Sun Country Airlines is a U.S.-based airline that provides flights to various destinations around the world. When flying with the airline, it’s important to familiarize yourself with their baggage policy and fees.
In this post, we will take a deep dive into Sun Country Airlines’ baggage policy, including carry-on and checked baggage. We will also cover the applicable bag fees to travel with your bags. Next, we will discuss checking in special items, such as sports equipment and musical instruments. We’ll also have a look at typical items that Sun Country prohibits in baggage. Finally, we will explain what to do if your checked bags don’t make it to your destination, or they’re damaged in transit.
Carry On Baggage Rules
Sun Country Airlines allows you to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board. The carry-on bag should fit in the overhead bin, and the personal item should fit under the seat in front of you.
Carry On Size and Weight Limit
Carry On Size Limit
The maximum size for a carry-on bag on Sun Country Airlines is 24 inches long, 16 inches wide, and 11 inches tall, including the wheels and handle.
Hot Tip: You may be asked to place your carry-on bag in a sizer when you present it at check-in. Make sure that you measure your bag carefully before you reach the airport. Sun Country may require you to check your bag as checked baggage, incurring a fee.
Carry On Weight Limit
The maximum weight for a carry-on bag is 35 pounds.
Personal Item Size Limit
The maximum size for a personal item on Sun Country Airlines is 17 inches long, 13 inches wide, and 9 inches tall. The personal item should fit under the seat in front of you and does not have a weight restriction.
Checked Baggage Rules
Sun Country’s definition of a standard checked bag follows the convention of most airlines:
Checked Bag Size Limit
Your standard checked bag can be no larger than 62 linear inches (158 centimeters). This is calculated by measuring the outside length, width and height and adding these measurements together. Be sure to include any protruding wheels, handles, and straps when taking your measurements.
If your checked bag exceeds 62 linear inches, Sun Country may charge an oversize fee to check your bag.
Checked Bag Weight Limit
Your standard checked bag can be no heavier than 50 pounds (23 kilograms).
If your bag exceeds 50 pounds, Sun Country may charge an overweight fee to check your bag.
Baggage Fees
Your personal item is not subject to bag fees. However, you will have to pay a fee to travel with carry-on or checked bags.
Sun Country Airlines charges fees for checked baggage based on the route and the time of purchase. If you purchase your baggage allowance online at least 24 hours before your flight, you will receive a discount compared to purchasing your baggage allowance at the airport.
I’m not a fan of airlines that use dynamic pricing to calculate the fee you must pay for your bags. The theory is that the airline does this to offer the lowest price possible. You would use Sun Country’s baggage tool to find out the applicable fees for your potential trip. This makes it quite cumbersome if you’re planning a trip with a number of different itineraries.
Bear in mind that later searches for the exact same itinerary using the same dates may produce different baggage fees. In any case, the earlier you pay for your baggage fees, the cheaper the fee.
Carry On Bag Fee
As mentioned earlier, you must pay a fee to travel with your carry-on bag. The fee is based on when you purchase your bag. The following fees apply for both domestic and international flights.
| Carry-on Bag Fee | |
|---|---|
| At Time of Booking | $40 |
| Before Online Check | $45 |
| During Online Check | $45 |
| Calling Reservations | $45 |
| At Airport | $50 |
If your carry-on bag exceeds the size or weight limit, you will be required to check it in and pay a checked bag fee. We’ll cover those fees in the next section.
Checked Bag Fees
You can expect to pay the following fees for your checked bags. I conducted several searches using Sun Country’s baggage tool, both domestic and international, and these baggage fees were consistently produced:
| 1st Bag (63”/50lbs) | 2nd Bag (63”/50lbs) | 3rd Bag (63”/50lbs) | Oversize (63″+) | Overweight (51-60lbs) | Overweight (61-99lbs) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At time of booking | $40 | $45 | $45 | $100 | +$20 | +$60 |
| Before check-in | $45 | $50 | $50 | $100 | +$20 | +$60 |
| At time of check-in | $45 | $50 | $50 | $100 | +$20 | +$60 |
| Calling reservations | $45 | $50 | $50 | $100 | +$20 | +$60 |
| At the ticket counter | $50 | $50 | $60 | $100 | +$20 | +$60 |
| At the gate | $60 | $60 | $70 | $100 | +$20 | +$60 |
Please note, as is standard across all airlines, baggage fees are non-refundable.
Oversize and Overweight Bag Fees
If you wish to ship a bag that exceeds the maximum oversized and/or overweight limits, you can investigate Sun Country’s cargo service.
