Sun Country Airlines Pet Policy

When flying with Sun Country Airlines, it’s essential to understand how their pet policy works to ensure a smooth, stress-free journey for both you and your furry friend. The Sun Country Airlines Pet Policy is designed with simplicity and safety in mind, giving pet owners peace of mind while traveling domestically.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about bringing your pet on board with Sun Country Airlines, so you can feel fully prepared for your next trip.

Understanding the Sun Country Airlines Pet Policy

Sun Country Airlines allows small cats and dogs to travel in the cabin with their owners. Unlike some carriers that offer cargo transport for animals, Sun Country only accepts pets in the cabin, ensuring pets stay safely under the watchful eye of their owners throughout the flight. This approach minimizes risk and focuses on comfort and security, both for the pet and the passenger.

The Sun Country Airlines Pet Policy prioritizes a straightforward process, making it easier for travelers who want to bring their companions along for domestic trips across the United States.

What Pets Are Accepted on Sun Country Airlines Flights?

Only small domesticated cats and dogs are accepted under the Sun Country Pet Policy. Other animals, including birds, reptiles, rabbits, or rodents, are not permitted to fly, whether in the cabin or cargo. The airline maintains strict guidelines to ensure the cabin environment is safe, clean, and comfortable for all passengers.

Additionally, pets must be of a manageable size that fits within the approved carrier dimensions. If a pet cannot fit comfortably inside the in-cabin carrier, they will not be allowed to travel on Sun Country Airlines flights.

This focus on manageable pets helps streamline the boarding process and ensures all travelers, both human and animal, have a comfortable experience.

Carrier Requirements for Traveling Pets

Traveling with a pet on Sun Country Airlines requires an approved pet carrier that meets the airline’s specific guidelines. Choosing the right carrier is vital, as it becomes the pet’s safe space for the duration of the flight.

Carrier Guidelines Include:

• Soft-sided carriers are mandatory to allow easy placement under the seat.

• The carrier must fit completely under the seat in front of you.

• Carriers should be well-ventilated, with breathable mesh panels.

• They must be leak-proof to maintain cabin cleanliness.

• The pet must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside.

The carrier counts as your personal item onboard. Travelers can still bring one carry-on bag if their ticket type allows, but it’s important to remember that the pet carrier will take the place of the personal item like a purse or laptop bag.

Selecting a carrier that fits Sun Country’s requirements ahead of time ensures a smoother check-in and boarding experience.

Booking Your Pet’s Travel: Step-by-Step Process

Flying with a pet under the Sun Country Pet Policy involves an easy but important booking process. After you book your own seat, you must reserve a spot for your pet by contacting Sun Country Airlines directly.

Steps to Book Pet Travel:

1. Reserve your flight ticket on the Sun Country website or via customer service.

2. Call Sun Country Airlines Reservations to inform them you plan to travel with a pet.

3. Pay the pet fee at the time of adding your pet to your booking.

4. Confirm carrier compliance with the airline’s cabin guidelines.

Because Sun Country limits the number of pets allowed on each flight, it's essential to reserve early. If you wait too long, there may not be any remaining space for pets on your preferred flight.

By reserving a spot early and double-checking the carrier guidelines, you can avoid travel-day stress and focus on enjoying the journey.

Sun Country Airlines Pet Fee: Costs to Consider

When traveling with your pet, it’s important to budget for the additional pet fee. Sun Country Airlines charges a set fee per flight segment for bringing a pet onboard.

Important Points:

• The pet fee is charged per segment, not per journey.

• Fees are non-refundable.

• Payment is required at the time you reserve your pet's spot.

The pet fee covers the additional handling and accommodation considerations required for animals traveling in the cabin. While some travelers might be surprised by the extra charge, it’s a standard industry practice, and Sun Country’s fee remains competitive compared to other major airlines.

Factoring the pet fee into your overall trip budget will help you plan better and ensure there are no unexpected costs at check-in.

