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SunExpress

The Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa leisure joint venture

  • TürkiyeCountry
  • XQIATA Code
  • SXSICAO Code
  • IndependentAlliance
  • LeisureAirline Type

Guide reviewed

About SunExpress

SunExpress is a Turkish leisure airline owned jointly by Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, flying from Antalya and Izmir to Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the UK and across Turkey. Fares range from SunLight with a 4 kg cabin bag to SunComfort with up to 35 kg of checked baggage. This guide covers power bank rules, check-in, the Turkish Riviera and how it compares with Pegasus and Corendon.

Founded in 1989, the airline flies Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8 aircraft. Many of its passengers are Turkish families living in Germany and holidaymakers heading to the Mediterranean coast.

SunExpress flights to Antalya
Photo: Ant Rozetsky / Unsplash

Power Bank Rules on SunExpress

New international (ICAO) rules apply from 27 March 2026, and European airlines follow them:

  • Each passenger can carry up to two power banks, in cabin baggage only, never in checked bags.
  • Power banks cannot be recharged on board, and many airlines also ban using them to charge phones during the flight.
  • Up to 100 Wh needs no approval; 100–160 Wh needs approval from the airline. Keep them within reach, not in the overhead bin.

Check-In in Turkey

Online check-in opens 72 hours before departure. Antalya Airport is very busy in summer, so arrive at least two and a half hours before international flights. Airport check-in is included only with SunEco+ and SunComfort.

Families and Special Assistance

Infants under two travel on an adult’s lap, and pushchairs and car seats can usually be checked in free. Request wheelchairs and other special assistance at least 48 hours before the flight.

The Turkish Riviera

The airline is the easiest way to reach Turkey’s south coast:

  • Antalya, Belek, Side and Kemer have large beach resorts.
  • Dalaman is close to Fethiye and Ölüdeniz.
  • Bodrum has a lively harbour and nightlife.

How to Find Cheap SunExpress Flights

Cheap SunExpress flights: airplane flying in a blue sky
Photo: Viktor Forgacs on Unsplash
  • Compare SunLight plus a bag with SunValue, which includes 20 kg.
  • Fly in May, June or October for warm weather and lower fares.
  • Check route groups: Antalya, Bodrum and Dalaman flights have different allowances.
  • Book early for school holidays in Germany.
  • Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see its fares next to Pegasus Airlines, Corendon Airlines and others.

SunExpress vs Pegasus Airlines vs Corendon Airlines

Three airlines flying holidaymakers to Turkey.

SunExpressPegasus AirlinesCorendon Airlines
Main hubAntalyaIstanbul Sabiha GökçenAntalya
TypeLeisureLow-costLeisure
Cabin bag4–8 kg3 kg under-seat on Basic10 kg on most fares
OwnersTurkish Airlines and LufthansaListed companyCorendon Group

See our Pegasus Airlines guide and Corendon Airlines guide to compare.

Arriving in Antalya

Antalya Airport is about 13 km east of the city centre. The AntRay tram connects the airport with the city, and shuttle buses run to the beach resorts.

You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.

Is SunExpress a Good Airline?

Yes. It offers good-value flights to Turkey’s beaches, clear fare choices and the backing of Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa.

For more options, see our airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.

Facts checked in October 2026 against the SunExpress fares page. Rules change, so check the official website before you travel.

Airline Partnerships

The airline is not a member of a global airline alliance. It is jointly owned by Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa.

Codeshare & Interline Partnerships

Its owners mean it works closely with Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa on flights between Germany and Turkey.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Antalya (AYT) is the main hub, with a second hub at Izmir (ADB) and flights to Bodrum and Dalaman.

Popular SunExpress Routes

The busiest routes link Antalya and Izmir with German, Dutch, Swiss and UK cities, plus domestic flights in Turkey. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.

Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.

SunExpress Reschedule & Cancellation Policy

Fares are sold as SunLight, SunValue, SunEco+ and SunComfort. SunLight is the cheapest, with a small cabin bag only, while SunComfort includes the most baggage and the easiest rebooking.

When you change a cheaper fare, you pay a fee plus any fare difference.

  • SunLight 4 kg cabin bag only.
  • SunValue 8 kg cabin bag and a 20 kg checked bag.
  • SunEco+ 8 kg cabin bag, more baggage, seat and rebooking.
  • SunComfort The most baggage and flexibility.
  • How to change or cancel Use My Booking on the website.

SunExpress Seat Selection & Additional Services

Seats, meals and extra baggage can be added to cheaper fares. Airport check-in is included with SunEco+ and SunComfort.

Sports equipment such as golf bags can be booked in advance.

  • Seats Standard seat included on SunEco+ and SunComfort on many routes.
  • Meals Paid extra.
  • Airport check-in Included on SunEco+ and SunComfort.
  • Special assistance Request wheelchairs and other help at least 48 hours ahead.

SunExpress Baggage Allowance

SunLight includes one cabin bag of up to 4 kg. All other fares include an 8 kg cabin bag.

Checked baggage ranges from 20 kg on SunValue to 25–35 kg on SunComfort, depending on the route. Flights to and from Antalya, Bodrum and Dalaman have different allowances from other routes.

  • SunLight 4 kg cabin bag; no checked bag.
  • SunValue 8 kg cabin bag and 20 kg checked.
  • SunEco+ 8 kg cabin bag and 20–30 kg checked.
  • SunComfort 8 kg cabin bag and 25–35 kg checked.

SunExpress benefits: SunExpress Loyalty Programme

The airline runs a benefits programme for frequent travellers with discounts and member offers. Check the website for current benefits.

  • Programme SunExpress benefits.
  • Benefits Member discounts and offers.
Join or log in on the SunExpress website

SunExpress: Frequently Asked Questions

01What are SunExpress’ IATA and ICAO codes?

The airline's two-character IATA code is XQ. It appears in flight numbers (for example XQ 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is SXS, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.

02Which airline alliance is SunExpress part of?

It is not a member of a global airline alliance, although it may still have codeshare or interline agreements with individual airlines.

03When was SunExpress founded?

The airline was founded in 1989.

04What are SunExpress’ main hubs?

Its main hubs and focus cities are: Antalya (AYT) – Main Hub.

05What is SunExpress’ frequent flyer programme called?

The frequent flyer programme is called SunExpress benefits. Members earn points or miles on eligible flights and can redeem them for award tickets, upgrades and other benefits.

06What is the SunExpress cabin baggage allowance?

4 kg on SunLight and 8 kg on all other fares.

07Does the SunExpress SunLight fare include checked baggage?

No. SunValue includes 20 kg, and SunEco+ and SunComfort include more.

08Who owns SunExpress?

It is a joint venture of Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa.

09Where is SunExpress based?

Its main hub is Antalya, with a second hub in Izmir.

10Can I use a power bank on SunExpress?

On SunExpress you can carry up to two power banks in cabin baggage (up to 100 Wh without approval, 100–160 Wh with approval). You cannot recharge them on board, and ICAO rules advise against using them to charge other devices in flight, so follow the crew's instructions. They are never allowed in checked bags.

SunExpress, its logo and trademarks are the property of Güneş Ekspres Havacılık A.Ş. and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by SunExpress unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.