Sun Country Airlines Carry-On Rules: What You Really Need to Know

If you’re flying with Sun Country Airlines, here’s a heads-up — their carry-on baggage policy is not like the big guys. While most airlines throw in a carry-on for free, Sun Country actually charges you for bringing one unless you’ve bought a more expensive fare or paid for the bag ahead of time.

So before you start stuffing your favorite roller bag with snacks, swimsuits, or souvenir hoodies, it’s important to know what’s included (and what’s not) with your ticket. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about carry-on and personal item rules on Sun Country flights, including bag size limits, fees, and tips to avoid surprise charges.

Let’s jump in — because packing smart can save you money.

Sun Country Carry-On Bag Policy

Unlike most major airlines, Sun Country does not include a carry-on bag in its lowest fare — which they call the Standard fare. That means if you don’t pay extra or upgrade your ticket, you’re only allowed to bring a personal item onboard for free.

If you do choose to bring a carry-on, here’s what you need to know:

✅ Carry-On Size Limit

• Maximum Dimensions: 24 x 16 x 11 inches (including wheels and handles)

• It must fit in the overhead bin

❌ Weight Limit

• No official weight limit, but you must be able to lift it yourself into the overhead bin without assistance

💸 Is it Free?

• Nope — not unless you pay for it separately or purchase a fare that includes it (like “Premium” or during bundle options)

🧾 When to Pay (and Save)

• During booking = cheapest

• After booking or at airport = more expensive

• At the gate = most expensive, and they’ll often make you check the bag

This policy surprises a lot of first-time Sun Country travelers, so it’s smart to plan ahead and prepay for your carry-on if you can’t fit everything in a personal item.

Sun Country Personal Item Policy

Now here’s the good news — Sun Country always allows one personal item for free, no matter what type of fare you purchase.

But before you grab that duffel bag and call it a day, make sure you’re actually within their size limits. Sun Country is pretty strict about this, especially at the gate.

✅ Personal Item Size Limit:

• Maximum Dimensions: 17 x 13 x 9 inches

• It must fit completely under the seat in front of you

💡 What Counts as a Personal Item?

• Backpack (small)

• Laptop bag

• Purse

• Tote

• Slim briefcase

• Diaper bag

🚫 What Doesn’t Count:

• Small suitcases or mini carry-ons (even if they “look” small)

• Anything that won’t slide under the seat easily

Gate agents often check bag sizes, and if your “personal item” is too big, they’ll either charge you for a carry-on or make you gate-check it with a fee. So if you’re trying to fly light and fee-free, your personal item is your best friend.

Fees for Carry-On Bags on Sun Country

Sun Country’s pricing model is all about the “bare fare”, which means your ticket covers the seat — and not much else. If you want to bring a carry-on bag, it’ll cost you — and the price depends on when you pay.

Here’s a breakdown of the typical carry-on bag fees:

💡 Pro Tip: The gate is the most expensive place to pay for your bag — and by then, you don’t have much choice. Always pay ahead if you can.

🧾 What the Fee Covers:

• One standard carry-on bag (24 x 16 x 11 inches)

• Storage in the overhead bin

🚨 Be Aware:

• Sun Country doesn’t bundle a carry-on with its lowest fares

• You must purchase it separately — unless you select a bundle or premium fare that includes it

In short, your carry-on isn’t free, and the later you wait to pay, the more it’ll sting your wallet.

Checked Bag vs. Carry-On: Which Is Better on Sun Country?

Here’s where things get interesting — on Sun Country, the price difference between a checked bag and a carry-on bag is often very small. Sometimes, the checked bag is even cheaper. Shocking, right?

💼 Carry-On vs. Checked Bag Fees (Typical Range)

✈️ So Which One Should You Choose?

• Pick Carry-On If:

  • You want your bag with you at all times

  • You’re traveling light and fast

  • You need to avoid long waits at baggage claim

• Pick Checked Bag If:

  • Your bag is heavy or over the carry-on size

  • You’re bringing liquids or restricted items

  • You don’t want to fight for overhead space

🔎 Insider Tip: If both fees are the same, a checked bag often gives you more space with fewer hassles.

Just remember — neither option is included in Sun Country’s basic fare, so either way, you’re paying for bags. It’s all about choosing what works best for your trip.

Carry-On Allowance by Fare Type

Sun Country’s baggage policy depends heavily on the type of fare you purchase. Their “bare-bones” fares are cheap, but they don’t come with much — not even a carry-on.

Here’s how it breaks down:

🟡 Standard Fare (Lowest Price)

• ✅ Free Personal Item

• ❌ Carry-On Bag NOT Included

• 💸 Must pay for carry-on during booking or later

🔵 Bundle Fare / Value Pack

• ✅ Free Personal Item

• ✅ Carry-On Bag INCLUDED

• ✅ Priority Boarding, seat selection, and sometimes a checked bag

🟣 Premium Fare / Upgraded Seats

• ✅ Free Personal Item

• ✅ Carry-On Bag INCLUDED

• ✅ Extra legroom and added perks

🧠 What This Means:

If you just book the cheapest option, don’t expect a free carry-on — unless you add it separately or pay for a bundle. Always read the fine print at checkout, because Sun Country makes it very easy to assume you’re covered… until you get to the airport.

