Sun Country Airlines is known for its budget-friendly fares to sunny destinations, but if you aren’t careful, baggage fees can quickly cloud your vacation vibes.
Operating on an à la carte model, the airline charges for almost everything beyond a small personal item.
Whether you are flying to Mexico, the Caribbean, or across the U.S., understanding the baggage rules before you book is critical.
Quick Summary: Sun Country Baggage Allowance
Before diving into the fine print, here is the “cheat sheet” for what you can bring on board.
| Bag Type | Allowance | Max Dimensions | Max Weight | Fee? |
| Personal Item | 1 per passenger | 17″ x 13″ x 9″ | No limit disclosed | FREE |
| Overhead Bag | 0 (must purchase) | 24″ x 16″ x 11″ | 35 lbs (15.9 kg) | $30+ |
| Checked Bag | 0 (must purchase) | 62 linear inches | 50 lbs (23 kg) | $30+ |
Free Baggage Allowance: What You Get
Unlike legacy carriers, Sun Country’s base fare only includes one personal item.
The Personal Item Rule
Every passenger is allowed one item that must fit completely under the seat in front of you. Common examples include:
- A purse or handbag
- A small backpack
- A laptop bag
Size Limits: The item cannot exceed 17 x 13 x 9 inches.
Weight Limits: Interestingly, Sun Country does not publish a specific weight limit for personal items, provided you can safely stow it yourself.
Special Items That Fly Free
In addition to your personal item, you can bring the following without incurring fees:
- Medical Devices: CPAP machines, breast pumps, and mobility devices (canes, walkers).
- Child Items: One diaper bag per infant, plus a stroller and car seat (checked at the gate or ticket counter).
- Outerwear: Coats, umbrellas, and duty-free items generally do not count toward your limit.
Overhead Bags (Carry-On) Fees and Rules
If you want to use the overhead bin, you must pay for it. Sun Country calls this an “Overhead Bag.”
Size & Weight:
- Dimensions: Max 24″ x 16″ x 11″ (including wheels and handles).
- Weight: Max 35 lbs. Note: This is strictly enforced compared to other airlines.
Pricing Strategy:
The price of an overhead bag is dynamic based on when you buy it.
- At Booking: Cheapest option (typically $30–$40).
- Online/Phone (Before Travel): Moderate price ($38–$50).
- At Airport Check-in: Expensive ($45–$55).
- At the Gate: Most expensive ($55 + $10 gate handling fee).
Important Note: If you pay for an overhead bag but board late and the bins are full, your bag will be checked at the gate for free. However, if you don’t pay and get caught with a bag at the gate, you will be charged the maximum fee.
Checked Baggage Policy
For longer trips, checking a bag is often necessary.
Size & Weight:
- Dimensions: 62 linear inches (Length + Width + Height).
- Weight: Max 50 lbs (23 kg).
Pricing:
Like carry-ons, checked bag fees are cheapest during initial booking.
- 1st Bag: ~$30–$45 (at booking) / ~$50–$60 (at airport).
- 2nd Bag: ~$40–$45 (at booking) / ~$60 (at airport).
- 3rd Bag: ~$45 (at booking) / ~$60+ (at airport).
Oversize and Overweight Fees (New 2025/2026 Rules)
Sun Country has updated its fee structure for heavy bags. If you are traveling on or after September 3, 2025, you will face a tiered pricing structure that penalizes heavier bags significantly.
Overweight Fees (Effective Sept 3, 2025)
These fees are charged in addition to the standard checked bag fee:
- 51–60 lbs: +$25
- 61–70 lbs: +$50
- 71–80 lbs: +$75
- 81–90 lbs: +$100
- 91–99 lbs: +$125
Oversize Fees
- 63+ linear inches: +$100
- Special Sporting Equipment: +$100 (flat fee for items like scuba gear, surfboards, etc.)
Strict Prohibitions:
- Bags over 70 lbs are NOT accepted on flights to/from Jamaica, Puerto Rico, or Canada.
- Bags over 100 lbs or 80 linear inches are never accepted on any route.
Exceptions: Who Gets Free Bags?
There are two primary groups that bypass the standard fees.
1. Active U.S. Military
Active-duty military members presenting a valid Common Access Card (CAC) receive:
- 3 Free Bags: Two checked bags and one overhead bag.
- Waived Fees: Oversize fees are waived for the first two checked bags.
2. Sun Country Visa Signature® Cardholders
If you hold the airline’s co-branded credit card, you receive:
- 50% off the first checked bag for you and a companion on the same itinerary.
- Condition: You must purchase the bag online or via phone prior to travel.
Special Items: Sports & Pets
Sporting Equipment
Sun Country allows you to substitute one checked bag for standard sporting equipment (golf clubs, skis, hockey gear, fishing rods) without an oversize fee, provided they meet weight limits.
- Skis/Snowboards: Up to 6 feet long allowed.
- Golf Clubs: Hard-sided case recommended.
- Bicycles: Must be non-motorized, handlebars fixed sideways, and pedals removed.
Pets in Cabin
Sun Country accepts small cats and dogs in the cabin on flights within the contiguous 48 states.
- Fee: $75 (advance reservation) or $100 (walk-up).
- Limit: Six pets total per flight, so book early.
5 Ways to Save on Sun Country Baggage Fees
Book Bags Immediately
The “at booking” price is always the lowest. If you wait until you get to the airport, you could pay up to $20-$30 more per bag.
Use a Personal Item Only
If you can pack for a weekend trip into a backpack (17″ x 13″ x 9″), you fly for the price of the ticket alone.
Get the Credit Card
If you fly Sun Country just once a year with a partner, the 50% off bag fees via the Visa Signature card can offset the annual fee.
Check, Don’t Carry
On some routes, a checked bag is actually $5 cheaper than an overhead bag. If you don’t need access to your stuff mid-flight, check it.
Weigh at Home
With the new tiered overweight fees, being 2 lbs over the limit could cost you an extra $25. Use a luggage scale before leaving home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay for bags with Sun Country Rewards points?
Yes, if you are a member of Sun Country Rewards, you can use your points to pay for baggage fees during the booking process.
What happens if my carry-on doesn’t fit in the sizer?
If your bag is caught at the gate not fitting in the sizer box, you will be forced to check it. You will be charged the checked bag fee plus a $10 gate handling fee.
Are diaper bags free in Sun Country?
Yes. You can bring one diaper bag per infant free of charge, in addition to your own personal item.
Can I pool baggage weight with my family?
No. Sun Country assesses weight on a per-bag basis. You cannot distribute weight between bags to avoid fees (e.g., one bag cannot be 60 lbs just because another is 40 lbs).
Final Thought
By sticking to the personal item limits, pre-paying for bags during booking, and respecting the 50 lb weight limit, you can avoid surprise charges at the gate.
Always check the Sun Country official bag calculator before your flight, as fees vary slightly by route.
Grace Turner is a travel researcher with 5+ years of experience analyzing airline rules and global travel regulations. She specializes in simplifying complex airline policies to help travelers avoid extra fees and fly with confidence. Her work focuses on accuracy, clarity, and up to date information across international carriers.
