Information on Sun Country Air Flights

As a traveler who loves finding great deals, I appreciate that Sun Country Airlines manages to keep fares low without cutting corners on comfort or piling on extra fees even though it’s a discount carrier. Based in Minneapolis, Sun Country has made a name for itself by offering affordable flights to popular destinations across the US, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.

Known for its budget-friendly fares and focus on leisure travel, it’s a solid option for stretching your travel budget without sacrificing comfort. If you’re planning a trip with Sun Country, here’s everything you need to know to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Sun Country seats

With Sun Country you can choose between 3 seat categories, and the basic rundown is simple enough. Best seats come with preferred boarding, extra legroom, more recline, an in-seat power outlet and a complimentary alcoholic beverage. Exit Row seats offer 9 inches of extra legroom and a USB port. Standard seats include just a USB port. All categories provide free entertainment streamed to your device on most flights.

I always pick my seat when purchasing my ticket. That way, I can snag one of the more comfortable options. If you don’t select a seat during booking, you can still do so afterward through My Trips on the airline website or during online check-in.

Keep in mind that there’s a fee for selecting seats, and this varies based on location onboard and other factors. If you don’t pre-select a seat, one will be randomly assigned at check-in for no charge, but it’s unlikely to be a desirable seat.

Sun Country check-in and boarding

Sun Country offers several check-in options to get you on your way. You can check in online with your reservation code and last name between 1 and 24 hours before your flight, and this is the quickest way to save time at the airport. You can also download the Sun Country app and check in quickly there.

If you prefer to check in at the airport, you can use the kiosks, where you can also make any last-minute bag or seat selections up to 60 minutes before departure.

Ticket counters open 3 hours before departure, giving you plenty of time to check in and drop off any bags if needed. Unlike many other discount airlines, Sun Country does not charge you to check in at the ticket counter. I rarely check in at the ticket counter, but I appreciate the fact they do not nickel-and-dime passengers at every turn.

For an even smoother experience, consider adding priority check-in and boarding. This service has a cost per traveler, but gives you access to the priority security lanes and ensures you will be one of the first passengers to board the plane. If one of my travel days looks hectic, I will add this one as a way to streamline my travel day and minimize stress.

Sun Country changes

Another thing I appreciate about Sun Country Airlines is the reasonable approach to change fees, especially for a low-cost airline. While the airfare itself is non-refundable, you can often make changes to your flight without breaking the bank – sometimes even for free.

If you need to change or cancel your flight 60 or more days before departure, there’s no fee at all. For changes made 59 to 14 days out, there is a fee per leg, and if you're down to the last 13 days before departure, there is a higher cost per leg. You’ll need to pay any fare difference if the new flight is more expensive, but if it’s cheaper, the airline will refund the difference in the form of a travel voucher.

I appreciate the flexibility Sun Country offers, especially when it comes to making changes to my flights. This policy really takes the stress out of planning trips, knowing I won’t be hit with hefty fees if something comes up.

Sun Country baggage

When flying with Sun Country Airlines, it’s smart to plan ahead with your baggage to save a few bucks. Every ticket includes one free under-seat item, like a purse or backpack, but if you need to bring more, it’s best to add those extra bags when you book your flight.

Baggage fees go up the closer you get to your departure. Adding a bag at the airport check-in will cost you more, and doing it at the gate is the priciest option of all.

Sun Country baggage costs vary depending on your flight, so it’s a good idea to check online for the most current rates before you book. Watch out for oversized bags – anything over 50 pounds or 63 linear inches (the combined total of length x width x height) comes with an extra charge.

If you’re an active US military member or a Sun Country Airlines Visa Signature cardholder, you’ve got some perks, including free or discounted bags with no extra fees for oversized bags, in certain cases. Just make sure you have the right ID or are logged in when booking to get those discounts.

Sun Country Airlines alliance

Sun Country Airlines doesn’t have a membership with any alliances, but it does have established partnerships with a handful of airlines. This allows you to book connecting itineraries on a single reservation. Those airlines include China Airlines, Condor, Hawaiian Airlines, Emirates and Iceland Air.

When flying with Sun Country Airlines and its partner airlines, you'll need to handle bookings, changes, and check-ins directly with the airline or travel agency with which you made your purchase. Sun Country doesn’t manage reservations or changes for partner flights.

Baggage rules and seat assignments depend on the first airline listed on your ticket, so it’s a good idea to review those specific policies before your trip. Keep in mind that if you’re connecting with Hawaiian Airlines, Sun Country agents can assist with check-in, but you’ll need to check in with other airlines directly if you book with any other partners.

Onboard entertainment

Sun Country Airlines doesn’t provide seatback screens or onboard internet access, but it does offer hours of free inflight entertainment. With your personal tablet, smartphone or computer, you will be able to stream entertainment from a library of movies, shows, games and music for free. Headphones are available for purchase if you forget yours.

It is always important to fully charge your devices before boarding. While most of the seats have USB charging ports and select seats have standard AC power outlets, it is not a guarantee that you will be able to power your device while in the air.

Sadly, there is no Wi-Fi onboard. I like to work when I am on a plane, so the fact that there is no access to internet is not my favorite, but it’s also a good excuse to put off work and dive into a good book.

Sun Country Rewards

Sun Country Rewards is a loyalty program that lets you earn points on purchases. You can then redeem those points for travel.

Members earn points for many purchases and double points for money spent directly on Sun Country Airlines. You’ll also earn points on purchases made with Sun Country’s partners when you use the Sun Country Airlines Signature Visa. Points can be redeemed for flights, vacation packages, seat selections and even those annoying bag fees.

I like the fact that you can use your points to book travel on any flight with zero blackout dates. You can also combine your points with dollars to jet off on your next adventure sooner.

Sun Country Airlines credit card

Sun Country Airlines offers travelers a credit card for even more perks while on the go. You can use the Sun Country Airlines Visa card as a personal or business credit card.

Similar to other travel credit cards, you'll earn miles when you sign up, gain bonus miles on Sun Country Airlines purchases, and redeem those miles for free flights or upgrades. The card also comes with travel benefits such as priority boarding on Sun Country flights, discounts on seat selection and baggage, and 1 free premium drink per flight.