Sun Country Seat Selection & Seat Upgrade Guide

Sun Country keeps base fares lower by charging separately for extras, and seat selection is one of them. What you pay depends on
where you want to sit, which route you are on, and how early you choose.

Last Updated: May 2026 

Quick Answer: Can You Choose Your Seat on Sun Country?

Yes. Sun Country allows seat selection during booking, after booking through My Trips, and at check-in. Most seats cost extra, Sun Country is a low-cost carrier and seat selection is treated as a paid add-on on most fares. If you skip selection, a seat is assigned automatically at check-in, often toward the back or in the middle.

How Does Sun Country Seat Selection Work?

Sun Country follows a low-cost model where seat selection is separate from the base fare. You choose your seat during booking, or add it later through My Trips. Prices vary based on seat type, route, and timing. The later you select, the fewer good seats remain and prices can be higher closer to departure.

You can select your seat:

  • During booking → Best seat availability
  • After booking through My Trips → Good option if plans change
  • During online check-in → Limited seats left
  • At the airport → Last available options only

Waiting longer usually means fewer choices.

Is Sun Country Seat Selection Free or Paid?

Sun Country follows a low-cost model, so advance seat selection is typically paid.

If you do not pay to choose a seat:

  • The airline assigns one automatically during check-in
  • Groups may not sit together
  • Better seats are usually already taken

For travelers who do not care where they sit, skipping seat selection can save money.

How Sun Country Pricing Actually Works

Sun Country keeps ticket prices low by unbundling extras. Seat selection is one of those extras.

  • Base fare → flight only, nothing extra
  • Seat selection → purchased separately
  • Better seats → higher cost

This is why Sun Country fares often look cheaper upfront. The real total depends on what you choose to add.

What Seat Types Does Sun Country Offer?

Sun Country has three seat categories. Price and comfort increase as you move forward or into exit rows.

Standard Seats : Regular economy seats across the cabin. The lowest-cost option — works well for short flights, budget travelers, and solo travelers who are not particular about location.

Better Seats (Front Cabin):  Seats closer to the front. Faster exit, easier bin access, and more convenience on arrival. Cost more than standard seats.

Extra Legroom Seats : Exit row seats with additional space. Best for taller travelers and longer flights. Usually the most expensive economy option. Exit row safety criteria apply.

Sun Country Seat Types at a Glance

Seat TypeBest ForCost Pattern
StandardBudget travel, short flightsLowest
Better SeatsFaster exit, convenienceMid-range
Extra LegroomComfort, longer routesHighest

What Most Travelers Miss About Sun Country Seat Selection

A few things that catch people off guard:

  • Base fares rarely include advance seat selection
  • Waiting until check-in means fewer choices and often a middle or rear seat
  • Travelling with others? Seats are not guaranteed together if you skip selection
  • Extra legroom seats sell out early on busy routes

 If seat location matters, selecting early is always the better option.

How Much Does Sun Country Charge for Seat Selection?

Sun Country uses dynamic pricing for seats. There is no single fixed rate — fees vary based on seat type, route, and when you select.

General pattern:

  • Standard seats → lowest cost
  • Front cabin seats → mid to higher range
  • Extra legroom seats → most expensive

Fees increase closer to departure, especially on high-demand routes.

Why Do Sun Country Seat Prices Change?

Seat pricing works similarly to baggage pricing.

The airline adjusts prices based on:

  • How full the flight is
  • Popular travel dates
  • Remaining seat availability

For example: A standard aisle seat booked early may cost less than the same seat selected close to departure.

Sun Country Seat Map and Upgrade Options

The seat map is available on suncountry.com during booking and in My Trips afterward. It shows all seat types, locations, and prices before you confirm. Prices are per passenger, one way, and subject to change.

Selecting early gives you better availability, lower prices, and more control — especially if travelling with others.

Want to upgrade after booking?

You can move to a better seat at any of these stages:

  • During booking → best availability and lowest cost
  • Through My Trips → still possible, prices may be higher
  • At check-in or airport → limited availability, usually most expensive

Upgrade options typically include front cabin seats and extra legroom seats, subject to availability on your flight.

What Happens If You Don’t Select a Seat on Sun Country?

If you skip seat selection, Sun Country assigns a seat automatically at check-in based on what is available.

  • Often a middle seat or toward the rear
  • Limited choice at that stage
  • Groups and families may not be seated together

 If where you sit matters, do not leave it to check-in.

When Should You Pay for Seat Selection on Sun Country?

Not everyone needs to pay. Here is a simple guide:

Pay for a seat if:

  • Flying a longer route where comfort matters
  • Travelling with family or a group who need to sit together
  • You want extra legroom or a window or aisle seat

Skip seat selection if:

  • Short domestic flight
  • Travelling solo and seat location does not matter
  • Budget is the priority — auto-assignment at check-in works fine

How to Select Your Seat on Sun Country

During booking:

  1. Go to suncountry.com or open the app
  2. Search and select your flight
  3. Open the seat map when prompted
  4. Choose your preferred seat and confirm
  5. Pay any applicable fee

After booking:

  1. Log in and go to My Trips on suncountry.com
  2. Open your booking and access the seat map
  3. Select or change your seat
  4. Pay if applicable and confirm

At check-in: Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure. Some standard seats may become available at this stage, but options are limited on busy flights.

Best Strategy: Getting the Most from Sun Country Seat Selection

  • Select during booking for the best price and widest choice
  • Check the seat map before deciding — prices vary by row and location
  • Extra legroom seats are best for longer routes where comfort matters
  • Avoid seats directly in front of exit rows — they often have limited recline
  • Travelling with others? Select seats together in advance to avoid being split

How Sun Country Compares to Other Airlines

Sun Country is a low-cost carrier. Compared to full-service airlines like Delta Air Lines or United Airlines, Sun Country includes fewer benefits in the base fare,  seat selection being one of them. Full-service carriers may include seat selection on higher fare classes or through frequent flyer status. Sun Country does not follow this model.

This is why Sun Country tickets often appear cheaper at first glance. Once seat selection and baggage are added, the total cost can become comparable to other carriers.

What should you check before choosing a seat on Sun Country?

  • Confirm your fare type and what is included
  • Check the seat map early — prices change as availability drops
  • Always verify current pricing on suncountry.com before confirming

For baggage details, see our Sun Country baggage fees guide. For carry-on rules, check our Sun Country carry-on rules guide. For airline comparisons, visit our airline seat selection policies guide.

Final Takeaway

Sun Country seat selection is optional but rarely free. Most travelers pay for better seats, especially on longer routes. Selecting early during booking gives you the most choice and the lowest price,  waiting until check-in almost always means fewer options and less control.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I choose my seat on Sun Country?

Yes. Seat selection is available during booking, after booking through My Trips, and at online check-in 24 hours before departure. Most seats require a fee on standard fares.

Is seat selection free on Sun Country?

What seat types does Sun Country offer?

What happens if I do not choose a seat on Sun Country?

How can I upgrade my seat on Sun Country?

When is the cheapest time to select a seat on Sun Country?

Flytripinfo.com provides independent travel guidance and is not affiliated with Sun Country Airlines.

Disclaimer: All information on Flytripinfo.com is provided for general travel guidance only. Airline policies, baggage fees, and allowances can change at any time without prior notice. While we strive to keep our content accurate and updated, travelers should always verify details directly with the airline before their journey. Flytripinfo.com is not responsible for any errors, delays, or decisions made based on the information provided.

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