SunExpress flights and airline information

SunExpress (IATA code: XQ) is a leading Turkish airline specializing in scheduled and charter flights between Europe and popular holiday regions in Turkey. Founded in 1989 as an ambitious joint venture between two aviation giants — Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines — the company successfully combines German precision with Turkish hospitality. The sun-drenched Antalya serves as the airline's main operational hub and home, making it a vital transport link for millions of tourists.

Although the carrier is not part of any global aviation alliances, SunExpress maintains a strong position as a key player in the Mediterranean region. The airline focuses on providing reliable and affordable services, with an emphasis on flight safety and high-quality service for holidaymakers. Every year, millions of passengers trust their travels to this "sun specialist" that connects dozens of cities.

The airline's fleet consists primarily of modern narrow-body Boeing 737 family aircraft, which allows for the efficient operation of both short domestic flights and medium-haul international routes. SunExpress regularly updates its aircraft, implementing modern technologies to enhance passenger comfort and flight sustainability.

The airline's key advantages include a flexible fare structure, allowing passengers to choose the most suitable set of services, and a wide geography of direct flights to the coast. Thanks to its history, which is closely linked with two of the world's largest carriers, SunExpress guarantees high service standards that have been recognized by both industry experts and loyal customers for decades.

To contact SunExpress, you can use the following official communication channels:

• Official website: www.sunexpress.com
• Headquarters phone (Turkey): +90 242 310 26 26
• Customer Service Center (Email): travelcenter@sunexpress.com
• General corporate address: info@sunexpress.com
• Social Media: SunExpress (Facebook), SUNEXPRESS (YouTube), @sunexpress (Instagram), @SunExpress_Int (Twitter/X)
• Mobile App: Available for download in the App Store and Google Play as SunExpress.
• Airport Support: In case of flight delays or lost baggage, we recommend contacting the check-in counters or the Lost & Found office at the arrival airport.

Please note that local contact center phone numbers may vary depending on your country. It is recommended to check the airline's official website in the Contact section for the most up-to-date contact information for your region.

Baggage rules at SunExpress depend on the selected fare and flight destination. As standard carry-on baggage, a passenger can take one item into the cabin weighing up to 8 kg, with dimensions not exceeding 55x40x20 cm. Any items exceeding these limits must be checked into the cargo hold and may require additional payment.

Checked baggage allowances vary: most fares include between 20 and 23 kg per person. However, some promotional fares and domestic flights may not include baggage in the ticket price, requiring it to be paid for separately. The exact number of items and the allowed weight are always indicated on the itinerary receipt at the time of booking, so please check your fare conditions carefully.

Charges for excess baggage and overweight items are applied according to the carrier's established rates, which depend on the specific route. It is more cost-effective to pay for extra baggage in advance through the official website or mobile app, as rates at the airport before departure are usually significantly higher.

Special items, such as sports equipment (skis, surfboards, golf sets) or musical instruments, are transported by prior arrangement with customer support. To ensure the safety of fragile items, we recommend using hard cases and arriving at the airport early to register oversized cargo. Remember that explosive, flammable, and toxic substances are strictly prohibited for transportation for flight safety reasons.

Transporting Pets in the Cabin

SunExpress allows small pets (cats and dogs) to be transported directly in the cabin. The following conditions must be met:

• The weight of the pet including the carrier must not exceed 8 kg.
• The dimensions of the soft carrier/container must fit under the seat (approximately 55x40x23 cm).
• The pet must remain inside the carrier throughout the entire flight.

Transporting Pets in the Cargo Hold

If the pet and its container weigh more than 8 kg, it will be transported in a specially equipped, heated compartment in the cargo hold. Requirements for the container include:

• Sufficient space for the pet to stand, turn around, and lie down in a natural position.
• Secure locks, ventilation on multiple sides, and absorbent padding on the bottom.
• Water and food bowls attached to the door.

Required Documents

• An international pet passport.
• Valid vaccinations (rabies vaccination is mandatory, administered at least 30 days and no more than one year before departure).
• A microchip for identification.
• A veterinary certificate issued according to the rules of the destination country.

The pet transport service is a paid service and requires mandatory confirmation from the airline. It is recommended to contact the SunExpress call center immediately after booking your ticket, as the number of pets on a single flight is limited. Please note that the transport of certain breeds, including brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs and cats, may be restricted due to health risks during pressure changes.

SunExpress Bonus Loyalty Program

For frequent flyers, the airline offers its own reward program — SunExpress Bonus. This is a convenient tool that makes your seaside travels even more rewarding and enjoyable. Participation in the program is completely free and available to everyone after a simple registration on the official website.

