SunExpress is an airline company established in 1989 as a joint venture between Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa. Based in Antalya, SunExpress operates scheduled and charter flights from Turkey's major holiday destinations to various cities in Europe. In addition to Turkey, the airline uses Frankfurt and Izmir in Germany as operational bases. With the IATA code XQ and ICAO code SXS, SunExpress operates a modern and reliable fleet consisting entirely of Boeing 737 aircraft.
The fleet consists of 55 Boeing 737-800 NG and 15 Boeing 737 MAX 8 models, continuing operations with a total of 70 aircraft. Additionally, SunExpress has orders for 132 new aircraft to join the fleet. The company aims to significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions with the advanced engine technologies of these new-generation aircraft.
SunExpress is categorized as a full-service airline, carrying over 10 million passengers annually. The company offers a wide service network with flights to 90 destinations in 70 countries. With more than 4,200 employees, SunExpress provides comfortable and safe travel experiences to its passengers, operating independently of airline alliances. One of its standout features is the frequent flights to holiday destinations and its customer-focused service approach.
SunExpress is an airline company that establishes a strong air bridge between Turkey and Europe, operating flights to over 30 countries. SunExpress, which organizes frequent flights to European countries such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, serves a total of 90 destinations. Among the airline's main service areas, Turkey's holiday paradises such as Antalya, Izmir, and Bodrum hold significant importance, while direct flights are also offered to major cities in Europe.
Antalya and Izmir are important hub points for SunExpress, providing direct connections to many points in Europe from these cities. This offers passengers extensive transfer opportunities. Thanks to its partnership with Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines, the company also offers more destination options to its passengers through codeshare agreements. Among the seasonal summer routes offered, flights to the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts are particularly popular. With this strategic network, SunExpress offers attractive options for both vacationers and business travelers.
SunExpress - Baggage Policy
Hand Luggage / Cabin Baggage: When traveling with SunExpress, your cabin baggage allowance may vary depending on the SunFare package. Generally, each passenger can carry cabin baggage up to 8 kg and measuring 55x40x23 cm. Additionally, the SunLight package includes a personal item up to 4 kg under the seat, while this right is automatically included in other packages.Checked Baggage: SunExpress's checked baggage allowances vary for international and domestic flights. On international flights, there is no checked baggage allowance with the SunLight package, while the SunValue and SunEco+ packages offer up to 20 kg, and on some routes, up to 30 kg. With the SunComfort package, you have a checked baggage allowance of 25 kg or up to 35 kg on some routes. For domestic flights within Turkey, the SunValue and SunEco+ packages offer 15 kg, while the SunComfort package offers 25 kg of checked baggage allowance. You can make additional purchases in advance for extra baggage needs.Special Baggage: Special items such as sports equipment and musical instruments can be transported with SunExpress for specific fees. A special fee is applied per piece for sports equipment like skiing and golf up to 30 kg. For example, golf equipment can be transported starting from €39.99 for up to 23 kg. Musical instruments can also be transported as checked baggage. Baby strollers are accepted free of charge.
SunExpress - Check-in & Seat Selection
Check-in Options: SunExpress offers the opportunity to check in online for your trip, starting 24 hours before your flight and continuing until departure. You can check in quickly and easily via the SunExpress App or sunexpress.com. At the airport, you can check in via kiosks and counters, but these processes close 60-90 minutes before departure. You can keep your boarding pass on your mobile device, digitally via email, or in printed format. The automatic check-in feature can make your travel even easier.Seat Selection: Seat selection on SunExpress may be free or paid depending on the fare you purchased. Some SunFares packages include free seat selection, while others may require an additional fee for seat selection. Free seat selection is possible during online check-in, but early booking is recommended. Premium seat options provide advantages such as extra legroom or emergency exit row seats and are generally subject to an additional fee. Highlighted seats offer extra legroom, making your flight more comfortable. The standard economy seat pitch offers comfort with a range of 76-81 cm.
