Sunwing Airlines Baggage Policy
Below is the baggage policy for Sunwing Airlines, a Canadian leisure carrier, for travel up to May 28, 2025. As of May 29, 2025, Sunwing Airlines will fully integrate with WestJet, and all flights will operate under WestJet’s baggage policy (one free personal item and carry-on, with checked bag fees starting at $35 for last-minute bookings, or free for early bookings). This policy covers carry-on and checked baggage allowances, fees, and restrictions for domestic and international flights, including vacation and cruise packages. Allowances and fees vary by fare type, destination, and booking date. Policies for codeshare or WestJet-operated flights (flight number starting with WS) follow WestJet’s rules. Note: Information is accurate as of July 2025, based on available sources.
Carry-On Baggage
All passengers are allowed one personal item free of charge and one carry-on bag for a fee, with strict size and weight limits enforced at check-in or the gate. Oversized/overweight bags may be gate-checked with additional fees.
- Personal Item:
- Dimensions: Max 23 x 28 x 13 cm (9 x 11 x 5 in).
- Examples: Purse, laptop bag, small backpack, camera bag, messenger bag.
- No weight limit specified, must fit under the seat.
- Free of charge for all passengers.
- Carry-On Bag:
- Dimensions: Max 23 x 40 x 51 cm (9 x 16 x 20 in), including wheels/handles.
- Weight: Max 5 kg (11 lbs).
- Fee: $25 CAD per direction (tax included), same whether pre-purchased or paid at the airport.
- Examples: Small suitcase, duffel bag, backpack.
- Infants (8 Days–2 Years, No Seat):
- 1 diaper bag: Free, no specific size/weight limit, for in-flight necessities.
- 1 stroller, car seat, or playpen: Free, checked at no cost.
- Notes:
- Enforcement: Strict at major airports (e.g., Toronto YYZ, Cancún CUN); bags may be weighed or sized. Non-compliant bags are checked with fees.
- Liquids/gels: Max 100 ml per container in a 1-quart resealable bag, per Transport Canada/CATSA rules.
- Prohibited items: Hoverboards, Segways, e-bikes, smart bags with non-removable lithium batteries, flammable materials, explosives.
- Special equipment (e.g., CPAP): Requires prior approval; contact at least 72 hours before departure.
- Bulkhead seats: No under-seat storage; all bags must go in overhead bins during takeoff/landing.
Checked Baggage
Checked baggage allowances vary by fare type, destination, and whether part of a Sunwing Vacation or Cruise package. Bags must not exceed 23 kg (50 lbs) and 158 cm (62 in) in total dimensions (length + width + height), except for Elite Plus fares (30 kg/65 lbs).
Fare Type/Destination |
Allowance |
Max Weight/Dimensions |
Fees (One-Way, CAD) |
Sunwing Vacation/Cruise Package (Excl. Florida, U.S.) |
1 bag free |
23 kg (50 lbs), 158 cm (62 in) |
Free |
Elite Plus (Vacation/Cruise, Excl. U.S.) |
1 bag free |
30 kg (65 lbs), 158 cm (62 in) |
Free |
Flight-Only, Florida, U.S. Packages |
No free allowance |
23 kg (50 lbs), 158 cm (62 in) |
$50 (pre-purchased), $70 (airport) |
2nd Checked Bag (All Fares) |
N/A |
23 kg (50 lbs), 158 cm (62 in) |
$70 (pre-purchased), $90 (airport) |
3rd+ Checked Bag (All Fares) |
N/A |
23 kg (50 lbs), 158 cm (62 in) |
$120 |
Infants (No Seat) |
1 stroller/car seat/playpen |
No weight limit |
Free |
Notes:
- Pre-Purchase: Save $5–$20 by pre-purchasing baggage at least 48 hours before departure via “Manage My Booking” or 1-877-SUNWING.
- WestJet-Operated Flights: If the flight number starts with WS, WestJet’s policy applies (no free checked bags unless booked early). Check your itinerary.
- Fragile/Valuable Items: Not recommended in checked baggage; Sunwing is not liable for damage to electronics, jewelry, or poorly packed items.
- Check-In Deadlines: 60 minutes before departure (domestic/international). Arrive 3 hours early for international flights.
Excess Baggage Fees
Fees apply for baggage exceeding weight or size limits, charged per bag or per kilogram. Pre-purchase online for savings.
- Overweight/Oversized:
- 23–32 kg (50–70 lbs) or 158–203 cm (62–80 in): $115 CAD per bag, one-way.
- Over 32 kg or 203 cm: Not accepted; must be shipped as cargo.
- Notes:
- Fees are cumulative with standard baggage fees (e.g., 2nd bag of 25 kg = $90 + $115).
- Max 20 bags per passenger, subject to space availability.
Special Items
Special items are subject to fees and restrictions, often requiring prior notification.
- Sports Equipment:
- Items: Golf clubs (max 20 kg, 14 clubs + 12 balls + shoes), bicycles (1 per person), scuba/snorkeling equipment, kiteboards, fishing rods, skis/snowboards.
- Fee: $75 CAD per direction (tax included), in addition to checked baggage allowance.
- Conditions: Must be packed properly; oversized/overweight fees apply if exceeding 20 kg or 158 cm.
- Musical Instruments:
- Within carry-on limits (23 x 40 x 51 cm, 5 kg): Counts as carry-on, $25 fee.
- Checked: Counts as checked baggage, subject to standard/excess fees.
- Extra seat: Contact Sunwing for pricing and availability.
- Pets:
- In-cabin: Small cats/dogs in carriers (max 23 x 40 x 51 cm, 5 kg including pet), $95 CAD one-way. Limited to 4 carriers per flight.
- Checked: Not allowed in cargo hold.
- Service animals: Free in cabin with prior approval and documentation.
- Mobility Equipment: Wheelchairs, medical devices (e.g., CPAP) free, no weight/size limit, with prior notification (72 hours). Requires a doctor’s letter and limited release form.
- Infant Items: Strollers, car seats, playpens free when checked, no weight limit.
Lost, Damaged, or Delayed Baggage
Procedures for handling baggage issues are outlined below.
- Reporting: File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airport’s Baggage Service desk. Track via the WorldTracer system .
- Claims: Submit within 7 days for damage, 21 days for delay, 30 days for loss, up to 1,131 SDRs (approx. $1,800 USD) per Montreal Convention.
- Liability: Sunwing is not liable for damage due to inherent defects, poor packing, or fragile items (e.g., electronics, glassware).
- Recommendations: Purchase baggage insurance, label bags, use locks, and pack valuables/medications in carry-on.
Additional Notes
- Fare Types:
- Economy: Standard fare, no free checked bags for flight-only or U.S. packages.
- Elite Plus: Includes priority services, increased baggage allowance (30 kg), and exit-row seating for a fee.
- WestJet Integration: From May 29, 2025, all flights operate under WestJet’s policy: 1 free personal item (23 x 28 x 13 cm), 1 free carry-on (23 x 40 x 51 cm, 5 kg), and 1 free checked bag (23 kg) for Sunwing Vacation packages booked at least 2 months in advance. Last-minute checked bags start at $35 CAD.
- Check-In: Online check-in opens 24 hours and closes 60 minutes before departure. Airport check-in closes 60 minutes before departure. Arrive 3 hours early for international flights.
- Recommendations: Pre-purchase baggage to save up to $20. Check flight operator (Sunwing WG or WestJet WS) in your itinerary. Use a baggage scale to avoid fees. Pack soft-sided bags for flexibility with size limits.