Airport Check-In and Boarding Procedures for Pet Travelers

Passengers traveling with pets must check in at the airport ticket counter. Online check-in is not available for travelers flying with animals.

At the airport, you should expect:

• Carrier inspection: Staff will verify that your pet carrier meets the required specifications.

• Pet behavior evaluation: The pet should be calm, well-behaved, and healthy.

• Seating assignment check: Passengers with pets cannot sit in emergency exit rows or premium seats where carriers cannot be placed under the seat.

Arriving at least two hours early for your flight is highly recommended to allow enough time for check-in, inspection, and any unexpected delays related to traveling with a pet.

In-Flight Rules for Pets and Owners

Once aboard the aircraft, it’s critical to adhere to the rules outlined in the Sun Country Pet Policy to ensure a safe flight for everyone.

Key in-flight requirements include:

• Carrier containment: Pets must remain inside the carrier at all times, with the door securely closed.

• Under-seat storage: The carrier must remain under the seat in front of you for the entire flight.

• No mid-flight removal: Passengers are not allowed to remove pets from their carriers during the flight, even briefly.

These rules prioritize the comfort of other passengers and help minimize potential disruptions. Following them closely ensures a pleasant flight for all travelers onboard.

Preparing Your Pet for Air Travel

Traveling can be stressful for pets, especially if it’s their first time flying. Preparing your pet for the trip is just as important as preparing yourself.

Preparation Tips Include:

• Familiarize your pet with their carrier in the weeks leading up to the flight.

• Exercise your pet before arriving at the airport to help them expend energy and feel more relaxed.

• Limit food and water intake before flying to prevent accidents.

• Pack essentials like waste bags, treats, and a collapsible water bowl in your carry-on.

Preparation helps ensure your pet stays calm and comfortable throughout the entire travel experience.

Health and Documentation Considerations

While Sun Country Airlines does not require a health certificate for domestic flights, pet owners should ensure their animals are healthy enough for air travel.

Consult your veterinarian if:

• Your pet has a pre-existing health condition.

• Your pet is very young, elderly, or prone to anxiety.

• You are considering sedatives or calming medications (only use if approved by a veterinarian).

Healthy, confident pets are more likely to have a positive experience flying. Keeping your pet's vaccinations up-to-date is also a responsible precaution, even if not formally required for domestic flights.

Distinction Between Pets and Service Animals

It’s important to differentiate between traveling pets and service animals. Sun Country Airlines accepts trained service animals onboard free of charge when passengers submit the required DOT paperwork. However, emotional support animals are no longer classified as service animals and must travel under the standard Sun Country Airlines Pet Policy as regular pets.

Travelers should confirm in advance which guidelines apply based on their circumstances to avoid misunderstandings at the airport.

Why Pet Owners Choose Sun Country Airlines

Sun Country Airlines has built a reputation for making pet travel straightforward and safe. The airline’s policies reflect a deep understanding of the needs of both pets and passengers.

Key reasons why travelers trust Sun Country include:

• Clear, easy-to-understand pet travel guidelines.

• Competitive pet travel fees.

• A consistent focus on pet safety and owner convenience.

• Friendly and supportive airport staff familiar with the needs of travelers flying with pets.

For those planning a domestic trip, the Sun Country Pet Policy offers a reliable, customer-first option for flying with small cats and dogs.

Conclusion: Smooth Travel with Sun Country Airlines

Bringing your pet along on a trip doesn’t have to be complicated. Thanks to the clear and simple Pet Policy of Sun Country Airlines travelers can prepare confidently, knowing what to expect at every stage of the journey. From booking to check-in to landing, the airline’s straightforward rules make traveling with small pets manageable and stress-free.

By taking the time to plan carefully, selecting the right carrier, and preparing your pet for the flight, you’ll set yourself up for a positive travel experience. Whether it’s a quick getaway or a cross-country move, Sun Country Airlines provides a welcoming and secure environment for pet lovers and their furry companions.