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Sun Country’s maximum carry-on bag size is 24 x 16 x 11 inches with a 35-pound weight limit. One personal item (under-seat size) is included free. Unlike Southwest, Sun Country does not include a carry-on bag in its base fare. A carry-on is purchased as an add-on, and buying it online in advance is significantly cheaper than adding it at the airport or gate.
Sun Country Carry-On Size Requirements
- Maximum dimensions: 24 x 16 x 11 inches (including wheels and handles)
- Weight limit: 35 pounds
- Where it goes: Overhead bin
- Cost: Paid add-on (not included in base fare)
24 x 16 x 11 inches is more generous than many airline standards. The standard US carry-on limit at most carriers is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, so Sun Country’s 24 x 16 x 11 inches allows a noticeably larger bag. Most full-size carry-on suitcases will fit within these dimensions. Wheels and handles are included in the measurement. This is the full exterior size of the bag.
Sun Country Personal Item Size
The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you. Sun Country doesn’t publish a specific maximum dimension for the personal item, but standard under-seat dimensions on most aircraft are approximately 18 x 14 x 8 inches. A small backpack, tote bag, laptop bag, or purse typically qualifies.
The personal item is free on all Sun Country fares. You don’t have to pay extra for it.
Carry-On Fees: How Much and When to Buy
Sun Country charges for carry-on bags as an add-on. Fees vary by route and booking timing, but the price progression is typically:
- Booked online in advance at time of ticket purchase: Lowest price
- Added after booking via Manage My Booking: Higher than booking-time price
- Added at the airport counter: Higher still
- Added at the gate (gate-check or gate add): Most expensive option
If you know you’re bringing a carry-on bag, add it at the time of booking. The difference between booking-time and gate prices can be $20 to $30 or more per segment. Exact current fees are on Sun Country’s website; they update periodically.
Checked Bag Fees
Sun Country checked bags are also paid add-ons with similar pricing tiers (cheapest when added at booking). Standard checked bag limit is 50 lbs and 62 linear inches (length + width + height). If you’re comparing total trip cost between Sun Country and other carriers, always add bag fees to the comparison.
Sun Country Fares and What’s Included
Sun Country offers several fare tiers:
- Economy (base): Personal item only. Carry-on and checked bag are paid add-ons.
- Comfort+: Includes one carry-on and additional legroom in select seats.
- Premium: Includes carry-on and checked bags in a premium cabin (available on some aircraft).
If you’re regularly bringing a carry-on, compare the total cost of base fare + carry-on add-on against Comfort+ fare. It’s sometimes only a few dollars more to move up to a fare that includes the carry-on.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sun Country Carry-On
What is the Sun Country carry-on size limit?
24 x 16 x 11 inches (including wheels and handles), with a 35-pound weight limit. This is larger than the standard 22 x 14 x 9 inch limit at most US carriers.
Is a carry-on bag free on Sun Country?
No. Sun Country charges for carry-on bags as a paid add-on in the base fare. One personal item (under-seat bag) is free. Adding a carry-on at booking is the cheapest option. Prices increase if added later or at the gate.
What counts as a personal item on Sun Country?
Any bag that fits under the seat in front of you: small backpacks, purses, laptop bags, and tote bags typically qualify. Sun Country doesn’t publish a specific personal item size limit, but standard under-seat dimensions are approximately 18 x 14 x 8 inches.
How much does Sun Country charge for carry-on bags?
Fees vary by route and booking timing. Adding a carry-on at the time of ticket purchase online is the lowest price. Prices increase at airport check-in and again at the gate. Check Sun Country’s current fee schedule on their website before booking.
What happens if my carry-on is too large for Sun Country?
It will need to be checked at the gate, and you’ll be charged the gate-added bag fee, which is typically the most expensive option. If your bag doesn’t meet the size requirements, expect to pay significantly more than if you had added a checked bag at booking.
Does Sun Country have a carry-on weight limit?
Yes, 35 pounds. This is higher than the overhead bin capacity concern, so in practice it rarely comes up for normal carry-on bags, but overstuffed bags or camera/equipment bags can approach this limit.
