Below is a concise overview of Sunwing Airlines' baggage policy based on the latest available information. Policies can vary depending on whether you're booking a vacation package, cruise package, or flight-only, as well as your destination and fare type.
Carry-On Baggage
Allowance:
- Each passenger is allowed one carry-on item and one personal item free of charge.
- Carry-on: Maximum dimensions of 23 x 40 x 51 cm (9 x 16 x 20 inches), including wheels and handles, with a weight limit of 5 kg (11 lbs).
- Personal item: Maximum dimensions of 23 x 28 x 13 cm (9 x 11 x 5 inches), such as a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack. No weight restriction is specified for personal items, but they must fit under the seat.
Additional Notes:
- Carry-on items exceeding size or weight limits may need to be checked, incurring excess baggage fees.
- Passengers in bulkhead seats must stow carry-on luggage in overhead bins during takeoff and landing due to lack of under-seat storage.
- Parents traveling with infants may bring a diaper bag in addition to their carry-on allowance.
Checked Baggage
Allowance:
Vacation or Cruise Packages (excluding Florida):
- One free checked bag per passenger, up to 23 kg (50 lbs) and 158 cm (62 inches) in total linear dimensions (length + width + height).
Flight-Only or Florida Packages:
- No free checked baggage allowance; fees apply for all checked bags.
Elite Plus Passengers:
- Free checked bag allowance up to 30 kg (65 lbs) for vacation or cruise packages (excluding Florida).
Domestic Flights within Canada:
- Economy Class passengers receive one free checked bag (23 kg, 158 cm).
Fees
- First Checked Bag (flight-only or Florida packages): $25 if prepaid (up to 48 hours before departure), $30 at the airport.
- Second Checked Bag: $70 if prepaid, $90 at the airport (23 kg max).
- Third Checked Bag: $120 (23 kg max).
- Overweight/Oversized: $115 for bags 23–32 kg (50–70 lbs) or exceeding 158 cm. Bags over 32 kg or 158 cm may be rejected or require cargo service.
Special Items and Sporting Equipment
Sporting Equipment:
- Items like golf clubs, bicycles, scuba equipment, snorkeling equipment, kiteboards, fishing rods, and skis/snowboards incur a $75 fee per flight segment
Musical Instruments:
- Can be carried as carry-on if within size/weight limits or checked with applicable fees. Contact Sunwing for specific guidelines.
Medical Devices:
- CPAP machines require special arrangements and must be carried in the cabin.
Infant Equipment:
- Strollers and car seats can be checked at no cost.
Pets:
- Dogs, cats, and household birds (birds on domestic Canada flights only) are allowed in the cabin for $125 one-way (domestic) or $200 (international). The pet carrier counts as a carry-on item and must fit under the seat.
Restricted Items
Prohibited in Checked Baggage:
- Batteries and battery-powered devices (e.g., laptops, mobile phones, cameras) must be carried in the cabin.
Prohibited Entirely:
- Dangerous goods, including ammunition, bleach, combustion engines, dry ice, self-inflating devices, magnetized material, paint, propane/butane bottles, pyrotechnic equipment, smoke detectors, and lithium battery-operated vehicles. These must be declared to a Sunwing agent and cannot be carried onboard.
Shocking Devices:
- Items like stun guns or tasers are not permitted.
Lost, Delayed, or Damaged Baggage
Reporting:
- Report damaged baggage at the airport immediately for a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). If unable to report at the airport, contact Central Baggage within 7 days.
- Delayed baggage claims must be filed in writing within 21 days of receiving the bag.
- Lost baggage claims (after 21 days) must be filed within 30 days.
Tracking:
- Use the WorldTracer system to track misplaced bags, with most located within 24 hours.
Reimbursement:
- Save receipts for necessary purchases due to delayed baggage. Sunwing may cover repairs or replacement for damaged bags.
Recommendation:
- Purchase baggage insurance and lock bags, as liability is limited under Sunwing’s Conditions of Carriage and international conventions.
Tips to Save on Baggage Fees
- Book Vacation Packages: Opt for a Sunwing Vacation or Cruise package (excluding Florida) to get a free checked bag.
- Prepay Baggage: Prepay online or via the Sales Centre to reduce fees (e.g., $5 savings on first checked bag).
- Travel Light: Use a carry-on and personal item within size/weight limits to avoid fees.
- Elite Plus Seats: For flight-only bookings, consider booking Elite Plus exit-row seats ($50 each way), which include a free checked bag (23 kg) and priority services, matching the cost of a prepaid checked bag.
Additional Notes
- Policy Variations: Baggage allowances and fees may vary by route, fare type, or frequent flyer status (e.g., Sunwing Elite Plus or Elite 50K members may receive additional allowances). Always check Sunwing’s official website for route-specific details.
- Enforcement: Sunwing may strictly enforce carry-on size and weight limits, especially at certain airports. Oversized or overweight carry-ons may be checked with fees.
- WestJet Operated Flights: Some Sunwing routes may be operated by WestJet, with different seat configurations or policies (e.g., minimum age for exit row seats is 16). Check your booking details.
