Traveling with your pet requires more than just packing their favorite toy or snacks — it means navigating airline rules, size restrictions, and reservation policies. If you're planning to fly with Sun Country Airlines, knowing the full scope of their pet policy in advance can help ensure a stress-free journey for both you and your furry companion. The Sun Country Airlines Pet Policy is designed with simplicity and safety in mind, making it easier for pet parents to plan their trip.

In this guide, we'll explore all the essential details you need to understand before traveling with your pet on Sun Country, from in-cabin travel rules to carrier requirements and helpful travel tips. Whether you're flying cross-country for a family visit or heading out on vacation, this breakdown will give you confidence and clarity for the journey ahead.

A Pet-Friendly Approach to Travel

Sun Country Airlines offers a straightforward, no-nonsense approach to pet travel. While the airline doesn't transport animals in the cargo hold, it does allow small pets to fly in the cabin — a benefit for travelers looking for a safe, temperature-controlled environment for their animals.

This policy caters to passengers traveling with small dogs and cats, prioritizing comfort, safety, and convenience. With fewer complications and less red tape than other carriers, Sun Country's in-cabin pet policy is a welcome option for pet owners seeking a more personal travel experience.

Cabin-Only Travel: What That Means for You

Unlike some major airlines that provide cargo options for large pets, the Sun Country Airlines Pet Policy is focused exclusively on in-cabin pet travel. This means your pet must be small enough to fit comfortably in an airline-approved carrier that can slide beneath the seat in front of you.

Here's what this means in practical terms:

  1. Only cats and dogs are permitted. Other animals such as birds, reptiles, or rodents are not accepted.

  2. No pets in cargo. If your pet cannot fit safely in a carrier under the seat, they cannot fly on Sun Country.

  3. One pet per passenger. Each traveler may bring one pet in one approved carrier.

  4. Limited availability. Pet slots are limited per flight, so early booking is essential.

Because pets are not transported as cargo, they're always in close proximity to their owners, which helps reduce travel-related stress and ensures the animal's well-being throughout the journey.

Carrier Requirements: Choosing the Right Fit

Under the Sun Country Pet Policy, your pet must remain in a soft-sided, airline-approved carrier for the duration of the flight. The carrier itself should meet specific criteria to ensure it fits securely under the seat and provides your pet enough room to turn around and lie down.

Carrier Guidelines:

  1. Soft-sided only: Hard-shell carriers are not permitted.

  2. Must fit under the seat: The dimensions should comply with under-seat storage requirements.

  3. Ventilation required: Your carrier must allow for airflow on at least two sides.

  4. Secure enclosure: Zippers or closures must be secure enough to prevent escape.

It's also important that your pet is able to stand up and turn around within the carrier. Cramped conditions can lead to anxiety and discomfort, so always test your carrier at home before the travel date.

Booking Your Pet's Spot on the Flight

Sun Country does not automatically include pets as part of a reservation. You must contact the airline directly to add your pet to the booking. Since there is a cap on the number of pets allowed per flight, reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Steps to Reserve:

  1. Book your own ticket first. Secure your seat through Sun Country's website or customer service line.

  2. Call to add your pet. Contact Sun Country Reservations to request a pet spot.

  3. Pay the pet fee. The in-cabin pet travel fee is due at the time of booking.

Planning ahead is essential here. Last-minute reservations may not be possible if the pet limit has already been reached. Booking early increases your chances of traveling with your pet on your desired flight.

Behavior and Health Standards for Traveling Pets

Sun Country Airlines expects that pets traveling in the cabin are healthy, non-aggressive, and well-behaved. While there is no official requirement for a health certificate on domestic flights, it is your responsibility to ensure your pet is travel-ready.

Behavioral Expectations:

  1. Pets must remain quiet and contained during the flight.

  2. Animals showing signs of distress or aggression may be denied boarding.

  3. The carrier must stay closed and under the seat at all times.

It's strongly recommended that you consult your veterinarian before traveling. Even if no documentation is required, a quick check-up can help ensure your pet is healthy and fit for air travel. If your pet has anxiety or motion sickness, your vet may suggest calming strategies or medications.

Pet Fee and Baggage Considerations

Traveling with a pet under the Sun Country Airlines Pet Policy involves an additional fee, which must be paid at the time of booking. While the pet carrier counts as a personal item, you are still allowed to bring one standard carry-on or checked bag, depending on your ticket class and baggage allowance.

Key Points:

  1. In-cabin pet fee applies per flight segment.

  2. Carrier counts as your personal item.

  3. Standard baggage rules still apply.

To avoid surprises at the airport, review Sun Country's baggage policy alongside the pet travel rules. Packing smartly can help you stay within your limits while still bringing what you and your pet need.

Restrictions and Limitations to Note

Not all routes, seats, or circumstances are pet-friendly. Sun Country Airlines imposes specific restrictions to ensure safety and comfort for all passengers onboard.

Important Restrictions:

  1. No exit row or bulkhead seating with pets.

  2. No international pet travel. Pets are only allowed on domestic flights.

  3. No emotional support animals classified as pets. Service animals are subject to separate rules.

If your trip involves a connection or a destination outside the U.S., it's important to note that Sun Country's pet policy does not extend beyond domestic borders. In those cases, alternative travel arrangements may be necessary.

Preparing Your Pet for the Flight

Once you've secured your pet's spot on the flight, it's time to start prepping them for the journey. The calmer and more accustomed your pet is to the travel environment, the easier the flight will be for everyone involved.

Helpful Travel Tips:

  1. Practice with the carrier. Allow your pet to spend time in the carrier at home.

  2. Take short drives. Acclimate your pet to confined travel environments.

  3. Feed them early. Avoid giving food or water just before the flight to minimize motion sickness.

  4. Bring familiar items. A blanket or toy from home can comfort your pet.

Getting your pet used to the sights and sounds of a busy airport can also go a long way. Visit the airport a few days before the flight, if possible, or simulate travel conditions to build familiarity.

The Sun Country Advantage: Simplicity and Safety

The Sun Country Pet Policy stands out for its simplicity. By allowing only small pets in the cabin and eliminating the risks associated with cargo travel, the airline offers a straightforward process that benefits both passengers and animals.

While there are clear limitations — such as the absence of international pet travel or cargo options — the focused nature of the policy makes it easier to understand and follow. For pet owners flying domestically with small dogs or cats, this can translate to fewer complications and more peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Traveling with your pet doesn't have to be a logistical nightmare. With the Pet Policy of Sun Country Airlines , small pet owners have a clear, well-defined path for bringing their furry companions on board. By sticking to cabin-only travel, Sun Country keeps things simple and safe for pets, owners, and fellow travelers alike.

From understanding carrier requirements to securing your reservation and prepping for the journey, being informed is the key to a smooth experience. With a bit of planning and the right mindset, flying with your pet on Sun Country can be just another part of the adventure.

Whether it's a vacation, a family visit, or a move across the country, the Sun Country Pet Policy supports the idea that travel is better when shared — even with four-legged friends.