SunExpress - Meal Service
During your journey with SunExpress, complimentary meal service is not provided in the economy class. All food and beverages can be purchased from the SunCafé menu. The menu includes a variety of sandwiches, hot meals, light snacks, and cold/hot beverages (excluding water). Complimentary water is offered on domestic flights. Meal service is chargeable on both short-haul and long-haul flights; there is no free option available. SunExpress does not have a business class, only economy class service is provided. There are no options in the standard menu for special dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher) and no guarantees regarding allergens. It is recommended to prepare with a doctor's report before travel. There is no pre-order option for meals; you can place your orders with the cabin crew on the plane. You can find the SunCafé menu in your seat pocket and choose from the varieties that vary according to the flight.
SunExpress - Loyalty Program
SunExpress's loyalty program XQMiles offers passengers the opportunity to make their flights more rewarding. With XQMiles, mile accumulation is calculated based on the distance you fly and your cabin class. There is also the chance to accumulate miles from partners like the Lufthansa Group and Miles&More, as well as with certain credit cards. You can use the miles you earn for tickets, cabin upgrades, or discounts at SunCafé on SunExpress flights. Membership tiers are ranked as Classic, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. From the Silver level onwards, benefits such as extra baggage allowance (23 kg), lounge access, and priority boarding are offered, while the Platinum level includes additional benefits such as business lounge access and free seat selection. The program also includes partnerships with airlines like Lufthansa, Swiss, and Austrian, and credit card partnerships with German banks.
SunExpress - Travel Classes
SunClassic: The SunClassic package with SunExpress offers a basic flight experience. This package generally includes hand luggage allowance and standard seat selection. Meal and beverage service may typically be subject to an additional fee. Flexibility for changes and cancellations may be limited, so caution is advised if your travel plans lack flexibility.SunPremium: The SunPremium package is ideal for passengers seeking more comfort and flexibility. This package may include additional baggage allowance, the freedom to choose seats, and complimentary meal service as advantages. Additionally, the flexibility for changes and cancellations may be broader, offering a beneficial option if you need to make changes to your plans.SunElite: The SunElite package may be offered for passengers seeking the highest level of comfort and privilege. This package includes many advantages such as extended baggage allowances, priority check-in and boarding, premium meal and beverage options. The conditions for changes and cancellations are also more flexible, providing great convenience to passengers.
SunExpress - Cancellation & Changes
Cancellation Conditions: SunExpress's ticket cancellation conditions vary depending on the ticket package you purchased. For example, SunEco and promotional tickets are generally non-refundable. Free cancellation rights are not standardly offered under the 24-hour rule, but free cancellation or changes can be made with PNR on sunexpress.com during certain periods and routes. Cancellation processes must be completed at least 6 hours before domestic flights and 48 hours before international flights. Cancellation fees range from 60-400 TL for domestic flights and €35-75 for international flights. The remaining amount after deductions is refunded, and this process must be requested within 3 months.Change Rules: For SunExpress ticket changes, date and time changes incur a fee of ₺100-€20, route changes ₺200-€40, and name changes (up to 3 letters) ₺300-€50. Changes can be made up to 24 hours before the flight time and are valid for one year for the same route. Full name changes are not possible.Refund Process: The refund process can be carried out online with your PNR number or through a representative if the ticket was purchased through an agency. Refunds are made using the original payment method, but the service fee is non-refundable. In the event of a no-show, the full fee is deducted, but compensation can be claimed.
SunExpress - Seat Comfort & Entertainment
SunExpress offers cabin comfort with an economical approach. All of its aircraft consist of Boeing 737 models and only have Economy class seats. The legroom varies between approximately 76-79 cm, while the seat width ranges from 43-46 cm. The seats have a limited recline angle. The seats are generally fabric-covered, and extra legroom options are available for passengers seeking more comfort. Reservations can be made for extra legroom, and priority seat selection is possible with "sunflex."
