Tailored Policies for Every Flight

Sun Country will only let small dogs and cats on planes within the 48 contiguous states of the United States. But service animals can fly for free in the passenger area with people who have disabilities. 

Sun Country Does Not Accept Pets:

  • On international flights 
  • On flights to/from Anchorage, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico 
  • For interline travel
  • As checked or cargo baggage. 

A service fee may be added to refunds for pets that can’t go on the trip. You can also change your plans without paying a service fee, but you’ll have to pay the difference in the ticket.

Make your check-in process easy with Sun Country’s Check-In Policy. Discover the ins and outs of online and airport check-in procedures, including when to do it and what you need, to ensure a hassle-free beginning to your trip. Sun Country Airlines makes sure that your travel experience is smooth and easy for you as a customer. 

Sun Country Pet Policy – In Cabin

Sun Country only lets small dogs and cats into the cabin. The pet (and its case) are considered carry-on items and count toward your normal number of carry-on items. 

  • Not to weigh more than 16lb/7.27kg (including the pet case).
  • Pet Carrier Requirements
    • The pet cage must be cleared by airlines and the IATA. 
    • Must not be bigger than 16 inches long, 11 inches wide, and 8 inches high.
    • Must not leak and have good airflow on at least two sides. 
    • You can bring both hard-sided and soft-sided containers.
    • Inside the cage, the pet should be able to stand up and move around without any trouble.
    • The pet cage must fit under your front seat with the pet inside.
  • Pet Reservations
    • Sun Country lets you book a spot for your pet in advance or on the spot, depending on availability. 
    • It’s best to make plans ahead of time.
    • Make a plan for your pet by calling.
  • Pet Fee
    • It costs USD 75 per flight leg to book a flight for a pet in advance.
    • Pets can be booked on the spot at the airport for USD 100 per trip section (if there is space).
    • Pet fees are non-refundable.
  • Pets Allowed
    • Each flight can have up to four pets. 
    • There can only be one pet per paid guest.
    • There can only be one pet per cage.
  • Pet Restriction
    • People traveling with pets can’t sit in the exit row or the deck. 
    • Try to get a seat in the middle because it has the most room under it. 
    • The pet must always stay inside its cage.
    • The person must fill out an application in accordance with federal, state, and local rules.

Sun Country Pet Policy—Pets as Checked Baggage

Sun Country will only let you check in the following animals: 

  • Service animals that are certified. 
  • Animals are trained to help find people who are lost, detect drugs, and find explosives. 

Conditions of Acceptance 

  • We only allow certified service animals and search and rescue animals as checked baggage. 
  • Documentation for Pets:
    • You need a health certificate that is valid. 
    • To travel, you need a health certificate that was issued within 30 days of departure. Additionally, you need:
      • Name and address of the passenger.
      • The animal is healthy.  
      • Please provide a list of the vaccinations given. 
      • The veterinarian’s date and signature. 
    • You need to show the health certificate when you check in for your flight. You might also need to show it when you arrive at your destination airport. 
    • If you’re moving animals during winter when it’s below 45°F, you need an Acclimation Certificate from a vet. The certificate should say that the animal is used to temperatures below 45°F and can handle being exposed to temperatures as low as 20°F. 
    • Before checking in, the owner of the animal needs to write down that the animal has been given food and water within the last 4 hours. They also need to give instructions for feeding and watering the animal for the next 24 hours. 
  • Kennel Requirements
    • You need to use a plastic ventilated kennel that is approved by the USDA. Wood and metal containers are not allowed. 
    • The kennel should be tall enough for the animal to sit and stand without hitting its head on the roof. Also, the animal should have enough space to lie down comfortably and move around easily. 
    • The kennel cannot be larger than 40 inches in any dimension. 
    • The kennel should have a secure closing mechanism to keep the animal inside all the time. 
    • Don’t lock the kennel door. 
    • The animal should be easily reachable in case of an emergency. 
    • You need to have two dishes, one for food and one for water, and they should be empty. The dishes should be easy to reach from the outside for putting food and water in them. 
    • It should have sufficient absorbent material. 
    • We cannot accept cat litter that is not in a container or bag.

