Sunwing Airlines Baggage Policy 2025–2026: Fees, Allowances & Changes 

Sunwing Airlines merged with WestJet on May 29, 2025. Sunwing Vacations package customers now fly on WestJet aircraft and receive one free personal item, one free carry-on, and one free checked bag. Flight-only passengers must purchase checked baggage separately, starting from $45 online.

Most travel blogs still describe Sunwing Airlines as if it operates its own fleet. It doesn’t not anymore. Since May 29, 2025, all Sunwing Vacations flights operate on WestJet aircraft under a full integration.

What Is the Current Sunwing Baggage Policy in 2025–2026?

Sunwing Vacations package customers travelling on or after November 25, 2025, are entitled to one free personal item, one free carry-on bag, and one free checked bag per person. These allowances apply to standard vacation packages only. E-packages and flight-only bookings do not include a free checked bag.

This represents a meaningful shift from the previous policy, where Sunwing Airlines operated its own aircraft and charged separately for carry-on bags on flight-only tickets. Under the WestJet integration, the carry-on bag is now always included for vacation package travelers.

Sunwing Carry-On Baggage: What Are the New Rules?

Every Sunwing Vacations passenger is entitled to one free carry-on bag and one free personal item in the cabin. The carry-on must fit in the overhead bin without assistance; the personal item must fit under the seat in front of you.

Sunwing carry-on size limits (current, WestJet standards):

Sunwing carry-on weight limit: No published weight limit for carry-on bags under WestJet’s current policy, but you must be able to lift the bag into the overhead bin unaided.

What counts as a personal item?

• Purse, crossbody bag, or briefcase
• Laptop computer or laptop bag
• Camera or camera bag
• Small musical instrument
• Sports ball

What counts as a carry-on?

• Backpack
• Small suitcase
• Overnight bag

Important rules:

• Duty-free items must be consolidated within your carry-on and personal item allowance  they do not count as a third item.
• Personal electronics must be placed inside your carry-on or personal item, not carried separately.
• Food brought on board must also be consolidated within your allowance if not consumed during the flight.

Do You Get a Free Carry-On Bag with Sunwing?

Yes  all Sunwing Vacations package passengers receive one free carry-on bag and one free personal item. This applies to all fare classes on vacation packages. Under the old Sunwing Airlines model, carry-on bags were included for vacation package travelers but cost $25 for flight-only passengers. That fee structure no longer applies.

Sunwing Checked Baggage Allowance: How Many Bags Can You Bring?

Sunwing Vacations package travelers receive one free checked bag per person. The bag must not exceed 23 kg (50 lbs) in weight or 157 cm (62 inches) in combined linear dimensions (length + width + height). Additional bags or bags exceeding these limits are subject to fees.

Sunwing checked baggage fees by purchase timing:

Booking your extra bag online more than 24 hours before departure saves you up to $25 compared to paying at the airport. Pre-purchase through the Sunwing Manage My Booking portal or call 1-877-786-9464.

Checked bag size and weight limits:

• Standard weight limit: 23 kg / 50 lbs
• Standard size limit: 157 cm / 62 inches (L + W + H combined)
• Oversized range: 158–203 cm in combined dimensions
• Overweight range: Over 23 kg up to 45 kg (100 lbs)
• Maximum accepted weight: 45 kg / 100 lbs (Europe routes limited to 32 kg / 70 lbs)

What Are the Checked Baggage Policies for Sunwing Airlines?

Sunwing Vacations vacation package passengers get one free checked bag (up to 23 kg / 50 lbs and 157 cm linear dimensions). Flight-only or e-package passengers must purchase baggage separately. Additional bags cost from $45 pre-purchased online to $85+ at the airport. Oversize and overweight bags incur an additional fee from $150 plus tax.

Premium cabin passengers receive two checked bags included, along with priority baggage handling and priority boarding  a benefit competitors rarely highlight.

What Are the Fees for Overweight and Oversized Baggage?

Overweight or oversized bags are accepted on most routes but subject to additional charges on top of the standard baggage fee. Oversize or overweight surcharges start from $150 plus applicable tax per bag, per direction.

Real-world scenario: If you pack a suitcase that weighs 27 kg (overweight) and measures 165 cm (oversized), both fees apply simultaneously  meaning you could pay the standard bag fee plus a $150+ oversize surcharge. Always weigh and measure your luggage before departure.

Bags exceeding the maximum weight of 45 kg or dimensions beyond 203 cm cannot be accepted as passenger baggage at all and must be shipped via WestJet Cargo.

What Items Are Restricted or Prohibited on Sunwing Flights?

All Sunwing Vacations flights now follow WestJet’s restricted and prohibited items policy. Critically, new rules effective March 19, 2026, require all rechargeable devices to be kept accessible in the cabin  not stored in checked baggage or overhead bins.

Completely prohibited (not allowed anywhere on the aircraft):

• Bear spray, mace, and pepper spray
• Fireworks and firecrackers
• Fuel, gasoline, and propane cylinders
• Lighter fluid and refills
• Oil-based paint and household cleaners
• Hoverboards, solo wheels, and jet boards
• Fire extinguishers and oxygen cylinders
• Car batteries and engines
• Recalled power banks (check the Government of Canada Recalls Database before you fly)

Carry-on only (cannot go in checked baggage):

• Smartphones, laptops, tablets, and cameras
• Power banks / portable chargers (max one per person; must be kept on your person or in a seat pocket, not in overhead bins)
• Vapes and e-cigarettes (max one per person; same rules as power banks)
• Spare lithium-ion batteries up to 100 Wh
• Lighters and safety matches
• Smart bags (if the battery cannot be removed, must be declared and approved)

Liquids, gels, and aerosols:
Standard Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) rules apply at security screening. Each container must be 100 ml (3.4 oz) or less, and all containers must fit in one clear, resealable 1-litre bag. Aerosols in checked bags are permitted in limited quantities, but release valves must be protected from accidental discharge.