💡 Pro Tip: If you know you’ll need to bring a bag anyway, upgrading to a bundle can save money in the long run.

Baggage Size Checker at the Airport

Sun Country doesn’t mess around when it comes to bag size enforcement. If your bag doesn’t meet their size limits — even by an inch — there’s a good chance it’ll get flagged.

Here’s what to expect:

🧳 Size Checkers at the Gate

• You’ll often find metal bag sizers near the gate or check-in counter.

• Your carry-on must fit inside the sizer (24 x 16 x 11 inches) — including wheels and handles.

• Same goes for your personal item (17 x 13 x 9 inches), which must slide under the seat.

🛑 What Happens If Your Bag Fails the Test?

• It will be gate-checked (if there’s room), or even refused if the flight is full.

• You’ll be charged the gate price for a carry-on — usually $55–$60 one way.

• No exceptions — even if you didn’t realize the bag was slightly too big.

🔍 Heads-Up: Gate agents are often extra strict on full flights, so even borderline bags can get flagged. Travel light, or make sure your bag is truly within the limits.

Smart Packing: How to Avoid Carry-On Fees on Sun Country

Nobody wants to pay extra for a bag — especially when you thought it was included. Luckily, there are a few clever ways to avoid or reduce Sun Country’s carry-on fees.

1. Stick to a Personal Item Only

• A 17 x 13 x 9 inch bag rides free

• Use a small backpack, laptop bag, or underseat travel bag

• Pack ultra-light — think clothes rolled tight, wear bulkier items

2. Pay for Your Bag When You Book

• Fees are lowest at the time of booking

• Adding a carry-on later can cost up to twice as much

3. Consider the Bundle

• The Bundle & Save option often includes a carry-on, checked bag, seat selection, and more

• When you know you’ll need a bag anyway, it’s often cheaper than buying things a la carte

4. Use a Bag That’s Exactly the Right Size

• Avoid the gate-check drama by choosing a carry-on that’s 24 x 16 x 11 inches or smaller

• Look for soft-sided or expandable bags that can squeeze in if needed

5. Gate Check Strategically (Risky but Free-ish)

• Sometimes, on full flights, agents will offer free voluntary gate-checking of bags

• This isn’t guaranteed — and you still need a qualifying fare or bag size

🎒 Real Talk: If you’re flying on a budget, the personal item-only strategy is your best bet. But if you know you’ll need more, just pay early and skip the surprise fees.

Best Carry-Ons & Personal Items for Sun Country Flights

If you’re flying Sun Country and want to stay within the baggage limits (and fees), the right travel bag can make all the difference. Here are some highly-rated, Sun Country–friendly bags to keep your packing smooth and stress-free.

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🎒 1. Personal Item: Slim Backpack That Fits Under the Seat

Samsonite Tectonic Lifestyle Crossfire Business Backpack
✔ Fits under-seat size limits (17 x 13 x 9 inches)
✔ Laptop sleeve + multiple compartments
✔ Lightweight but durable

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👜 2. Personal Item: Compact Travel Tote Bag

Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Tote
✔ Sleek design, fits perfectly under seat
✔ Built-in security features
✔ Great for short trips or minimalist packing

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🧳 3. Carry-On: Softside Spinner (Fits 24 x 16 x 11)

Amazon Basics 20-Inch Softside Spinner
✔ Sun Country–approved dimensions
✔ Expandable but still fits overhead bin
✔ Lightweight and easy to maneuver

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🧳 4. Carry-On: Hardside for Frequent Flyers

LEVEL8 Grace Carry-On Luggage
✔ Meets Sun Country size rules
✔ Sleek, durable shell with TSA lock
✔ Smooth wheels + solid handle grip

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🧳 5. Carry-On Duffel: Versatile & Fee-Free Looking

Samsonite Andante 2 Wheeled Rolling Duffel
✔ Easy to pass off as personal item (if not stuffed)
✔ Fits carry-on size limits
✔ Great for casual packers

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✈️ Pro Tip: If you’re only bringing a personal item, go for something compact but with smart compartments. For carry-ons, always double-check dimensions — Sun Country is strict.

Final Thoughts on Sun Country Carry-On Rules

Sun Country might offer low fares, but their carry-on policy can trip up travelers who aren’t prepared. Unlike major airlines, a carry-on bag isn’t free with their basic ticket — and if you don’t plan ahead, you could end up paying more than you expected just to bring a small suitcase onboard.

To keep things simple (and affordable), here’s your game plan:

• Stick to a personal item if you want to avoid baggage fees altogether

• Pay for your carry-on during booking — it’s the cheapest time

• Double-check your bag dimensions to avoid nasty surprises at the gate

• Consider the Bundle upgrade if you’re bringing more than one bag

With a little planning — and the right bag — flying with Sun Country doesn’t have to feel like a luggage puzzle. And now that you know exactly what to expect, you’re already ahead of most travelers.

Safe travels and smart packing!