a seamless experience.

5. Prohibited Items

Certain items are not permitted in carry-on or checked baggage:

• Hazardous Materials:
  • Flammable liquids, explosives, and other dangerous goods are strictly prohibited.
• Sharp Objects:
  • Items like knives and scissors are not allowed in carry-on baggage.

Pro Tip: Familiarize yourself with the TSA’s list of prohibited items to avoid confiscation.

6. Military Personnel

Active U.S. military personnel receive special baggage allowances:

• Allowance:
  • One free checked bag and one free carry-on bag.
• Verification:
  • Must present valid military ID at the airport.

Pro Tip: Always carry your military ID when traveling to avail of these benefits.

7. Tips to Avoid Additional Fees

• Pre-Purchase Baggage: Add baggage during booking or before online check-in to save on fees.
• Stay Within Limits: Ensure your bags meet size and weight restrictions to avoid overweight or oversized fees.
• Use a Luggage Scale: Invest in a portable luggage scale to check your bag’s weight before heading to the airport.
• Pack Smart: Roll clothes and use packing cubes to maximize space and minimize the need for additional baggage.

Go shop these Essentials Now

You will need them:

• > Soft duffel bags
• > A digital portable luggage scale
• > Hard-shell suitcases
• > Packable snacks
• > Water bottle for traveling on the plane

8. Excess Baggage Fees and Handling Tips

While Sun Country Airlines strives to keep its fees competitive, there are still potential charges that travelers should be aware of, particularly when it comes to excess baggage.

Additional Bag Fees

As mentioned earlier, Sun Country allows for a second checked bag, but there’s a cost involved:

• Second Checked Bag: The cost of a second checked bag is typically $40 if booked in advance, and $40 at the airport, so again, booking online can save you money.
• Third and Beyond: If you’re traveling with more than two checked bags, you’ll pay $60 per additional bag.

Pro Tip:

From my own personal experience, I highly recommend packing as efficiently as possible to avoid these fees. For example, if you’re traveling with a partner or family, it might be cheaper to combine your items into fewer bags.

Extra Weight or Size:

If your bag exceeds the weight or size restrictions, you will incur additional charges:

• Overweight Baggage Fees:
  • 51 to 70 pounds: There is a $20 fee.
  • 71 to 100 pounds: You’ll pay a $60 fee per bag.
• Oversized Baggage Fees:
  • If your luggage exceeds 62 linear inches but is under 80 inches, expect to pay an additional $75 per bag.
  • More than 80 inches: These bags are not accepted for travel, so be sure to double-check your measurements before heading to the airport.

9. International Travel with Sun Country Airlines

Traveling internationally with Sun Country Airlines comes with a slightly different baggage policy compared to domestic flights, primarily due to weight limits and the allowances for checked luggage.

Checked Baggage Allowances for International Flights:

• Free Checked Bags: The number of free checked bags depends on the specific international route and the type of fare purchased.
• Weight Limits: Most international routes follow the same 50-pound (23 kg) weight limit per checked bag.
• Additional Fees: If you exceed the baggage allowance, expect to pay additional charges for excess, oversized, or overweight baggage. These fees can vary based on the route, but they are typically in the same range as domestic flights (up to $100 per additional checked bag).

Pro Tip:

If you’re flying internationally, it’s a good idea to pack smarter, taking advantage of the personal item allowance to store things like electronics, books, and small toiletries. This can save you valuable space in your checked bags for heavier items like clothing.

10. Travel with Infants and Children

Traveling with little ones? Sun Country Airlines has special provisions for families traveling with infants or children. This is particularly important when it comes to strollers, car seats, and diaper bags.

Infants (Under 2 Years Old):

• Infant Baggage Allowance:
  • One diaper bag and one stroller (must be collapsible) are allowed per infant, free of charge.
  • If you’re bringing a car seat, you’ll be able to bring it onboard or check it without incurring any fees.
  • If you’re traveling with an infant on your lap, you’ll still need to keep your carry-on bag within the standard size requirements.

Children Over 2 Years Old:

• Standard Baggage: Children over the age of 2 are treated as standard passengers and allowed one carry-on and one personal item, just like adults.
• Luggage Fees: Standard baggage fees apply for children over 2 years old.

Pro Tip:

From my own personal experience, I recommend bringing along a lightweight, foldable stroller that can easily fit into the overhead bin or be gate-checked. It’ll save you time and effort when navigating airports.

11. Pet Travel with Sun Country Airlines

If you’re planning to bring along your furry friend, Sun Country Airlines allows pets to travel in the cabin, as long as they meet specific requirements. Here’s what you need to know:

In-Cabin Pets:

• Pet Carrier Requirements: Your pet must fit inside a small carrier (maximum dimensions: 17” x 11” x 9”) that fits under the seat in front of you.
• Fee: The fee for an in-cabin pet is $50 each way.
• Pet Weight Limit: The total weight of the pet and carrier cannot exceed 15 pounds.

Pro Tip:

If your pet is larger or requires more space, you may need to book them into the cargo hold. Always check with the airline’s pet policy before booking to ensure a smooth experience.

12. Baggage for Business Class Travelers

If you’ve opted for Sun Country Airlines’ Business Class (a more premium option available on certain flights), there are a few benefits when it comes to baggage:

• Baggage Allowances: You’ll be allowed one free checked bag (under 50 pounds) and two free carry-on bags (with the same size limits as economy class).
• Priority Handling: Business class passengers may also receive priority baggage handling, which can be a major convenience when you arrive at your destination.

Pro Tip:

If you’re flying business class, always check with the airline about additional perks such as expedited security lines or early boarding, which can further streamline your travel experience.

13. How to Avoid Common Mistakes with Sun Country’s Baggage Policy

Traveling with Sun Country can be seamless if you’re prepared and avoid some of the common mistakes that many first-time flyers make. Below are a few helpful pointers to make sure you don’t end up with unexpected charges or hassle.

1. Don’t Overpack:

The more efficiently you pack, the fewer bags you’ll need. Keep in mind the 50-pound weight limit for checked bags and the 35-pound limit for carry-ons. Bringing multiple smaller bags may end up being more expensive than consolidating your items into one larger bag.

2. Keep an Eye on the Fees:

Airline fees can vary depending on when you add baggage to your reservation. Make sure you pre-purchase any baggage online before you get to the airport to save yourself from unnecessary costs.

3. Avoid Prohibited Items:

Sun Country, like other airlines, adheres to TSA regulations regarding prohibited items. Make sure that sharp objects or liquids exceeding the allowable limit (3.4 oz / 100 mL) are not in your carry-on luggage.

4. Confirm Size Limits for Special Items:

Before traveling with large or unusual items, such as sporting equipment, make sure you understand the airline’s size limits and fees. Sun Country has specific allowances for these items, but they must be packed correctly.

Pro Tip:

Pack an extra pair of clothes, your toiletries, and any essentials into your carry-on bag in case your checked luggage gets delayed. Having a change of clothes and a few necessary items will keep you comfortable until your bag arrives.

Conclusion:

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or just starting out, understanding Sun Country Airlines’ baggage policies will save you time, money, and unnecessary stress. By planning ahead, checking your baggage size and weight limits, and booking additional baggage early, you can enjoy your travel experience without worrying about hidden fees.

From my own personal experience, I’ve learned that knowing these policies ahead of time is invaluable. Sun Country offers affordable options, but you still need to be proactive to avoid those extra costs.

I hope you found this guide helpful! I’d love to hear your thoughts or if you have any other tips from your travel experiences. Please feel free to leave a comment below! I look forward to hearing from you!