Additional Baggage Options: Sports Equipment, Instruments, and Special Items

Sports equipment: Sporting equipment travels as checked baggage and is subject to standard bag fees. A handling fee of $50–59 CAD applies per direction for firearms and select sporting equipment. If a sports item is both overweight and oversized, fees are stacked  meaning all applicable surcharges apply simultaneously.

Musical instruments: Small instruments that fit within carry-on dimensions (56 x 23 x 36 cm) can travel in the overhead bin. Larger instruments must be checked; standard and potential oversize fees apply. Stringed instrument players should loosen strings before flying to prevent damage from pressure and temperature changes.

Checked item limits by route:

Baggage Policies for Infants, Children, and Families

Lap-held infants (under 2 years, no seat purchased):

• Two pieces of child equipment (stroller, car seat, or playpen) checked free of charge
• A diaper bag may be brought on board in addition to the standard carry-on and personal item allowance

Fare-paying infants/children (seat purchased):

• One piece of child equipment (car seat, stroller, or playpen) checked free in addition to their regular baggage allowance
• Wagons and stroller wagons must be checked in at the counter rather than the gate

Families with children under 14: Sunwing/WestJet will make every effort to seat children together with accompanying adults at no extra charge, even without pre-selected seats.

What About Service Animals and Assistance Devices?

Trained service dogs (guide dogs, hearing dogs, and psychiatric service dogs) are accepted in the cabin at no charge on WestJet-operated Sunwing flights. Emotional support dogs are not accepted in the cabin  this policy has been in place since August 5, 2021 and remains current.

Medically required wheelchairs are carried free of charge in the cargo compartment. Braces, crutches, walkers, canes, and other assistive devices are also permitted free of charge and do not count toward your baggage allowance.

Smart Ways to Avoid Extra Baggage Fees on Sunwing Flights

Baggage fees add up fast, especially on round trips where charges apply each direction. Here’s how to keep costs down:

• Pre-purchase online: Always add bags through Manage My Booking more than 24 hours before departure. You’ll pay the lowest available rate  potentially $25 less per bag compared to airport fees.
• Book a vacation package: Sunwing Vacations package travelers get one free checked bag included. Flight-only bookings do not.
• Consider the Premium cabin: If you need two checked bags, upgrading to Premium includes both bags, priority boarding, and lounge-style service. For some travelers, the upgrade cost may offset bag fees  worth calculating.
• Use a qualifying credit card: WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard primary cardholders and up to eight guests on the same booking receive first bag fees included on WestJet-operated flights. Check eligibility, as this benefit may not apply to Sunwing Vacations packages specifically.
• Pack strategically: Use a packing cube system and weigh your bag before leaving home. A kitchen scale is accurate enough for most luggage checks.
• Wear your heaviest items: Jackets, boots, and heavy sweaters don’t count toward your bag weight when worn.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Sunwing Airlines merge with WestJet?
Sunwing Airlines ceased operating its own aircraft on May 28, 2025. From May 29, 2025 onward, all Sunwing Vacations package flights operate on WestJet aircraft. The Sunwing Vacations brand remains active for booking purposes.

Does Sunwing include a free checked bag?
Yes, but only for qualifying vacation package bookings. Sunwing Vacations packages (excluding e-packages) include one free checked bag per passenger as of November 25, 2025. Flight-only and e-package bookings must purchase checked baggage separately.

What is the Sunwing carry-on size limit in 2026?
Carry-on bags must not exceed 56 cm x 23 cm x 36 cm (22 x 9 x 14 inches). Personal items must not exceed 41 cm x 14 cm x 33 cm (16 x 6 x 13 inches). Both items must fit within the airport sizing device.

How much does an extra checked bag cost on Sunwing?
A second checked bag costs from $60 plus tax when pre-purchased online more than 24 hours before departure, from $75 plus tax at web check-in, or from $85 plus tax at the airport.

Can you bring a power bank on a Sunwing/WestJet flight?
Yes, one power bank per passenger is permitted  but only in the cabin. As of March 19, 2026, power banks must be kept on your person or in the seat pocket, not in overhead bins or checked bags. Charging power banks on board is not permitted.

Does Sunwing charge baggage fees per direction?
Yes. Checked baggage fees are applied per direction of travel, meaning you pay for bags on both your outbound and return flights separately.

Can WestJet Rewards members use their free bag benefits on Sunwing Vacations packages?
No. WestJet Rewards member benefits  including complimentary checked bags for Silver, Gold, and Platinum members  do not apply to Sunwing Vacations packages. This is a commonly misunderstood exception.

What happens if my bag is overweight on a Sunwing flight?
Overweight bags (over 23 kg up to 45 kg) are accepted but subject to a surcharge starting from $150 plus tax per bag. Bags over 45 kg cannot be accepted as passenger baggage and must be shipped via cargo.

Can parents bring a stroller for free on Sunwing flights?
Yes. Families traveling with a lap-held infant may check two pieces of child equipment (stroller, car seat, or playpen) free of charge. Families with a fare-paying child receive one piece of child equipment free in addition to their standard baggage allowance.

What is the deadline to pre-purchase baggage for Sunwing flights?
Checked bags can be pre-purchased online through Manage My Booking up to 24 hours before departure to receive the lowest available rate. After that window, you pay web check-in or airport rates, which are significantly higher.