Sunwing Airlines Baggage Fees: How to Save Money

For many Canadians, Sunwing Airlines is their go-to airline when it comes to booking tropical getaways, especially in the middle of our harsh winters. While their vacation packages and cruise packages are convenient, passengers should be aware of any potential Sunwing baggage fees so they don’t run into any unexpected expenses.

Let’s take a look at Sunwing Airlines, their baggage fees, and how you can save money on baggage for your next Sunwing flight or vacation.

Sunwing Airlines Overview

Sunwing Airlines is well known for providing vacation packages to tropical destinations, including the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. While they do offer flight-only bookings, many passengers find it convenient to book a vacation package all at once, and as a result, look to Sunwing for that convenience.

Sunwing departs from 33 Canadian airports, often including smaller regional airports, making it a simple option for many passengers who are looking to get away for a tropical vacation.

Sunwing Airlines Cabin Baggage Fees

Sunwing passengers are allowed to carry on one personal item, free of charge. Personal items can include things such as a purse, handbag, messenger bag, briefcase, laptop bag, a small backpack or duffel, or a camera bag. Parents traveling with infants are able to bring a diaper bag as well, provided it complies with the dimensions below.

While personal items do not have any weight restrictions, they must be smaller than 40 cm by 25 cm by 16 cm (or 16 inches by 10 inches by 6 inches). All personal items must be able to fit under the seat in front of the passenger.

On the other hand, carry-on baggage is not free on Sunwing and passengers will be charged $25 per item, per direction. Carry-on baggage is to be placed in the overhead bin and must weigh less than 11 lbs (5 kg) and be smaller than 51 cm by 40 cm by 23 cm (or 20 inches by 16 inches by 9 inches). The fee for all carry-on baggage is the same whether you purchase it in advance or on the day of departure at the airport.

Carry on items may include a small suitcase, duffel bag, or backpack. Note that any carry-on bags that exceed the limits posted above may need to be checked at the discretion of the airline, and if so, additional fees will be charged. Note that the size restrictions include the full dimensions of the carry-on bag, including wheels and handles.

Sunwing Airlines Checked Baggage Fees

By booking a Sunwing Vacation or Sunwing Cruise package, all passengers will receive a complimentary checked baggage allowance and have their first checked bag free of charge (except for Florida vacation packages). This is an excellent perk, as the savings can add up as opposed to paying for all baggage outright, like on Flair Airlines.

While the first checked bag is free for each passenger on a vacation package booking, there are still size and weight restrictions. Each bag cannot be any heavier than 50 lbs (23kg) and must be smaller than 158 cm (62 inches) in total dimension when considering length, height, and width. If the bag is heavier or larger than these maximums, it will be considered an oversized bag and there will be a charge of $115, in each direction of travel.

If the passenger is not flying on a vacation package booking, the first checked bag can be purchased online in advance at a cost of $50 each way (greater than 48 hours before departure). If the checked bag is purchased at the airport, or within 48 hours of departure, the cost will be $70 each way.

Passengers can also check a second and third bag if desired, following the same maximum weight and size requirements. Excess baggage fees are substantial, growing to $90 for the second bag and $120 for the third bag, so be aware before you commit to flying with multiple bags. Refer to the table below for additional details surrounding pricing:

How to Save Money on Sunwing Baggage Fees

Logically, the best way to save on Sunwing baggage fees is to book a vacation package and fly with only a personal item and a complimentary checked bag, no different than how you can save money on Air Transat baggage fees. This would result in each passenger paying zero dollars in fees, but means you are limited as to what you can bring on board. Not to mention, there is always the risk of lost checked baggage.

Alternatively, for flight only passengers (e.g. a passenger who has not booked a Sunwing Vacations package), the best option would be to fly with carry-on only, a similar method to saving money on Swoop baggage fees. This is because checked baggage is double the cost of a carry-on bag. Traveling light will always save you money, and is something you should keep in mind for all flights.

If you don’t already have a great carry-on bag for all of your vacations, it would be worth picking one up as it can save you a significant amount of money over years of travel.

Conclusion

If you have a trip planned with Sunwing Airlines, being aware of potential baggage costs can go a long way in ensuring you aren’t surprised in regard to any unexpected expenses. It is really nice that Sunwing offers the first checked bag free on their vacation packages, and as a result, many families will be able to save on baggage fees that they would most likely have to pay with other carriers.