Sun Country Airlines Policies: Everything You Need to Know

The Bottom Line on Sun Country Airlines

Sun Country Airlines is a low-cost carrier based in Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP). It started as a full-service airline in the '80s and reinvented itself as a budget carrier in the 2010s. The result is an airline that feels a step above Spirit or Frontier but charges for bags and seats like every other budget airline.

Sun Country operates a fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft and flies to destinations across the U.S., Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. MSP is the main hub, and most routes connect there. If you live in the Minneapolis area, Sun Country is probably already on your radar. If you don't, you might encounter them on leisure routes to places like Cancun, Fort Myers, or Phoenix.

The airline operates about 86 routes, and while that's small compared to the major carriers, Sun Country has carved out a solid niche. Fares can be genuinely cheap -- sometimes under $50 one way. You just need to understand what's included and what's not.

Carry-On and Personal Item Policy

Personal Item (Free)

Every Sun Country ticket includes one free personal item. Maximum size is 17 x 13 x 9 inches. It must fit completely under the seat in front of you. A small backpack, purse, or laptop bag works. Standard school backpacks are pushing it -- measure before you go.

Carry-On Bag (Paid)

Overhead bin bags cost extra. Fees depend on when you buy and how you buy:

• At booking on SunCountry.com: $25-$40 depending on route
• After booking (online, phone, or at check-in): $50
• At the gate: $55 plus a $10 gate handling fee ($65 total)

That's a huge spread. A carry-on that costs $25 at booking could cost $65 at the gate. There's no reason not to add it when you first purchase your ticket. The savings are guaranteed.

Checked Baggage Fees

Checked bags on Sun Country can weigh up to 50 pounds and measure up to 62 linear inches:

• At booking online: Starting around $35-$40 per bag, each way
• After booking: Fees increase closer to departure
• Overweight bags (51-70 lbs): Additional fee applies
• Oversized bags (63+ linear inches): Additional fee applies

Like everything at Sun Country, the cheapest option is always at the time of booking. The airline's website shows you the exact bag fee for your specific route when you're purchasing your ticket. Take the 10 seconds to check it.

Cancellation and Change Policy

Sun Country's change fee structure is based on how far out from departure you make the change:

• 60+ days before departure: Free changes
• 14-59 days before departure: $39 per passenger change fee
• 0-13 days before departure: $99 per passenger change fee
• Within 24 hours of booking: Full refund if the flight is 7+ days out (standard DOT rule)

The tiered system is actually pretty reasonable. Free changes outside 60 days is generous for a budget carrier. Most ultra-low-cost airlines charge fees no matter when you make changes. If you book early and your plans shift, you've got a window to adjust without penalty.

That said, changes within two weeks of departure get expensive fast. A $99 fee on a $60 ticket stings. If your schedule is uncertain for an upcoming trip, consider whether the flexibility is worth the base fare.

Refund Policy

Sun Country does not offer refundable tickets. Cancellations result in credit for future travel, not cash back. The 24-hour booking rule still applies per federal regulations -- cancel within 24 hours and at least 7 days before departure for a full refund to your original payment method.

Airline-Initiated Changes

If Sun Country cancels your flight or significantly changes the schedule, you're entitled to a full refund. Given that Sun Country doesn't fly every route daily, a cancellation could mean waiting a few days for the next flight. Keep this in mind for time-sensitive travel.

Seat Selection Policy

Sun Country charges for seat selection but doesn't require it. If you skip seat selection, a seat is randomly assigned at check-in. Here are your options:

• Standard seats: 29-30 inches of legroom, fees vary by location
• Exit row seats: Up to 39 inches of legroom, higher fee
• Best seats: Extra legroom with priority perks, highest fee

Seat pricing is shown on the seat map during booking. Front-of-cabin, exit row, and extra legroom seats cost the most. Back-of-cabin middle seats are cheapest. If you don't pick a seat and check in early, you might luck into a decent assignment. But if you need an aisle or want to sit with someone, pay for it upfront.

The "Best" seats offer meaningfully more legroom and sometimes include priority boarding. On longer flights (4+ hours), the extra space can be worth the fee. On a 90-minute hop to Denver, probably not.

Pet Policy

Sun Country allows cats and dogs in the cabin on select domestic flights:

• Fee: $75 per pet when paid in advance
• Accepted animals: Cats and dogs only
• Carrier size: Maximum 16 x 10 x 8 inches, must fit under the seat
• Weight limit: One pet per ticketed passenger
• Routes: Nonstop domestic flights within the contiguous U.S. (excludes New York)

At $75, Sun Country's pet fee is reasonable compared to most carriers. The carrier size limit is on the smaller side at 16 x 10 x 8 inches, so measure your carrier carefully. That's notably smaller than what some other airlines allow.

Availability is limited and advance arrangements are required. Don't show up at the airport assuming you can add a pet -- call ahead and confirm your spot. Also note that pets aren't accepted on flights to or from New York.

Wifi and Entertainment

Sun Country does not offer wifi on most of its flights. There are no seatback entertainment screens. Plan to bring your own entertainment.

Before boarding:

• Download shows, movies, and music
• Fully charge all devices
• Bring a portable battery -- most Sun Country planes lack power outlets
• Pack headphones

This matters more on Sun Country than some other budget carriers because the airline flies some longer routes. A 4-5 hour flight to Cancun or the Caribbean without wifi or charging requires real preparation.

Other Key Policies

Hub and Route Network

Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP) is Sun Country's main hub. Most routes connect through MSP, though the airline operates some non-hub routes as well. Destinations span the U.S. (heavy on warm-weather leisure spots), Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.

Sun Country is heavily seasonal. Routes to warm destinations like Cancun and Fort Myers ramp up in winter when Minnesotans want to escape the cold. Summer routes shift to mountain and national park destinations. Check the route map for your travel dates -- what flies in January might not fly in July.

Food and Drinks

Nothing is complimentary. Snacks, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase onboard. Prices are comparable to other budget carriers. Bring your own food from the terminal -- you'll save money and have more options.

Aircraft

Sun Country operates an all-Boeing 737 fleet. The 3-3 seating configuration is standard. Seat pitch is 29-30 inches in standard seats and up to 39 inches in exit rows. The planes are well-maintained and generally in good condition.

Check-In

Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure. If you haven't selected a seat, one is assigned at this point. Airport check-in counters close 60 minutes before departure for checked baggage. Arrive with plenty of time, especially at MSP where Sun Country can have long lines during peak travel periods.

Cargo Operations

An interesting note: Sun Country operates a large cargo operation for Amazon, flying cargo planes across the country. This cargo revenue helps keep passenger fares low. It's a unique business model among U.S. passenger airlines.

Sun Country Rewards

Sun Country's loyalty program lets you earn points on flights and purchases. Points can be redeemed for future Sun Country travel. The program is simple -- no elite status tiers, no partner airlines, just straightforward earn-and-burn. If you fly Sun Country a few times a year out of MSP, the points add up.

Unaccompanied Minors

Sun Country accepts unaccompanied minors ages 8-14 on nonstop flights for a fee. The child must be met at the gate by a designated adult. It's a fairly standard policy, and the age minimum of 8 is reasonable.

Minnesota Nice

Sun Country consistently gets decent customer service reviews despite being a budget carrier. Staff tend to be friendly, the airline doesn't nickel-and-dime quite as aggressively as Spirit or Frontier, and the overall experience is a step up from the ultra-low-cost carriers. It's not Delta or Southwest, but it's not trying to be. It's a solid budget option, especially from Minneapolis.