Oversized Bags
Any bag larger than 63 linear inches will cost $100 to check-in.
Overweight Bags
Sun Country has two distinct categories of overweight bags:
- 51-60 pounds: +$20
- 61-99 pounds: +$60
- Bags weighing 70 pounds, or more are not accepted on flights to/from Jamaica and Puerto Rico
- 100+ pounds: Cannot be checked in on any Sun Country flight.
Please note that overweight bag fees are extra fees, in addition to any other applied fees.
How to Pay for Your Bags
Sun Country Airlines offers several ways to pay for your baggage fees. Keep in mind that the longer you wait to pay, the higher the fee.
Here are the different methods you can use to pay for your bags:
Pay at the Time of Booking
The easiest and most convenient way to pay for your baggage fees is to do so at the time of booking your flight. By paying for your baggage fees during your booking, you will pay the lowest possible bag fee.
Pay Online Before Check In
If you have already booked your flight and did not pay for your baggage fees at the time of booking, you can pay for them online. To do this, you need to log in to your Sun Country Airlines account and navigate to the “Manage Travel” section. From there, you can select the option to pay for your baggage fees.
Hot Tip: If you are planning to travel with one checked bag only, you’re better off waiting until online check-in. The bag fee for paying at check-in is the same as when paying before. Your luggage requirements may change by the time of check-in, and you no longer need the checked bag. Remember, baggage fees are non-refundable.
Pay Online at Check In
The easiest and most convenient way to pay for your baggage fees is to do it online. You can do this when you check-in online or by going to the “Manage Trip” section on Sun Country’s website. You will need to enter your confirmation number and last name to access your reservation. Once you’re in, you can select the number of bags you want to check and pay for them using a credit or debit card.
Pay Over the Phone
You can also pay over the phone by calling Sun Country Airlines’ customer service. You will need to supply your confirmation number and last name, as well as your credit or debit card information.
Pay at the Airport
If you prefer to pay for your baggage fees in person, you can do so at the airport. You can either pay at the check-in counter or at the self-service kiosk. Keep in mind that paying for your baggage fees at the airport may result in higher fees compared to paying in advance.
Pay at the Gate
Paying for your bags at the gate is the most expensive way of paying for your bags. Not only will you pay the “at the airport” bag fees, but you will also be subject to an extra $10 gate handling fee.
Pay with Sun Country Credit Card
If you have a Sun Country Airlines credit card, you are eligible for a 50% discount on your first checked bag’s fee. To take advantage of this, simply use your Sun Country Airlines credit card to pay for your baggage fees online or at the airport.
Paying For More Than 3 Checked Bags
If you wish to check four or more bags, you will need to either:
- Call reservations, or
- Arrange during airport check-in.
How to Avoid Bag Fees
You can avoid, or at least minimize, how much you pay for your checked bags in a few ways.
Join Sun Country Rewards Program
Sun Country Airlines offers a rewards program called, unsurprisingly, Sun Country Rewards. Members of this program can earn points on purchases with the airline. These points can then be redeemed for free flights, upgrades, and free checked bags. You can also earn points by shopping at Sun Country’s online store and using the airline’s credit card.
The program is free to join.
Sun Country Airlines Visa Signature Credit Card
Sun Country Airlines offers a co-branded credit card with Visa. Cardholders can earn points for every dollar spent on purchases, including flights with Sun Country Airlines. One of the credit card’s perks is a discount on your first checked bag.
First Bag Discount
The airline’s branded credit card grants 50% off your first bag’s fee when:
- It is pre-purchased online at www.suncountry.com, or
- Making a reservation with Sun Country Reservations
This discount applies to you and your travel companions when traveling within the same booking. You will need to log in to receive your discount.
Please note that this credit card attracts a $69 annual fee.
Earn Sun Country Rewards Points
You need to register as a Sun Country Rewards member to enjoy these benefits:
- Earn Sun Country Rewards points when you apply for the card, as well as on every purchase you make
- Earn 25,000 points
- Valued at $250
- When you spend $1,500 or more in the first three months after the account is opened
- Earn 10,000 points as an anniversary bonus
- when you spend $10,000 or more during each 12-month period
- Your points do not expire when you’re a Sun Country Visa cardmember
Military Baggage Allowance
Active-duty U.S. military personnel who present their military ID and official travel orders at check-in can qualify for a free baggage allowance.
Sun Country Airlines allows military passengers to check up to three bags for free:
- 1 free carry-on bag
- 2 free checked bags
The airline does not apply oversized bag fees for the free checked bags.