SunExpress offers limited in-flight entertainment services. As personal screens are not available, passengers are advised to bring their own devices. On some flights, a paid Wi-Fi service is offered, and the fee for this service varies between €5-10 depending on the flight duration. Each seat is equipped with a standard USB outlet, while electrical outlets are limited to the front rows. SunExpress does not have its own branded entertainment app, and digital content options are generally limited to a digital brochure. As there are no long-haul flights, the entertainment options on short-haul flights remain similarly minimal.
SunExpress - Special Services
Unaccompanied Minor Service: The service provided by SunExpress for children traveling alone covers children aged 5 to 12. To benefit from this service, you must check in at least two hours before your child's flight. This paid service ensures that children reach their destination safely.Pregnant Passenger Policy: SunExpress does not require any documents for pregnant passengers up to the 28th week. Pregnant passengers wishing to travel between 28 and 36 weeks must have a doctor's report. Travel is prohibited after 36 weeks.Disabled Passenger Assistance: Wheelchair and mobility assistance for disabled passengers is provided free of charge by SunExpress. Passengers wishing to use this service must notify in advance. Support is provided at the airport with an assistant.Other Services: For families traveling with infants, a limited number of bassinets may be provided free of charge in the front rows. SunPremium passengers or those paying an additional fee may have priority boarding rights. VIP/CIP services are offered at Izmir and Antalya airports, and lounge access is chargeable. All these services can be easily reserved through SunExpress's website.
SunExpress - Pet Transport Policy
Cabin Pet Transport: When traveling with SunExpress, small cats and dogs can be transported in the cabin. The total weight, including the carrier, must not exceed 8 kg, and the carrier dimensions should be approximately 55x40x23 cm. Advance reservation is required.Cargo/Baggage Compartment Transport: Larger pets must be transported in the cargo compartment. Compliance with IATA standards, a health certificate, rabies vaccination record, and microchip are mandatory. There may be restrictions for brachycephalic breeds and aggressive types.Required Documents and Rules: A valid veterinary health report and vaccination records are required for the pet's travel. Guide and support animals can be transported in the cabin free of charge with the necessary documents. It is recommended to make a reservation by calling customer service in advance for your travel.
SunExpress - Travel Tips
When traveling with SunExpress, booking your ticket in advance usually allows you to find more affordable prices. If you have flexible travel dates, you can also use this advantage to catch the best price. For a more comfortable experience during the flight, you can choose seats in the emergency exit row, benefiting from extra legroom. SunExpress passengers generally use specific terminals at the airport; therefore, it's important to check your terminal information. If you have a connecting flight, be sure to leave enough time between your flights. With the SunExpress mobile app, you can check in, track your flight status, and easily access all updates.
The information on this page about SunExpress is for general informational purposes only. Airlines may change their baggage rules, travel classes, cancellation/change policies and other services without prior notice. For the most current and accurate information, please visit the official SunExpress website. Tripuck cannot be held responsible for any changes to this information.
Hand Luggage / Cabin Baggage: When traveling with SunExpress, your cabin baggage allowance may vary depending on the SunFare package. Generally, each passenger can carry cabin baggage up to 8 kg and measuring 55x40x23 cm.
Check-in Options: SunExpress offers the opportunity to check in online for your trip, starting 24 hours before your flight and continuing until departure. You can check in quickly and easily via the SunExpress App or sunexpress.
SunExpress operates flights to 59 cities in 20 countries. Turkey, Germany, Austria are among its most popular destinations.
SunExpress ticket prices vary by route and date. The current lowest fare starts from £16. Use the search box above for the latest prices.
During your journey with SunExpress, complimentary meal service is not provided in the economy class. All food and beverages can be purchased from the SunCafé menu.
SunExpress's loyalty program XQMiles offers passengers the opportunity to make their flights more rewarding. With XQMiles, mile accumulation is calculated based on the distance you fly and your cabin class.
Cancellation Conditions: SunExpress's ticket cancellation conditions vary depending on the ticket package you purchased. For example, SunEco and promotional tickets are generally non-refundable.
Cabin Pet Transport: When traveling with SunExpress, small cats and dogs can be transported in the cabin. The total weight, including the carrier, must not exceed 8 kg, and the carrier dimensions should be approximately 55x40x23 cm.