SunExpressXQ

SunExpress is a Turkish-German leisure airline founded in 1989 as a joint venture between Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, with each holding a 50% stake. Headquartered in Antalya, Turkey, the airline specializes in connecting European cities—particularly in Germany—with Turkish resort destinations along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts.

As a hybrid leisure carrier (not a low-cost airline), SunExpress offers a middle ground between budget carriers and traditional full-service airlines. The airline operates one of the largest fleets dedicated to the Germany-Turkey market, making it the dominant carrier for holiday traffic between the two countries. SunExpress also serves the UK, Scandinavia, Austria, Switzerland, and other European markets with routes to Turkish beach destinations.

SunExpress is not a member of any airline alliance, but benefits from its parent companies' networks. Passengers can earn miles through the SunExpress Miles program or credit flights to Lufthansa's Miles & More program, providing flexibility for frequent travelers in either ecosystem.

SunExpress uses a fare-based baggage system with three fare types: SunEco, SunClassic, and SunPremium.

Carry-On Allowance

Personal Item (all fares):

• Dimensions: 40 x 30 x 15 cm (16 x 12 x 6 in)
• Must fit under the seat in front of you
• Examples: Small handbag, laptop bag, small backpack

Cabin Bag (all fares):

• Dimensions: 55 x 40 x 23 cm (22 x 16 x 9 in) including handles and wheels
• Weight limit: 8 kg (18 lbs)
• Must fit in overhead bin

Fare	Personal Item	Cabin Bag	Total Weight
SunEco	1	1	8 kg
SunClassic	1	1	8 kg
SunPremium	1	1	8 kg

Note: Carry-on allowance is the same across all fare types. The difference is in checked baggage.

Checked Baggage by Fare Type

SunEco (lowest fare):

Feature	Allowance
Checked bags included	None
First bag (if purchased)	EUR 25-45 (~$27-49) depending on route and timing
Weight limit	20 kg (44 lbs)
Notes	Purchase online for best price

SunClassic (standard fare):

Feature	Allowance
Checked bags included	1 bag
Weight limit	20 kg (44 lbs)
Additional bag	EUR 40-60 (~$43-65)
Notes	Standard fare for most travelers

SunPremium (flexible fare):

Feature	Allowance
Checked bags included	1 bag
Weight limit	30 kg (66 lbs)
Additional bag	EUR 40-60 (~$43-65)
Notes	Higher weight allowance, more flexibility

Standard Size: 158 cm (62 in) linear dimensions maximum (length + width + height)

Overweight & Oversized Fees

Condition	Fee
Overweight (per kg over)	EUR 15 (~$16) per kg at airport
Over 32 kg (70 lbs)	Not accepted

Important: Overweight fees charged at the airport can add up quickly. Stay within your allowance or upgrade your baggage package online.

Purchasing Additional Baggage

When Purchased	Typical Price (20 kg bag)
At booking	EUR 25-35 (~$27-38)
After booking (online)	EUR 30-45 (~$33-49)
At airport	EUR 45-60 (~$49-65)

Always book baggage online. Airport prices are significantly higher, and availability is not guaranteed during peak season.

Special Items

Item	Fee (Online)	Notes
Golf clubs	EUR 60 (~$65)	One bag, max 20 kg
Skis/Snowboard	EUR 40 (~$43)	One pair, max 20 kg
Surfboard	EUR 60 (~$65)	Max 200 cm length
Bicycle	EUR 60 (~$65)	Properly packed, max 32 kg
Stroller	Free	Gate-check available
Car seat	Free	For children on same booking
Wheelchair	Free	Medical equipment free

Pre-book sports equipment: Fees are lower and space is guaranteed when booked in advance online.

Fees as of January 2025. Verify at sunexpress.com/baggage before traveling.

SunExpress operates an all-Boeing 737 fleet, offering a single Economy cabin with optional seat upgrades for extra legroom.