The weight for each of the free checked bags must not exceed 50 pounds in weight.
If you wish to travel with more than two checked bags, each additional bag will be subject to standard bag rules and fees.
Traveling with Special Items
Musical Instruments
Sun Country Airlines allows passengers to carry their musical instruments on board as part of their carry-on or checked baggage allowance. However, it is important to note that the instrument must meet the airline’s size and weight restrictions and must be packed in a suitable container.
How to Pack Your Musical Instrument
It’s important to ensure that the musical instrument is properly packed to avoid any damage during transit. Sun Country recommends that the instrument be packed in a hard case that is specifically designed for the instrument. Soft cases are also allowed, but the instrument must be packed securely to prevent any damage.
Instruments such as guitars, violins, and cellos can be checked in as part of the checked baggage allowance, but it is recommended that the instrument be packed in a hard case. The case should be sturdy and strong enough to withstand the rigors of air travel. It is also important to ensure that the instrument is properly secured inside the case to prevent any movement or damage during transit.
Musical Instruments as Carry On Baggage
Musical instruments that fit within the carry-on baggage size and weight limits can be carried on board. The instrument should be stowed in an overhead bin or underneath the seat in front of you.
If your musical instrument is larger than the carry-on limits, you can buy a seat for your item to travel in the cabin with you. The musical instrument must be properly packaged in a case. It can be no larger than 62 linear inches (158 centimeters) and not heavier than 100 pounds (45 kilograms).
Musical Instruments as Checked Baggage
If the musical instrument is too large or heavy to be carried on board, it can be checked in as part of the checked baggage allowance. If you check the instrument as a separate item, it will attract a checked bag fee. If the item is oversized and/or overweight, it will be subject to the applicable fee(s).
As musical instruments are fragile, they will be checked as limited liability items. You will have to sign a release of liability form at check-in, absolving Sun Country from responsibility and liability for any damage or loss that may occur while the musical instrument is in the airline’s custody.
Sports Equipment
Sun Country allows you to travel with a variety of sports equipment as checked baggage. Most sports equipment is checked as a standard bag, subject to standard checked bag rules and fees. Other equipment may instead be subject to a “special sporting equipment” fee of $100.
How to Pack Your Sports Equipment
When packing your sports equipment, it is important to ensure that it is properly protected from damage during transit. Sun Country recommends that you pack your equipment in a hard-sided case or a soft-sided bag with sufficient padding. If you are carrying any fragile items, such as fishing rods or golf clubs, you should wrap them in bubble wrap or foam padding to prevent them from getting damaged.
It is also important to ensure that your bag or case meets the size and weight restrictions set by Sun Country Airlines. The bag or case must not exceed 62 linear inches and must weigh no more than 50 pounds. If your bag or case is overweight or oversized, you may incur extra fees.
Sports Equipment Charged as a Standard Bag
You can substitute one of the following sporting equipment items for a checked bag. For the items listed below, multiple items count as one bag and are not subject to extra fees. Items more than the described allowances will be subject to more fees.
Bowling Equipment
One item of bowling equipment consists of:
- One bowling ball.
- One bowling bag.
- One pair of bowling shoes
Fishing Equipment
Sun Country allows passengers to bring fishing equipment, including fishing rods and tackle boxes, on board. The equipment must be packed in a hard-sided case or a soft-sided bag with sufficient padding. The bag or case must not exceed 62 linear inches and must weigh no more than 50 pounds.
One item of fishing equipment consists of
- Two rods up to six feet in length
- Two reels
- One landing net.
- One pair of fishing boots (properly packed)
- One fishing tackle box.
Golf Equipment
Passengers can bring one golf bag containing golf clubs, balls, and shoes as checked baggage. The golf bag must weigh no more than 50 pounds and must be properly packed in a hard-sided case or a soft-sided bag with sufficient padding.
One item of golfing equipment consists of:
- One golf bag
- Golf clubs
- One pair of golf shoes
Hockey Equipment
Passengers can bring one set of hockey equipment, including sticks, skates, and pads, on board. The equipment must be properly packed in a hard-sided case or a soft-sided bag with sufficient padding. The bag or case must not exceed 62 linear inches and must weigh no more than 50 pounds.
One hockey bag can have up to five sticks bound together.
Lacrosse Equipment
One lacrosse bag with up to two sticks bound together.