Marking and Labeling 

  • The kennel needs to have a clear label that includes the passenger’s name, address, and phone number.
  • Name of the animal 
  • The animal needs to have a tag with the same information as mentioned earlier.
  • The kennel for pets needs to have a label that says LIVE ANIMALS on it.
    • A THIS WAY UP label or arrows must be placed on at least 2 opposite sides of the kennel. 
    • The labels must not block the openings of the ventilation in any way. 

Weather Restrictions

  • If the temperature is expected to be below 20°F, Sun Country might not allow animals as checked baggage. If it’s colder than 45°F, the owner needs to get a signed Acclimation Certificate from a veterinarian. 
  • Dogs and cats with flat noses like pugs or snub-nosed breeds may not be allowed if it’s hotter than 70°F outside. If the temperature is above 85°F, some breeds may not be allowed. 

Dog Breeds

  • Tibetan Spaniel 
  • Terrier
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier 
  • Shih Tzu 
  • Shar Pei 
  • Pug 
  • Pit Bull 
  • Pekinese 
  • Mastiff Persian 
  • Lhasa Apso 
  • Japanese Spaniel (Chin) 
  • Japanese Pug 
  • Japanese Boxer
  • English Toy Spaniel 
  • English Bulldog 
  • Dutch Pug 
  • Chow Chow 
  • Chinese Pug
  • Bulldog 
  • Brussels Griffin 
  • Boxer 
  • American Staffordshire Terrier 
  • American Pit Bull Terrier Boston 
  • American Bull Dog

Cats Breed

  • Burmese 
  • Exotic
  • Himalayan
  • Persian

Sun Country Pet Policy – Pets as Cargo Baggage 

Pets are not allowed to travel as air cargo on any aircraft operated by Sun Country.

Traveling with service animals in Sun Country. Sun Country allows passengers with disabilities to bring their service animals with them in the aircraft cabin for free. 

  • You cannot let service animals sit on a seat or eat from a table tray.
  • Service animals should be:
    • If a passenger wants to sit on someone’s lap, they can do so. Alternatively, they can sit in the foot space of the passenger in front of them, as long as it doesn’t bother that passenger or go against FAA safety rules. 
    • Always keep your pet on a leash, harness, or tethered. 

Note:

  • To book with Sun Country Airlines, make sure to submit the required form(s) at least 48 hours before your departure. If not already submitted, please turn in the form(s) at the check-in counter on the day you leave. 
  • Sun Country can refuse to allow a service animal on their transportation if:
    • Behaves aggressively or poses a threat to other passengers. 
    • Behaves badly in the airport gate area or inside the airplane. 
    • Acts badly in front of others. 
    • This means breaking the health or safety rules set by the U.S. federal government, a U.S. territory, or a foreign government.
    • Is taken to the airport without the required forms. 

Different Kinds of Animals. Sun Country allows trained animals that can detect explosives, and drugs, or search and rescue people if they are with their handlers and properly harnessed. Animals can go with their handlers in the airplane cabin for free, but they can’t sit in seats. To travel with Sun Country, animals, and their handlers must be on official duty and have written documentation to prove it. 

Easily handle your travel plans with Sun Country’s Manage My Booking feature. You can easily update your seats, contact details, and services without canceling your reservation by making changes online. Make your journey with Sun Country Airlines easier by using their convenient self-service options.

FAQs

Can I bring my pet on a Sun Country flight?

Sun Country allows only small dogs and cats in the cabin. However, passengers with disabilities are allowed to bring their service animals. You can’t bring your pets on international flights, flights to/from Anchorage, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. You also can’t check them in as baggage or cargo.

What are the requirements for bringing a pet to the cabin?

To bring your pet into the cabin, it should weigh 16 pounds or less (including the case). The carrier you use must meet a certain size, be leak-proof, and have airflow standards. The cage for the pet must fit under the front seat and give enough space for the pet to stand up and move around comfortably.

How can I reserve a spot for my pet on a Sun Country flight?

To reserve a spot for your pet, you can either contact Sun Country beforehand or try to make arrangements at the airport if there is room. Before your flight, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and make any necessary arrangements.

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