If you’re flying Sun Country in 2026, understanding baggage fees before booking can help you avoid paying significantly more at the airport.
Quick Answer: What Is Sun Country’s Baggage Policy in 2026?
Sun Country Airlines charges separately for carry-on bags and checked baggage on most fares.
Here’s the short answer:
- One personal item is included free.
- Carry-on bags usually cost extra.
- Checked bags usually cost extra.
- Bag fees are cheaper when purchased during booking.
- Oversized and overweight bags incur additional charges.
- Military travelers may qualify for baggage benefits.
What Is Included With a Sun Country Ticket?
Unlike some major airlines, Sun Country follows an ultra-low-cost model.
Most standard fares include:
- One personal item
- Assigned seat (depending on fare type)
- Access to online check-in
Carry-on bags and checked baggage are typically purchased separately.
Many travelers assume baggage is included because the ticket price looks similar to larger airlines. Always compare the total trip cost after adding luggage. Call us at our phone for further queries related to sun country airlines.
Sun Country Personal Item Policy
Every passenger may bring one personal item free of charge.
Personal Item Size Limit
The personal item must fit underneath the seat in front of you.
Examples include:
- Small backpack
- Laptop bag
- Purse
- Briefcase
Travelers flying for a weekend often find that a properly packed backpack eliminates the need for additional baggage fees.
FlyingTip: If you’re taking a short trip, measure your backpack before departure. Staying within the personal item allowance can save more than the cost of upgrading your fare.
Sun Country Carry-On Bag Policy
One of the most searched questions is:
Does Sun Country Include a Free Carry-On Bag?
No. Most Sun Country fares do not include a carry-on bag. Passengers must purchase carry-on baggage separately unless it is included through a fare package or promotion.
1. Carry-On Size Limit
Carry-on bags must fit in the overhead bin and comply with Sun Country’s published size requirements.
2. Carry-On Fees
Vary depending on:
- Route
- Travel date
- Purchase timing
Bag fees are generally:
- Lowest during booking
- Higher after booking
- Highest at the airport
Sun Country Checked Baggage Policy
Travelers checking luggage should purchase baggage as early as possible.
Standard Checked Bag Limits
| Requirement | Limit |
|---|---|
| Weight | 50 lbs |
| Size | 62 Linear Inches |
Linear inches are calculated by adding:
Length + Width + Height
Checked Bag Fees
Checked baggage fees vary by route and demand.
Generally:
| Purchase Timing | Cost |
|---|---|
| During Booking | Lowest |
| After Booking | Higher |
| Airport Purchase | Highest |
FlyingTip: Adding a checked bag during booking can sometimes save enough money to cover seat selection fees.
Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees
Additional fees apply when bags exceed standard limits.
Overweight Bags
Bags exceeding 50 pounds may incur overweight baggage charges.
Oversized Bags
Bags larger than 62 linear inches may incur oversized baggage fees. Before heading to the airport, weigh and measure your luggage to avoid unexpected charges.
Sports Equipment and Special Items
Sun Country accepts many specialty items including:
- Golf clubs
- Skis
- Snowboards
- Fishing equipment
- Musical instruments
Fees and restrictions vary depending on the item. Travelers carrying sports equipment should review baggage rules before departure. Call Flying Getaway at our phone for our cheap flight deals.
Military Baggage Benefits
Eligible active-duty military personnel may qualify for additional baggage allowances.
Benefits can vary depending on:
- Active-duty status
- Travel orders
- Route
Military travelers should verify baggage eligibility before flying.
How to Add Bags After Booking
You can add baggage through the airline’s booking management portal.
Steps to Add Bags
- Access your reservation online.
- Open your trip details.
- Select baggage options.
- Complete payment.
- Save your updated itinerary.
Purchasing bags online is almost always cheaper than waiting until airport check-in.
Related Reading
Need help updating your reservation? Read our Sun country Manage Booking guide to understand how airline booking portals work and what changes can usually be made online.
Sun Country Baggage Policy vs Other Airlines
| Airline | Personal Item | Carry-On Included | Checked Bag Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun Country | Yes | No | No |
| Frontier | Yes | No | No |
| Spirit | Yes | No | No |
| Breeze Nice | Yes | No | No |
| Southwest | Yes | Yes | Depends on Fare |
For travelers flying with only a personal item, Sun Country can be very competitive. Travelers bringing multiple bags should compare total costs before booking.
Related Reading
Compare baggage costs with our guides:
How to Avoid Sun Country Baggage Fees?
The easiest ways to reduce baggage costs include:
Travel With Only a Personal Item
Perfect for short trips.
Purchase Bags During Booking
This is usually the cheapest option.
Compare Carry-On and Checked Bag Prices
Sometimes checking a bag costs less than bringing a carry-on.
Review Fare Packages
Depending on your trip, a bundled fare may provide better overall value.
Final Thoughts
The Sun Country baggage policy is straightforward once you understand that most baggage is purchased separately from the base fare.
Travelers who plan ahead and purchase baggage during booking usually pay the lowest fees. Those who wait until arriving at the airport often pay significantly more.
Before booking, compare the total cost of airfare, baggage, and seat selection to determine whether Sun Country is the best value for your trip.
Need help comparing baggage fees across airlines?
📞 Call Flying Getaway at our phone and let our travel specialists help you find the best deals for your trip.
FAQs
Does Sun Country include a free carry-on bag?
No. Most Sun Country fares do not include a carry-on bag. Passengers typically need to purchase carry-on baggage separately.
What is the personal item size for Sun Country Airlines?
Passengers may bring one personal item that fits underneath the seat in front of them. Examples include a backpack, purse, or laptop bag.
How much does Sun Country charge for checked bags?
Checked baggage fees vary by route and purchase timing. Travelers generally pay less when baggage is purchased during booking rather than at the airport.
Is it cheaper to buy baggage before my flight?
Yes. Purchasing baggage during booking is usually the least expensive option. Airport baggage fees are often significantly higher.
Can I add baggage after booking a Sun Country flight?
Yes. Travelers can add baggage online through their reservation before departure.
What happens if my bag is overweight?
Bags exceeding standard weight limits may incur overweight baggage charges in addition to the normal checked bag fee.
Does Sun Country allow sports equipment?
Yes. Items such as golf clubs, skis, fishing equipment, and musical instruments may be accepted subject to airline baggage rules and fees.
Is Sun Country cheaper than Southwest for baggage?
Not always. Southwest includes a carry-on bag on most fares, while Sun Country typically charges separately. Travelers should compare total trip costs rather than airfare alone. Call us at our phone for flight booking and airline deals.
Patrick Walker is the travel brain behind Flying Getaway. With a knack for spotting flight deals and a passion for exploring new skies, he helps travelers fly smarter and save more with every trip.