Skiing and Snowboard Equipment
Sun Country allows passengers to bring one pair of skis, or one snowboard as checked baggage. The equipment must be properly packed in a hard-sided case or a soft-sided bag with sufficient padding. If you are carrying a ski or snowboard bag, it must weigh no more than 50 pounds.
Skiing Equipment
One item of skiing equipment consists of:
- One pair of skis, up to six feet in length
- One pair of ski poles
- One pair of ski bindings
- One pair of ski boot
Sun Country allows up to two pairs of skis per bag.
Snowboard Equipment
One item of snowboard equipment consists of:
- One snowboard, up to six feet in length
- One set of bindings
- One pair of boots
Sports Bags
Sport bags (e.g., baseball, softball, hockey, lacrosse, bowling, golf, dance, etc.) are considered bags and are subject to normal or extra bag fees.
Sports Equipment Charged as Oversize Bags
You cannot substitute any of the following sporting equipment as a standard checked bag. Sun Country categorizes this sports equipment as oversized baggage. A special sporting equipment $100 fee will apply for these items.
Antlers
Transport of antlers, free of residue, skull wrapped, and tips protected, are accepted.
Bicycles
You can travel with one non-motorized bicycle on board as checked baggage. The bike must be packed in a hard-sided case or a soft-sided bag with sufficient padding. The bag or case must not exceed 62 linear inches and must weigh no more than 50 pounds.
Scuba-Diving Equipment
One item of scuba diving equipment consists of:
- One regulator
- One pressure gauge
- One mask
- Two fins
- One snorkel
- One knife
- One spear gun
- One BC-vest (cannot include air cartridges)
Surfboard, Wakeboard & Kiteboards
The maximum length of these boards is five feet.
Trailer Hitches
Trailer hitches need to be wrapped or packaged properly to avoid damage.
Windsurfing Equipment
One item of windsurfing equipment consists of:
- One windsurfing board with a wooden boom.
- One mast with a maximum length of five feet
- One sail
Airport Check In
Sun County Airlines’ check-in counters closing times are as follows:
Domestic Travel
- Los Angeles, California (LAX): 60 minutes before your flight’s scheduled departure
- All other cities: 45 minutes before your flight’s scheduled departure
Sun Country advises that you should arrive at least 2 hours before your flight’s scheduled departure for domestic travel.
International Travel
- St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands (STT): 90 minutes before your flight’s scheduled departure
- All other cities 60 minutes before your flight’s scheduled departure
Sun Country advises that you should arrive at least 3 hours before your flight’s scheduled departure for international travel.
Prohibited Items in Baggage
Before we dive into the specifics of items prohibited by Sun Country Airlines, it’s important to note that the airline follows guidelines set forth by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). TSA has established a list of prohibited items that are not allowed in carry-on or checked bags, and airlines like Sun Country must adhere to these guidelines.
Broadly speaking, you should not pack any items in your checked bags which are:
- Flammable
- Hazardous
- Explosive
Prohibited Items in Carry On Baggage
Sun Country Airlines prohibits passengers from bringing certain items in their carry-on bags for safety reasons. These items include:
Firearms and Weapons
Passengers are not allowed to bring firearms, knives, or other weapons in their carry-on bags. This includes replicas or toys that resemble weapons.
Explosives and Flammable Items
Items that are considered explosive or flammable, such as fireworks, flares, or gasoline, are not allowed in carry-on bags.
Liquids and Gels
Passengers are limited to carrying small quantities of liquids and gels in their carry-on bags. These items must be placed in a 1 quart sized transparent plastic bag and be no more than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) each. This includes items like shampoo, lotion, and toothpaste.
Sharp Objects
Objects that are sharp or pointy, such as scissors or razors, are not permitted in carry-on bags.
Sports Equipment
Some sporting equipment, like baseball bats or golf clubs, is not allowed in carry-on bags. These items must be checked as baggage.
Prohibited Items in Checked Baggage
Sun Country also has specific rules regarding items that are not allowed in checked bags. These items include:
Explosives and Flammable Items
Just like with carry-on bags, passengers are not allowed to pack explosives or flammable items in their checked bags.
Batteries
Lithium batteries that are damaged or defective are not allowed in checked bags. Passengers are also limited to the number of spare lithium batteries they can bring in their checked bags.
Hoverboards
Hoverboards, self-balancing scooters, and similar devices are not allowed in checked bags due to the risk of fire.
Marijuana
Despite the fact that some states have legalized marijuana for medicinal or recreational use, it is still illegal at the federal level. As a result, passengers can’t bring marijuana or related items in their checked bags.
