Which has the bigger carry-on allowance, American or Sun Country?

American: 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm). Sun Country: 24 × 16 × 11 in (61 × 41 × 28 cm), up to 35 lb (15.9 kg). Sun Country allows the larger bag.

Do American and Sun Country include a carry-on on basic economy?

American: Basic Economy includes a full-size carry-on and a personal item. Checked bags cost extra. Sun Country: Fares include only a personal item. Buying a carry-on early is cheapest.

Are American and Sun Country partners?

They aren't in the same alliance (American: oneworld; Sun Country: none), so miles and status generally don't transfer between them.

AA vs SY · 2026 comparison

American vs Sun Country

American wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare and a more generous carry-on weight limit; Sun Country wins on a bigger carry-on and cheaper checked bags. Here's how they compare on bags, fees, comfort, reliability and loyalty.

Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction

American

Wins 2 categories

A carry-on on its cheapest fare
A more generous carry-on weight limit

Sun Country

Wins 2 categories

A bigger carry-on
Cheaper checked bags

Quick verdict

American wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare and a more generous carry-on weight limit; Sun Country wins on a bigger carry-on and cheaper checked bags. Check the cheapest fare's bag rules before you compare prices.

Carry-on size: American: 22 × 14 × 9 in · Sun Country: 24 × 16 × 11 in
Carry-on on the cheapest fare: American: Included on every fare · Sun Country: Costs extra on basic fares
First checked bag (regular economy): American: $45 · Sun Country: $34–$45

Side by side

	American	Sun Country
Bags
Carry-on size	22 × 14 × 9 in	24 × 16 × 11 in
Carry-on on the cheapest fare	Included on every fare	Costs extra on basic fares
Carry-on weight limit	None published	35 lb (15.9 kg)
Personal item	18 × 14 × 8 in	17 × 13 × 9 in
First checked bag (regular economy)	$45	$34–$45
Network
Alliance	oneworld	None
Loyalty program	AAdvantage	Sun Country Rewards
Main hubs	DFW, CLT, ORD, MIA, PHL	MSP

Highlighted values are better for travelers. Fees are for U.S. domestic economy flights; on-time data is 2025 U.S. DOT figures for each airline's own flights.

Bags and fees

American allows a carry-on up to 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm), and Sun Country up to 24 × 16 × 11 in (61 × 41 × 28 cm), so Sun Country's is roomier.

American includes it on every fare, while Sun Country charges for it on its cheapest fare.

Sun Country caps carry-ons at 35 lb (15.9 kg); American publishes no limit.

Personal items: 18 × 14 × 8 in (46 × 36 × 20 cm) on American, and 17 × 13 × 9 in (43 × 33 × 23 cm) on Sun Country.

A first checked bag on American costs $45 on U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and short-haul international flights, and a first checked bag on Sun Country costs $34–$45 on all Sun Country flights.

Basic economy

American (Basic Economy): Basic Economy includes a full-size carry-on and a personal item. Checked bags cost extra.

Sun Country (Best fare): Fares include only a personal item. Buying a carry-on early is cheapest.

Loyalty and where they fly

American is in oneworld and Sun Country is not in an alliance.

Loyalty programs: AAdvantage (American) and Sun Country Rewards (Sun Country).

American's main hubs are Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW), Charlotte (CLT), Chicago (ORD), Miami (MIA), Philadelphia (PHL). Sun Country's are Minneapolis (MSP). The best choice often comes down to which airline flies nonstop from your airport.

Which should you book?

Choose American if you want…

a carry-on on its cheapest fare
a more generous carry-on weight limit
to earn and use oneworld miles and status
nonstops from DFW, CLT, ORD

Choose Sun Country if you want…

a bigger carry-on
cheaper checked bags
nonstops from MSP

On a route both fly, the cheaper ticket isn't always the cheaper trip: add the bags you'll actually bring, and check the fare rules before you book.