Sun Country Airlines Baggage Fees: How to Avoid Paying Them [2024]

Although not as well known as other major airline carriers, you’ve likely come across Sun Country Airlines if you live in the Midwest — the company is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul and flies to more than 50 popular destinations, including the sunny Caribbean.

If you’re wondering what Sun Country Airlines baggage fees are, look no further. We’ll explain what Sun Country’s baggage policy is and how you may be able to avoid or lower your fees with various strategies, including credit cards.

What is Sun Country’s baggage policy?

The good news is that Sun Country’s baggage policy is relatively straightforward compared to other airlines. Fees are applied for each bag, per person, and are priced each way. Here’s what you can expect:

Sun Country carry-on luggage fees

All Sun Country flights allow passengers to take a personal item that can fit under a seat for free. According to the Sun Country Airlines carry-on policy, this item cannot be larger than 17 inches x 13 inches x 9 inches.

Other items that can be carried on for free include certain medical equipment (such as portable oxygen concentrators approved by the Federal Aviation Administration) and mobility items (like wheelchairs and walking canes). FAA-approved car seats can be carried on free of charge as long as the child has a ticket. Car seats and strollers may also be checked at the gate free of charge. One diaper bag per infant is also allowed in addition to the passenger's personal item.

Carry-on bags stowed in overhead bins do incur fees — the exact cost depends on when you add a bag option. If you indicate you want to bring an overhead bag at the time of booking on SunCountry.com, you’ll pay no more than $30 each way. However, if you call reservations or check in online and pay for your bag at that point, you'll pay $45. And if you pay for an overhead bag while checking in at the airport, you’ll pay $50.

Carry-on items intended for the overhead bin cannot be larger than 24 inches x 16 inches x 11 inches and no more than 35 pounds. Basically, it must fit inside the sizer box, which you will find at the ticket counter or the gate. If it’s larger than these measurements, then the check-in agent has the right to check your bag, and you’ll face additional charges of up to $50.

Sun Country checked baggage fees

Sun Country Airlines charges for all checked bags. According to their baggage allowance, checked luggage should be no more than 50 pounds and 62 linear inches. Your first checked bag will cost you $30 each if you select that bag option during booking or when checking in online; you’ll pay $50 if you check a bag at the airport. Your second checked bag will cost you $45 or $50, depending on when you add it. A third checked bag will be between $45 and $60, depending on if you pay before or at the airport.

Bags over the 50-pound weight limit will face extra charges on top of the checked-bag fee. Overweight bag charges vary:

• 51 to 60 pounds: +$20
• 61 to 100 pounds: +$60

If your bag is more than 70 pounds, you won’t be able to check it on flights to and from Jamaica and Puerto Rico. Sun Country will not accept any checked luggage weighing more than 100 pounds.

Oversize bags are also subject to additional charges. Bags larger than 63 linear inches will set passengers back an additional $100. Sporting equipment will cost you $100 to check.

Some sporting equipment may be able to count as one of your checked bags, but it depends on what you’re bringing. For example, a surfboard cannot be longer than five feet and cannot be counted as a normal checked bag, but one hockey bag with five bundled sticks can. Musical instruments may count as an overhead item or as a checked bag. Call Sun Country Reservations at 651-905-2737 to find out what fees you might pay when transporting special items.

How to lower or avoid Sun Country baggage fees

Just because you have checked or overhead bags doesn’t mean you have to pay those fees. There are ways to receive a discount on bag fees — or avoid them altogether — when you're on a Sun Country Airlines flight.

1. Only pack a personal item

Sun Country doesn’t charge you for a bag you can stow under your seat. For short trips, limiting your luggage to one personal item could save you $60 or more round trip compared to what it would cost if you brought additional bags.

2. Pay for baggage during booking

Paying for Sun Country Airline baggage fees before you head to the airport could save you money on fees — $20 or more round trip. Also, weigh your bags before checking in to make sure you’re not above the maximum weight restrictions for both overhead and checked bags, otherwise, you could be slapped with additional fees.

3. Join Sun Country Rewards

Sun Country Rewards is the airlines’ loyalty program — with it, you can earn points that can be redeemed for things like bag options. One hundred points can be redeemed for $1 worth of Sun Country purchases.

Once you join the program, you can start earning points each time you book a Sun Country flight through the Sun Country website or book a Sun Country flight through a third-party service.

4. Bring your military documentation

Active U.S. military personnel get one overhead and two checked bags for free. In addition, they get their oversized baggage fees waived for their first two checked bags. To qualify, you need to present your valid Common Access Card with “Uniformed Services” affiliation when checking in at the airport.

P.S. There are also other ways members of the military can save big by using credit cards.

5. Consider the Sun Country Visa Signature Card

While the Sun Country Visa Signature® Card doesn't make our list of the best airline credit cards, it could still be a good option if you're a frequent Sun County flyer. It helps you earn points toward Sun Country trips, and as a cardholder, you’ll receive 50% off your first bag if you pay for it online or by calling Sun Country Reservations.

Other perks include 10,000 anniversary bonus points, one free premium drink on flights, and priority boarding on Sun Country flights. There are also no foreign transaction fees, and points don’t expire as long as you’re a cardmember.

6. Use a general travel card

A more flexible travel credit card not associated with one brand could help nab you free checked bags on Sun Country Airlines if you take advantage of annual travel credits. 

For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® offers a $300 annual travel credit, which means you could be reimbursed for Sun Country costs. And the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card lets you earn rewards that you can use to "erase" your travel-related purchases, including luggage fees.

You'll want to compare offers to find the best travel credit card for your needs.

FAQs about Sun Country baggage fees

Bottom line

Saving money on flights involves more than just the airline ticket itself. Extra costs like baggage fees can add up quickly and contribute to the cost of your trip. If you know you’ll need to take more than just a personal item, make sure to budget for overhead or checked bags. Afterward, all you’ll need to worry about is checking in and enjoying your flight.

Easy-to-Earn Unlimited Rewards

Bank of America^® Travel Rewards credit card

Benefits

Card Details

• Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
• Earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases
• Longer intro APR on qualifying purchases and balance transfers
• No foreign transaction fees
• Apply Now

• Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
• 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
• Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
• Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
• 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
• If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
• Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
• This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

4.1

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Apply Now

on Bank of America’s secure website

Read Card Review

Intro Offer

Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases

Annual Fee

$0

+ -

Why we like it

• The Bank of America^® Travel Rewards credit card is great for individuals who enjoy earning rewards and traveling.

• Cardholders will enjoy the flexibility to redeem points with no blackout dates and receive a statement credit to pay for travel and dining purchases.

• Earn 1.5X points on all purchases everywhere, every time.

• Apply Now