Traveling with Sun Country Airlines and wondering how much you’ll need to budget for baggage fees? Like most airlines, Sun Country charges fees for checked bags, carry-ons, and other luggage-related services. These fees can vary depending on factors such as when you pay for the baggage, the route you're flying, and your booking class. Here’s a detailed guide to help you understand Sun Country’s baggage fees so you can plan your trip without any surprises.
1. Sun Country Carry-On Baggage Fees
Sun Country offers a tiered approach to carry-on baggage fees based on when you purchase the allowance. Here's how it works:
- No Free Carry-On: Unlike some other airlines, Sun Country does not include a free full-sized carry-on bag with their basic economy fares (known as "Standard" fares).
- Carry-On Bag Fee:
- Online (During Booking): $30–$40 (depending on the route and time of purchase)
- After Booking (Online): $40–$45
- At the Airport: $50
- At the Gate: $60
Carry-On Dimensions: Your carry-on bag must fit within 24 x 16 x 11 inches (including handles and wheels) and must weigh no more than 35 pounds.
2. Checked Baggage Fees
Checked baggage fees for Sun Country also depend on when you pay for them and how many bags you’re checking. Here's a breakdown:
- First Checked Bag:
- Online (During Booking): $30–$35
- After Booking (Online): $35–$40
- At the Airport: $50
- Second Checked Bag:
- Online (During Booking): $40–$45
- After Booking (Online): $45–$50
- At the Airport: $60
- Third Bag and Beyond: $85–$100 per bag, depending on the route.
Checked Bag Dimensions: Maximum dimensions for a checked bag are 62 linear inches (length + width + height), and the weight limit is 50 pounds. Oversized or overweight bags incur additional fees (explained below).
3. Oversized and Overweight Bag Fees
If your bag exceeds Sun Country’s size or weight limits, you’ll need to pay extra fees:
- Overweight Bags:
- 51–60 lbs: $20 extra
- 61–99 lbs: $75 extra
- Oversized Bags (Over 62 Linear Inches): $75 extra
- Bags weighing over 100 pounds or exceeding 80 linear inches are not accepted as checked luggage.
Pro tip: Avoid these extra fees by packing strategically and staying within the airline’s limits!
4. Special Items and Sports Equipment
Sun Country allows travelers to bring special items, such as sports equipment, but additional fees may apply. Examples include:
- Golf Bags and Skis: Treated as standard checked luggage if under 50 pounds.
- Bicycles: $75 fee per bike.
- Other Large Items: Items such as surfboards, fishing equipment, or musical instruments may incur fees based on size and weight.
5. Tips to Save on Baggage Fees
If you’re looking to save money on Sun Country baggage fees, here are some helpful tips:
- Pay Early: The earlier you pay for your baggage (ideally during booking), the cheaper it will be. Avoid paying at the airport or gate whenever possible.
- Pack Light: If you can travel with a small personal item (free of charge), you might not need to pay for a carry-on or checked bag.
- Check for Promotions: Sun Country occasionally offers discounts or promotions for baggage fees, especially for frequent flyers or during seasonal sales.
- Weigh Your Bags: Make sure your checked bags meet the weight and size limits to avoid overweight charges.
- Use a Personal Item Wisely: Sun Country allows one free personal item (such as a backpack, purse, or laptop bag), which must fit under the seat in front of you and stay within the dimensions of 17 x 13 x 9 inches.
6. Final Thoughts
Flying with Sun Country Airlines can be a great budget-friendly option, but baggage fees can quickly add up if you’re not careful. By planning ahead, paying for your bags early, and packing efficiently, you can minimize your expenses and make your trip more enjoyable.
