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

If you’re planning to travel with just a carry-on, you’ll need to be up to speed with your airline’s carry-on policy.  Each airline’s rules are different, so don’t just assume what works for one, will work for all airlines.  This is especially true if you are flying a low-cost airline, like Sun Country.

Low-cost airlines may have lower base fares, but if you are not careful, you can end up paying more because of all the “a la carte” fees they have.   These include fees for both checked and carry-on luggage (as well as seat assignments, beverages, printing your boarding pass, etc..).

If you are going to be flying Sun Country, here are the carry-on rules you need to be aware of:

Sun Country Airlines Carry-On Rules and Bag Guidelines

Sun Country allows one personal item onboard at no charge, but they charge for both carry-on and checked bags.  The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you, and the carry-on bag must be stowed in the overhead bin or it will have to be checked.

What does Sun Country consider a Personal item?

Personal items include a purse, briefcase, laptop, backpack, or a similar sized item.  Dimensions must not exceed 17 x 13 x 9 inches.

Sun Country Airlines Carry-On Rules: Dimensions & Fees

Sun Country’s size requirements for a carry-on are 24″ x 16″ x 11″.

Carry-on bag fees vary based on when you purchase and are non-refundable.  The following are the fees you will pay for your carry-on, each way, depending on your destination.

• During Booking: up to $30
• Before & During Online Check-In: $35
• At the Airport: $40

Carry-On Weight Limits

Sun Country requires your carry-on bag to be less than 35 pounds.

Carry-On Prohibited Items

There certain items are considered dangerous and classified as hazardous material.  Dangerous goods are prohibited from both your carry-on and checked bag in all Sun Country flights.  These rules are not specific to Sun Country and are mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration.

The list includes items such as aerosols, fireworks, matches, etc…  A complete list can be found on the FAA website and the TSA website.

Carry-On Liquids

The rules for carry-on liquids are set by the TSA and FAA.  Sun Country doesn’t make the rules, but they must enforce them.

The TSA 3-1-1 Rule

Each passenger may carry liquids, gels and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols. Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash and lotion.

Any liquid that does not meet the TSA 3-1-1 rule will either have to be checked with your luggage or will be thrown away at the security check point.

Here is a little video to help illustrate:

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

Carry-On Food

There are two different scenarios here.  Food you bring with you from home and food you buy at the airport, after you have gone through security.

Any important thing to note is the classification of liquid vs. solid foods.   The general rule is “If you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it, or pour it, then it’s considered a liquid or gel,”.   This means your food may be considered a liquid and will fall under the TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule, which mandates that any liquid, gel, cream, aerosol, or paste in a carry-on must be 3.4 ounces or less, and fit in one quart-size resealable bag (only one such bag is allowed per passenger).

Here is a link to the TSA website advising what food can be brought with you on your Sun Country flight.  This applies to food you are bringing from home through security.   Once you get through security, you can bring just about any food on the plane that you buy at the airport.

Sun Country Airlines Carry-On Rules: 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 with you, it must be able to 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″.

Carry-On Pet Fees

Here is a chart showing the pet fees Sun Country charges each way.   Double them for a round trip flight.

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 you 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.

Sun Country Carry-On Fee

Here is a link to Sun Country’s Carry-On page to make sure you have the most up to date information.

More related articles….

1. 5 Tips to Travel with Just One Bag
2. How to Use Packing Cubes to Travel with Just A Carry-On
3. The Best Carry-On Bags for Regional and Small Jets
4. 5 Essential Things to Stay Organized While on The Road