Benefits and Earning Points

• Bonus points are earned for every flight taken with SunExpress.
• The number of miles accumulated depends on the ticket price and the selected fare.
• Program members can access exclusive promotions and private sales that are not announced to regular users.
• Special offers for families: the ability to pool points into a shared family account to quickly save up for a collective reward.

How to Spend Bonuses

• Earned points can be used for full or partial payment for new flight tickets.
• Points allow you to pay for additional services, such as seat selection or purchasing excess baggage.
• Upgrading your class of service for a more comfortable flight.

Unlike programs of major aviation alliances, SunExpress Bonus focuses exclusively on the carrier's own flights, which allows for clearer and simpler rules for redeeming points. To manage your account and check your mile balance, simply log in to your personal account on the website or in the airline's mobile app.

SunExpress (XQ) primarily uses a single-class cabin layout, offering passengers quality Economy Class. The level of comfort on board can vary depending on the chosen fare package (SunLight, SunClassic, or SunPremium). Higher-tier fares provide passengers with seat selection, extra legroom, and included meals, while basic fares allow you to save on the flight by paying only for the services you need.

In-flight dining is organized through the SunCafe system. Depending on the flight duration and ticket type, hot meals and drinks may be included in the price or offered for purchase from the on-board menu (Buy-on-Board). For those with specific dietary preferences, special meals including vegetarian, gluten-free, and children's options are available for pre-order through the personal account no later than 36 hours before departure.

Special services are provided for young travelers: the option to transport strollers and the provision of bassinets on certain aircraft types. Passengers with disabilities can count on free assistance during boarding and disembarking; however, such needs must be communicated to the airline in advance. Although built-in monitors are not available in every seat on many aircraft, SunExpress is actively implementing streaming entertainment systems accessible via personal smartphones and tablets over Wi-Fi.

The SunExpress flight network covers the most picturesque corners of the Mediterranean and major European metropolises. The main link and the airline's primary hub is the international airport of Antalya, from where dozens of flights depart daily.

The airline provides reliable connections between Turkey and Germany, operating flights to cities such as Berlin, Frankfurt am Main, Munich, and Dusseldorf. Additionally, the route map includes important destinations such as Hamburg, Stuttgart, Hanover, and Nuremberg. Thanks to a well-developed route network, travelers can easily plan both beach holidays and cultural trips across Europe, using convenient connections at the carrier's main base airports.

To book SunExpress tickets at the best price, it is recommended to plan your trip in advance, especially if your vacation falls during the peak summer season. The optimal time to buy is 2–3 months before departure. Keeping track of seasonal sales and promotions is easiest by subscribing to the airline's email newsletter or following their official social media pages.

Online check-in is a great way to save time at the airport and be among the first to choose a comfortable seat in the cabin. It opens 24–36 hours before departure for most destinations. If you prefer more space, look for the XLG paid seat selection option with increased legroom, which can be arranged during the check-in process.

When choosing a fare, carefully read the refund and exchange rules. Flexible fares (Flex) allow you to make changes to your booking with minimal penalties, which is particularly important when planning trips in unstable conditions. Also, don't forget to install the SunExpress mobile app: exclusive promo codes and discounts are often available only to app users, and your boarding pass will always be at hand in digital format.

The history of SunExpress began in October 1989, when two major air carriers — Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa — decided to create a joint venture. The main goal of the new company was to develop tourist traffic between Germany and Turkey. The airline performed its first flight in 1990, starting with a small fleet and ambitious plans to conquer the charter market.

From the very beginning of its journey, the airline positioned itself as a "sun specialist," focusing on direct flights to popular seaside resorts. Sunny Antalya became the head office and base airport. In the 2000s, SunExpress began to actively expand its operations, moving from a purely charter model to operating scheduled flights, which helped attract a new category of independent travelers.

An important milestone in its development was the establishment of the subsidiary SunExpress Deutschland in 2011 (which operated until 2020), significantly strengthening the carrier's position in the German market. Over decades of operation, the airline's fleet has grown from a single aircraft to several dozen modern Boeing 737s, and its route network has expanded to more than 100 destinations in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

Today, SunExpress continues to be a symbol of successful international cooperation. The airline actively implements environmental initiatives and modern digital services, while maintaining its primary mission — providing comfortable and affordable access to Turkey's best resorts for millions of European tourists. Thanks to a stable financial model and the support of its parent companies, the carrier looks confidently to the future, continuing to increase its passenger traffic every year.