Fleet

Aircraft	Routes	Notes
Boeing 737-800	All routes	Primary workhorse, 189 seats
Boeing 737 MAX 8	Longer routes	Newest aircraft, improved efficiency, 189 seats

Economy Class

Feature	Specification
Seat pitch	29-30" (74-76 cm)
Seat width	17.2" (44 cm)
Configuration	3-3
Recline	Standard

Standard Economy Features:

• All-leather seats
• Seat pocket with safety card and in-flight magazine
• Overhead reading lights and air vents
• No seatback entertainment screens

Extra Legroom Seats

Available for purchase on all flights:

Feature	Specification
Pitch	Up to 34" (86 cm)
Location	Exit rows and front cabin
Price	EUR 15-45 depending on route

XL Seat Benefits:

• Significantly more legroom
• Priority disembarkation (front rows)
• More recline space

Entertainment

SunExpress does not offer seatback entertainment screens. Instead:

• Streaming entertainment: Available via SunExpress app (download before flight)
• Personal devices: Use your own phone, tablet, or laptop
• Content: Movies, TV shows, music, games
• WiFi: Not available on most aircraft

Tip: Download entertainment content to your device before boarding, as WiFi is not available for streaming.

Catering

Complimentary:

• Water service on all flights
• Light snack on longer flights (varies by route)

Buy-on-Board Menu:

• Hot and cold meals: EUR 8-15
• Snacks and sandwiches: EUR 3-8
• Soft drinks: EUR 2-4
• Alcoholic beverages: EUR 4-7
• Turkish specialties available (borek, Turkish coffee, tea)

Pre-Order Meals:

• Available for booking in advance
• Guaranteed availability on busy flights
• Special dietary options (vegetarian, halal) with advance notice

Duty-Free Sales:

• Available on international flights
• Perfume, cosmetics, accessories, Turkish delights
• Tax-free prices on board

Booking

• Compare fares carefully: SunEco looks cheap but adding bags often makes SunClassic better value
• Book direct: sunexpress.com often has the same prices as OTAs but better service options
• Flexible dates: Tuesday and Wednesday flights are typically cheapest
• Peak season: Book Turkey summer flights 3-6 months ahead—prices rise significantly
• Check both currencies: Prices in EUR and TRY can differ; compare both

Baggage

• SunEco reality check: If you need checked bags, SunClassic is almost always better value
• Book online: Airport baggage fees are 50-100% higher than online
• Weight strictly enforced: Turkish airport staff enforce limits—stay under or pay per-kg fees
• Sports equipment: Pre-book to guarantee space, especially for golf clubs in summer

At the Airport

• Antalya crowds: Summer arrivals at AYT can have long immigration queues—be patient
• Online check-in: Opens 72 hours before (longer than most airlines)—take advantage
• Early arrival: Allow 3 hours for international departures in peak season
• Turkish airports: Efficient security but can be crowded

In-Flight

• Download entertainment: No seatback screens—load content on your device before departure
• Buy-on-board: Turkish specialties are worth trying (Turkish tea, borek, Turkish delight)
• XL seats: Exit rows offer significantly more legroom for reasonable prices
• Water: Free water is provided, but other drinks cost extra

Maximizing Value

• Miles & More or SunExpress Miles: If you fly Lufthansa Group frequently, credit to Miles & More; otherwise, build SunExpress status
• Seasonal patterns: Shoulder season (April-May, October) offers best value to Turkish resorts
• Package deals: SunExpress offers flight + hotel packages that can be excellent value
• Turkish Airlines connection: For complex itineraries, SunExpress + Turkish Airlines works well

Common Issues

• No alliances: Despite Lufthansa ownership, SunExpress is not in Star Alliance—no standard alliance benefits
• Limited flexibility: SunEco fares have almost no change options
• No WiFi: Most aircraft don't have connectivity—plan accordingly
• Peak season pricing: Summer prices to Turkey can triple versus winter
• Different terminals: Check which terminal at multi-terminal airports (especially Frankfurt)

Currency Tips

• Turkey pricing: Can book in TRY if Turkish Lira is weak
• EUR vs TRY: Compare prices in both currencies—exchange rate fluctuations can create deals
• Payment methods: Credit cards widely accepted; Turkish cards may have better rates for TRY bookings