Traveling by air can be stressful enough without having to worry about getting a good seat. When flying with Sun Country Airlines, seat selection is an important part of trip planning that can make or break your in-flight experience. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Sun Country seat selection, from seat types and fees to tips for picking the best seats on Sun Country flights.
How Do I Select My Seat with Sun Country?
Sun Country offers a few different options for selecting your seat assignment in advance:
Online via Manage Travel
The easiest way to pick your seat is by using Sun Country’s Manage Travel tool on their website or mobile app. Here you can view the full seat map and select any available seat you want, either when booking a new flight or for an existing reservation. There is a fee for most seat selections made online.
Over the Phone
You can also select seats by calling Sun Country Reservations at 1-800-359-6786. There is a $15 phone booking fee per passenger, but agents can help you find the best remaining seats for your flight and preferences. This is a good option for complex seat requests.
At the Airport
If you didn’t select a seat assignment beforehand, you can request a seat at the airport check-in counter or kiosk. Options will be limited at that point, but agents will do their best to accommodate you. Airport seat changes incur a $25 same-day standby fee.
What is the Sun Country Seat Selection Policy?
Sun Country offers different types of seats, each with their own fees and policies:
- Standard Seats: Available for free on a first-come, first-served basis at online check-in starting 24 hours before departure. There is no advance selection option.
- Preferred Seats: exit rows and bulkhead seats with extra legroom, available for $15–50 depending on route and demand. Can be prepaid online or by phone.
- Best Seats: Same as Preferred Seats but located toward the front of the aircraft; $25–$60 fee. Advance purchase online.
- Seatstretch: Exit row seats with a full 50% more leg room, priced from $50 to $150 based on route. Online purchases only.
- Seatback: The airline’s premium cabin is near the front with extra legroom and recline. It runs $50-200 per seat, depending on the flight. Online purchases are recommended.
So in summary, you can select almost any seat in advance for an additional fee. Booking early ensures access to the best options.
How to Select the Best Seats on Sun Country Flights
Here are some tips for picking the optimal seats when flying Sun Country:
- Aim for the front cabin to get early deplaning and have the most flight attendants nearby. But these seats cost more.
- Exit rows and bulkhead seats have the most legroom, but avoid exit rows if you have kids. Also check if your row has a window; some exit rows don’t.
- Window seats are ideal for sleeping or privacy. Aisle seats make it easy to get up. Pick based on your preferences.
- SeatGuru is a great site for viewing Sun Country seat maps and reader reviews. This can help identify seats with extra room or possible downsides.
- Pay attention to exit door locations if you don’t want to be responsible for opening them.
- Avoid the last few rear rows, which get the most engine noise and lavatory traffic.
- Be sure to get seats together if traveling with family or as a group.
- Don’t stress too much over the “best” seats. Any seat can be made comfortable with headphones, pillows, and the right attitude!
Are Sun Country’s best seats worth it?
Sun Country charges varying fees for preferred seats closer to the front with extra legroom and recline. Are these premium seats worth the extra cost?
Pros:
- Exit rows provide impressive legroom—the Seatstretch option even more so. This is ideal if you are tall.
- Bulkhead and front-of-cabin seats offer easier boarding and deplaning.
- Peace of mind knowing you have an optimal seat location and comfort.
Cons:
- Fees for “best” seats can add significantly to ticket costs, especially for multiple travelers.
- “Standard” seats have decent comfort for shorter flights, which may be good enough.
- Paying more doesn’t guarantee an amazing flight experience. You can still have annoyances like crying babies nearby.
Verdict:
The extra legroom and perks of premium seats up front are worthwhile if you can afford the splurge. For longer flights or special trips, enhanced comfort goes a long way. But standard seats work fine for many travelers looking to save money, especially on shorter hops.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early can I select seats on Sun Country?
You can preselect seats for free online starting 24 hours before departure. For a fee, preferred seats can be purchased as early as booking up until 24 hours prior.
What is Sun Country’s main cabin seating?
The Main Cabin is Sun Country’s standard economy class seating with a 31″ seat pitch. These seats are available for free self-assignment at online check-in.
How much extra legroom do exit row seats have?
Standard exit row seats have 6-7 inches of extra legroom compared to the main cabin. The premium “Seatstretch” exit row option has a full 50% more legroom.
Can I still get a good seat with a basic economy fare?
Sun Country’s no-frills “Saver” basic economy fares only allow seat selection at the gate. You’re not guaranteed a good seat, but you can get lucky.
What seats allow you to recline in Sun Country?
All non-exit row seats have standard recline. The premium seatback option near the front has around 2–3 extra inches of recline.
Conclusion
Getting the right seat makes a big difference when flying Sun Country. Be sure to review the airline’s seat selection options and fees in advance and purchase your preferred seats online early for the best selection. Factors like legroom, recline, noise, and location relative to facilities are all worth considering when picking seats. For most, exit rows and front cabin seats provide the ideal experience if you can budget the additional cost. Properly setting expectations and using a few minor comforts in-flight can also go a long way towards an enjoyable trip, no matter where you sit. Safe travels!
