Sun Country Carry-On Rules: Everything You Need to Know

With low-cost airlines like Sun Country, the base fare can look great—and then baggage is where the “real price” shows up. The main things to watch are (1) assuming an overhead carry-on is included, (2) packing a personal item that’s just a little too big for the under-seat limit, and (3) waiting until the last minute to add bags (that’s usually when prices are highest).

Below is the quick cheat sheet, then the details.

Sun Country carry-on rules at a glance

If you only read one section, make it this one—these are Sun Country’s published size limits and the few fee-related realities that matter most.

• Free under-seat item (personal item): 17″ H x 13″ W x 9″ D (about 43 x 33 x 23 cm)
• Paid overhead bag (carry-on): 24″ H x 16″ W x 11″ D (about 61 x 41 x 28 cm)
• Is a carry-on included? Sun Country includes one under-seat item; the overhead carry-on is an add-on
• Bag pricing: Sun Country notes bag prices are lowest at the time of booking
• Carry-on weight limit: Sun Country does not emphasize a standard carry-on weight limit the way some airlines do—plan to lift and stow your bag safely
• Liquids: for U.S. departures, the TSA 3-1-1 rule applies (full breakdown in my TSA liquids rule guide)

For quick comparisons across airlines, keep my carry-on size by airline guide bookmarked.

Sun Country personal item rules (free under-seat bag)

Sun Country allows one free item that must fit completely under the seat in front of you—this is the bag most people use to avoid fees (small backpack, purse, laptop bag, compact duffel, etc.).

Sun Country personal item size limit

Your under-seat item must be no larger than:

• 17″ x 13″ x 9″ (including wheels/handles if applicable; must fit under the seat)

Practical tip: if you’re close to the limit, a soft-sided bag is usually easier to “fit” than a structured one with bulky pockets.

Sun Country carry-on bag rules (overhead bin)

On Sun Country, the “carry-on” is the overhead-bin bag. This is typically an add-on purchase (not automatically included with the lowest fares), so it’s worth deciding early whether you’ll pay for it.

Sun Country carry-on size limit

Your overhead bag must be no larger than:

• 24″ x 16″ x 11″ (including wheels, handles, and protruding items)

When you measure at home, use the outside dimensions of the bag (including anything that sticks out, like wheels/handles/pockets) so you’re comparing apples to apples.

Carry-On Weight Limit

Sun Country’s policy includes a carry-on weight limit. Your overhead carry-on bag must weigh 35 pounds or less and fit easily within the carry-on sizer boxes located near check-in and gate areas. If it exceeds the size or weight limits, it will need to travel as checked baggage (with applicable fees).

Sun Country carry-on fees: what to watch out for

Sun Country’s pricing is straightforward in concept but easy to mishandle in practice:

• Buy bags during booking when you can. Sun Country explicitly notes bag prices are lowest at the time of booking.
• Bundles can be cheaper than buying à la carte. Sun Country sells bundle-style options that package bags, seats, and extras together.
• Avoid “I’ll do it later.” Low-cost airlines generally reward early add-ons and penalize last-minute changes.

If you’re trying to keep the trip as low-cost as possible, the most reliable strategy is still: pack to the free under-seat limit whenever you can.

Recommended Carry-on Bag for Sun Country Airlines

If I’m paying for an overhead carry-on, this is still the bag I personally default to: the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Expandable Spinner. It’s light, easy to maneuver, and it packs efficiently without feeling bulky.

Here are the manufacturer dimensions:

• Overall dimensions (includes wheels and carry handles): 23″ H x 14.5″ W x 9″ D
• Case dimensions (the main body): 21″ H x 14″ W x 9″ D

Does it fit Sun Country’s carry-on size rules?

Sun Country’s published overhead limit is 24″ H x 16″ W x 11″ D, so the Maxlite 5’s overall dimensions (23 x 14.5 x 9) fit with room to spare on all three sides. That’s exactly why I like it for airlines in this “pay-for-the-overhead-bin” category: it’s a true carry-on that doesn’t run oversized.

One nuance: it’s an expandable spinner. If you expand it and overstuff the front area, you can push the exterior dimensions toward the limit. For Sun Country trips, I generally keep it unexpanded unless I’m confident it’s still within the published measurements.

Sun Country liquids policy for carry-ons

For U.S. departures, liquids are governed by TSA screening rules at the checkpoint.

TSA 3-1-1 rule (the quick version)

• Containers must be 3.4 oz (100 mL) or less
• All containers must fit in one quart-size clear bag
• One liquids bag per traveler

If you want the full “what counts as a liquid?” breakdown (plus common edge cases like peanut butter, gels, and creams), use my TSA liquids rule guide.

Exceptions to this rule are certain medications and baby food/child nourishment.

Sun Country Carry-On Pet Policy

Sun Country Airlines allows Small dogs and cats may travel in the passenger section of the plane on flights within the U.S. 48. Sun Country does not allow pets to be checked as baggage.

If you are going to bring a pet on board, it must fit in a small, ventilated pet carrier that fits under the seat in front of you.  Your pet carrier cannot exceed 16″ x 10″ x 8″.

A maximum of four pets are allowed per flight, and only one pet per ticketed traveler is allowed.  Always make sure there is space for your pet when you purchase the tickets.

TSA-Approved Pet Carrier for Sun Country

If you do plan on bringing your pet with you, make sure you follow TSA’s pet policy and have an approved Pet Carrier that conforms to Sun Country’s pet policy.

I have traveled with 2 dogs over the last 10 years, one was a 20 lb. Shih Tzu-Bichon and another is a 12lb. Chihuahua mix. We used the Sherpa pet carrier when bringing them on a flight with us and it worked great!

Your pet and carrier count as a carry-on item, so plan your bags accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions