You're standing at the ticket counter in Minneapolis-St. Paul, and the agent tells you that your "small" carry-on is going to cost $50. Your heart sinks. It sucks. Honestly, the biggest mistake people make with Sun Country Airline baggage is assuming it works like Delta or United. It doesn't. Sun Country is a low-cost carrier, and they are aggressive about their "unbundled" pricing model. If you don't pay for your bag when you book the flight, you’re basically handing the airline a blank check to charge you whatever they want at the gate.
Most folks think they can sneak a standard backpack through as a personal item. Sometimes you win, sure. But more often lately, the gate agents are checking sizes like hawks. If that bag doesn't slide into the sizer without a struggle, you’re paying the highest possible rate. It’s not just about the money; it’s about the stress of wondering if you’re going to get flagged while boarding.
The Reality of the Personal Item vs. Carry-on
Let’s get the dimensions out of the way because this is where the math starts to hurt. A personal item on Sun Country must be 17 x 13 x 9 inches or smaller. This has to fit under the seat in front of you. Think a small purse, a slim laptop bag, or a very compact tote. If you have a "weekender" bag, it’s probably too big.
Carry-on bags are a different beast. They can be up to 24 x 16 x 11 inches and cannot weigh more than 35 pounds. Most major airlines don't actually weigh your carry-on, but Sun Country reserves the right to do so. If you’re packing heavy camera gear or a stack of hardcovers, keep that 35-pound limit in the back of your mind. It's a real rule, even if they don't enforce it on every single passenger.
Fees are dynamic. That’s the "fun" part. Sun Country uses a tiered pricing system for Sun Country Airline baggage that changes based on when you buy and where you're going. A bag on a flight to Cancun might cost more than a bag on a flight to Eau Claire. Generally, you’ll pay the least if you add the bag during the initial booking. If you wait until you’re checking in online, the price jumps. If you wait until you’re at the airport, you’re looking at $50 to $60 or more.
Why Checked Bags Are Sometimes the Secret Win
Here is a weird tip: sometimes checking a bag is cheaper or just more logical than trying to squeeze everything into a carry-on. Sun Country’s checked bag limit is 50 pounds and 62 linear inches (length + width + height).
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If you have a family of four, stop trying to buy four carry-ons. That’s four separate fees, and four people fighting for overhead bin space. Instead, shove everything into two large suitcases and check them. You save money, and you don’t have to drag luggage through the terminal while hunting for a pre-flight pretzel.
Wait. Be careful.
If your bag goes over 50 pounds, the fees get ugly. Between 51 and 60 pounds, they tack on an extra $20. If it’s 61 to 100 pounds, it’s an extra $60. Over 100 pounds? They won’t even take it. The same goes for size—if it’s over 63 linear inches, expect a $75 "oversize" fee. You could easily end up paying $100+ for a single suitcase if you aren't paying attention to the scale.
Special Items and the "Sports Rule"
Sun Country is actually somewhat decent about sporting equipment, which makes sense given they’re based in Minnesota. They see a lot of hockey sticks and skis. Usually, a set of skis or a snowboard counts as one checked bag. If the boot bag contains only boots and accompanies the skis, they often count as one item. But—and this is a big but—if you start stuffing extra socks and jackets into that boot bag, they might try to charge it as a second bag. Keep the specialized bags for the gear only.
Golf clubs follow similar rules. One bag, one set of clubs, one pair of shoes.
The Military Exception You Should Know
If you are active-duty military, Sun Country actually treats you quite well. Active-duty personnel with valid ID get two checked bags and one carry-on for free. This is a huge perk that isn't always shouted from the rooftops. You do usually have to see a counter agent to get these fees waived, as the online system doesn't always recognize the status automatically. It’s worth the five-minute wait in line to save $150.
Sun Country Rewards and Baggage
If you fly them often, the Sun Country Rewards program is okay, but it doesn't automatically give you free bags like a high-tier Delta status would. However, if you have the Sun Country Airlines® Visa Signature® Card, you get your first checked bag free for the primary cardholder and companions on the same reservation. If you fly with a partner just once a year, the bag savings alone usually cover the annual fee.
Honestly, the card is the only way to make the baggage situation feel "normal" again. Without it, you’re just a line item in their revenue report.
Avoiding the "Gate Surprise"
The gate agent’s job is to keep the flight on time. When the overhead bins get full—and they always do on Sun Country—they start looking for bags to gate-check. If you’ve already paid for a carry-on and they force you to gate-check it because the bins are full, you don't usually get your money back. It sucks, but it’s the reality of modern flying.
To avoid this, try to board as early as your zone allows. Sun Country boards by zones, and if you're in the last group, your carry-on is probably going in the belly of the plane anyway.
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A Quick Reality Check on "Bundles"
When you buy your ticket, Sun Country will offer you "bundles" like Grab & Go or Hop & Go. These often include a carry-on and a checked bag, along with seat selection.
Do the math before clicking.
Sometimes the bundle is $80, but the bag alone is $45 and you don't care where you sit. If you don't need the "perks," just buy the bag a la carte. But if you’re traveling with kids and need to sit together, the bundle usually wins. Don't let the shiny "Best Value" sticker fool you without checking the individual prices first.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Flight
Stop guessing. If you want to master Sun Country Airline baggage without going broke, follow this checklist:
- Measure your bag at home with a physical tape measure. Do not trust the manufacturer’s tag that says "Official Carry-On Size." Wheels and handles count toward the 17x13x9 or 24x16x11 limits.
- Pay for your bags the moment you buy your ticket. The price never goes down; it only goes up as you get closer to the departure date.
- Use a soft-sided bag for your personal item. Hard-shell cases don't squish. If your personal item is an inch too wide but it's a soft duffel, you can usually shove it into the sizer. A hard suitcase will just sit on top and trigger a fee.
- Weight matters. Buy a $10 handheld luggage scale. If you’re at 51 pounds, you’re throwing away $20. Move a pair of shoes to your personal item and save the cash.
- Keep your essentials in the personal item. Since Sun Country frequently runs out of bin space, assume your carry-on might end up in the cargo hold. Keep your meds, chargers, and keys in the bag that stays under your seat.
By sticking to these rules, you keep the "low-cost" in low-cost carrier. The moment you start paying gate fees, that "cheap" flight to Vegas suddenly costs more than a seat on a legacy airline. Pack smart, pay early, and keep your tape measure handy.