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

Hawaiian: 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm), up to 25 lb (11.3 kg). Sun Country: 24 × 16 × 11 in (61 × 41 × 28 cm), up to 35 lb (15.9 kg). Sun Country allows the larger bag.

Where do Hawaiian and Sun Country fly from?

Hawaiian's main hubs are Honolulu (HNL). Sun Country's are Minneapolis (MSP). The better pick is often whichever flies nonstop from your airport.

Are Hawaiian and Sun Country partners?

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

HA vs SY · 2026 comparison

Hawaiian vs Sun Country

Q: Do Hawaiian and Sun Country include a carry-on on basic economy?

Hawaiian: A carry-on and personal item come with Main Cabin fares; check your Basic fare's details when booking. Sun Country: Fares include only a personal item. Buying a carry-on early is cheapest.

Hawaiian wins on a carry-on on its cheapest fare; Sun Country wins on a bigger carry-on, a more generous carry-on weight limit 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

Hawaiian

Wins 1 category

A carry-on on its cheapest fare

Sun Country

Wins 3 categories

A bigger carry-on
A more generous carry-on weight limit
Cheaper checked bags

Quick verdict

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

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

Side by side

	Hawaiian	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	25 lb (11.3 kg)	35 lb (15.9 kg)
Personal item	Must fit under the seat	17 × 13 × 9 in
First checked bag (regular economy)	$45	$34–$45
Network
Alliance	oneworld	None
Loyalty program	Atmos Rewards	Sun Country Rewards
Main hubs	HNL	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

Hawaiian 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.

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

Carry-on weight limits: 25 lb (11.3 kg) on Hawaiian, 35 lb (15.9 kg) on Sun Country.

Personal items: anything that fits under the seat on Hawaiian, and 17 × 13 × 9 in (43 × 33 × 23 cm) on Sun Country.

A first checked bag on Hawaiian costs $45 on flights between Hawaii and North America, and a first checked bag on Sun Country costs $34–$45 on all Sun Country flights.

Basic economy

Hawaiian (Main Cabin Basic): A carry-on and personal item come with Main Cabin fares; check your Basic fare's details when booking.

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

Loyalty and where they fly

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

Loyalty programs: Atmos Rewards (Hawaiian) and Sun Country Rewards (Sun Country).

Hawaiian's main hubs are Honolulu (HNL). 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 Hawaiian if you want…

a carry-on on its cheapest fare
to earn and use oneworld miles and status
nonstops from HNL

Choose Sun Country if you want…

a bigger carry-on
a more generous carry-on weight limit
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.