Other Items
Sun Country Airlines prohibits passengers from packing certain other items in their checked bags, including ammunition, compressed gas cylinders, and hazardous materials.
Delayed and Damaged Baggage
If your bag does not arrive at your destination when you do, or your bag was damaged during transit, you should notify a Sun Country agent as soon as possible. Ideally, this should be done before you leave the airport.
It is important for you to keep copies of their ticket, bag claim check, and any receipts you may have for expenses incurred related to your claim. Sun Country may request original receipts.
| Baggage Issue | Cut-off Time to Report (Domestic Flight) | Cut-off Time to Report (International Flight) | Report Online |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delayed Bag | 4 hours | 21 days | Delayed Bag Form |
| Damaged Bag | 4 hours | 7 days | Damaged Bag Form |
| Missing Items in Bag | 24 hours | 7 days | Missing Item Form |
Delayed Baggage
Delayed baggage can be a frustrating experience for any traveler. If, upon arriving at your destination, you discover that your checked bag is missing, you should report this to a Sun Country Airlines agent at the airport as soon as possible. The agent will then provide you with a delayed baggage report, which you’ll need to keep for future reference.
If you leave the airport before informing the airline about your missing bag, you can fill out Sun Country’s online Delayed Bag Form.
The cut-off time to submit your delayed bag report depends on your itinerary:
Domestic Flights
For flights within or between the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, a delayed bag claim must be reported within 4 hours after flight arrival.
International Flights
For international flights, a damaged bag claim must be filed no later than 21 days after your flight’s arrival.
Damaged Baggage
As with delayed baggage, if you discover that your checked bag has been damaged during transit, you should report this to a Sun Country Airlines agent at the airport as soon as possible. The agent will then provide you with a damaged baggage report, which you’ll need to keep for future reference.
If you’ve already left the airport, you can fill out the airline’s online Damaged Bag Form.
The cut-off time to send your damaged bag report varies by your itinerary:
Domestic Flights
For flights within or between the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, a damaged bag claim must be reported within 4 hours after flight arrival to be eligible for repair or compensation.
International Flights
For international flights, a damaged bag claim must be reported no later than 7 days after flight arrival to be eligible for repair or compensation.
Missing Items in Baggage
If you discover that there are items missing from your checked baggage, contact Sun Country by either:
- Filing a claim at the airport with a Sun Country Airlines agent, or
- Completing a Missing Item Form on Sun Country’s website
The cut-off time to send your missing item report varies by your itinerary:
Domestic Flights:
For flights within or between the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, a missing item claim must be reported within 24 hours after flight arrival.
International Flights
For international flights, a missing item claim must be reported no later than 7 days after your flight’s arrival.
Tips to Prevent Your Luggage from Being Delayed or Damaged
While Sun Country Airlines has policies in place to address delayed and damaged baggage, there are also steps you can take to protect your baggage and minimize the risk of these issues occurring. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Pack Wisely
Be sure to pack your baggage in a way that protects its contents and avoid packing fragile items or valuables in checked baggage if possible.
Label Your Baggage
Use a luggage tag to clearly label your bag with your name and phone number. This will help ensure that your baggage is returned to you if it becomes separated from you during your travels.
Secure Your Bag
You can use a luggage lock to prevent unauthorized access. Your bag may already have a built-in lock.
Arrive Early
Arrive at the airport early to give yourself plenty of time to check your baggage and make your way through security. This can help minimize the risk of your baggage getting lost or delayed.
Buy Travel Insurance
Consider purchasing travel insurance that includes coverage for delayed or damaged baggage. This can provide added peace of mind and help cover the cost of any expenses you incur as a result of these issues.
Hot Tip: Check the complimentary benefits provided by your credit cards. Many cards offer complimentary travel insurance for baggage.
Final Thoughts
Sun Country Airlines’ baggage policy is typical of ultra-low-cost airlines. You have to pay for your carry-on and checked bags. Unlike some of its direct competitors though, it hasn’t reduced its standard checked baggage weight limit to 40 pounds.
It’s a pity that their bag fees are not explicitly advertised – you need to use their baggage tool to find this information. The fee does vary based on the itinerary, but a little more transparency would have been appreciated. I suspect that, being an ultra-low-cost airline, Sun Country’s fees often fluctuate, hence they have a tool which provides current pricing. Having said that, their bag fees are competitive.
What do you think? Does Sun Country’s baggage policy appeal to you?
Remember to always check Sun Country Airlines’ website or contact their customer service for the latest information on baggage allowances and fees.
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