Last Updated on July 27, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Sun Country Airlines has flown travelers since 1982 and is now a Minnesota-based hybrid low-cost carrier focused heavily on leisure travel. Its model is simple: start with a low base fare, then let passengers pay for extras such as larger bags, preferred seats, priority services, and onboard snacks. In 2026, Sun Country entered a new chapter after Allegiant Travel Company completed its acquisition of the airline. Here is what travelers should know before booking.
Quick Answer
Sun Country Airlines is a Minneapolis-based low-cost carrier that flies Boeing 737-800 aircraft, with a large leisure network centered on Minneapolis–St. Paul. Base fares include a seat and one personal item, while larger bags and advance seat selection usually cost extra. Free onboard entertainment is available, but AirFi does not provide internet access.
Key Takeaways
- Sun Country describes itself as a hybrid low-cost carrier, combining scheduled passenger service with charter and cargo operations.
- Allegiant Travel Company completed its acquisition of Sun Country on May 13, 2026, but the airlines continue to operate separately in the near term.
- The base fare includes one personal item measuring up to 17 × 13 × 9 inches; overhead carry-ons and checked bags generally cost extra.
- Carry-ons may measure up to 24 × 16 × 11 inches and weigh up to 35 pounds. Standard checked bags may measure up to 62 linear inches and weigh up to 50 pounds before excess-bag charges apply.
- AirFi streams movies, shows, games, and other entertainment to your own device for free, but it is not an internet connection.
- Best and exit-row seats offer more legroom than Standard seats, while Best seats also include AC power and a complimentary premium beverage.
- Sun Country Rewards currently remains separate from Allegiant Allways Rewards.
Note: Allegiant announced its agreement to acquire Sun Country on January 11, 2026, in a transaction valued at approximately $1.5 billion including Sun Country’s net debt. U.S. Department of Transportation approval was announced April 15, and the acquisition closed May 13, 2026. Existing Sun Country bookings, schedules, customer-service channels, and Rewards accounts continue to be handled separately in the near term.
Sun Country Airlines Overview
Sun Country Airlines was founded in 1982 by a group of former Braniff International Airways pilots and flight attendants. Its first flight departed January 20, 1983, from Sioux Falls to Las Vegas.
Today, Sun Country is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, near Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport. MSP is its most important passenger base and anchor city, although the airline also offers nonstop leisure routes from a number of other U.S. airports.
Sun Country describes its business as a hybrid low-cost model. In addition to scheduled passenger flights, it operates charter services and cargo flying. Its fleet is built around Boeing 737-800 aircraft, which helps simplify training, maintenance, and operations.
The passenger experience follows a low-cost approach. The headline fare may be attractive, but many optional services are unbundled. That makes Sun Country most competitive when you compare the total trip price, including the bags and seat choices you actually need.
The best way to judge a Sun Country fare is to compare the final checkout price with competing airlines, not just the first fare displayed in search results.
What Does a Sun Country Base Fare Include?
A basic Sun Country booking is designed for travelers who are comfortable buying only the extras they need. One personal item that fits under the seat is included. Larger baggage, advance seat selection, priority services, and most onboard food or premium beverages can add to the final price.
| Item | Typical Base-Fare Treatment |
| Seat on the flight | Included |
| Personal item | Included, up to 17 × 13 × 9 inches |
| Overhead carry-on | Usually an extra charge |
| Checked bag | Usually an extra charge |
| Advance seat selection | Optional paid add-on; otherwise a seat can be assigned at check-in |
| AirFi entertainment | Included |
| Non-alcoholic beverage | Included |
Booking and Check-in Process
Travelers can search schedules and book through Sun Country’s website or mobile app. During checkout, the airline gives you opportunities to add bags, select a seat, purchase priority services, and choose other optional extras.
Book Bags and Seats Early
Sun Country says bag prices are lowest at the time of booking. Advance seat selection can also help if you want extra legroom, a particular location, or seats together with companions.
If you do not purchase an advance seat assignment, Sun Country says you can be randomly assigned a seat at check-in. That can work well for solo travelers who are flexible, but groups that want specific seats should consider selecting them before travel.
Pro Tip: Price the flight twice before paying: once with only the base fare and again with every bag, seat, or priority option you will realistically buy. Compare that final total with competing airlines.
When Does Sun Country Check-in Open?
Sun Country’s mobile-app guidance says passengers can check in between 24 hours and one hour before scheduled departure. You can save the boarding pass to your phone after check-in.
Travelers checking baggage or flying internationally should still arrive well before the online check-in deadline. Airport lines, security screening, document checks, and baggage acceptance all take additional time.
Sun Country has advised travelers to plan roughly two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights during busy travel periods. Always check your airport, itinerary, and confirmation for any route-specific deadlines.
Baggage Fees and Size Limits
Sun Country’s baggage policy rewards light packers. One personal item is normally included, while an overhead carry-on and checked baggage are paid options unless your specific booking, status, or other benefit says otherwise.
| Bag Type | Maximum Size / Weight | Base Fare |
| Personal item | 17 × 13 × 9 inches; must fit under the seat | Normally included |
| Carry-on | 24 × 16 × 11 inches; up to 35 lb | Paid add-on |
| Checked bag | Up to 62 linear inches and 50 lb before excess-bag charges apply | Paid add-on |
Bag fees can vary with the itinerary and when the bag is purchased, so a single fixed dollar amount can become outdated quickly. The important rule is that buying baggage during the original booking is normally cheaper than waiting until later in the travel process.
Warning: Do not assume a small roller bag is a free personal item. If it exceeds the personal-item dimensions, it may be treated as a paid carry-on or checked bag.
In-flight Entertainment and Internet Access
Sun Country does not use seatback entertainment screens. Instead, passengers connect their phone, tablet, or laptop to the aircraft’s onboard entertainment network and stream available content to their own device.
The AirFi library can include movies, television shows, games, music, and other content. Access to that entertainment library is complimentary.
AirFi is a wireless onboard network, but it is not internet Wi-Fi. You can use it for Sun Country’s entertainment library without gaining normal access to the wider internet.
That distinction matters. You should not plan on using the flight to browse the web, answer email, use normal messaging services, join video calls, or stream content directly from internet services.
Most seats provide USB charging, while Sun Country’s Best seats also include standard AC power outlets.
Warning: Download work files, boarding documents, books, music, podcasts, and any entertainment you cannot do without before boarding. AirFi entertainment does not replace an internet connection.
Food and Beverage Options
| Option | Availability | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Water, coffee, juice, soda and other standard non-alcoholic beverages | Available during eligible beverage service | Complimentary |
| Snacks and premium beverages | Selection can vary by flight | Available for purchase |
| Best-seat premium beverage | For passengers in eligible Best seats | Complimentary |
| Personal snacks or food | May be brought onboard when allowed by airport/security rules | Your own cost |
The included beverage service gives Sun Country a little more built-in value than a completely bare-bones fare. Snacks, alcoholic drinks, and other premium choices are generally buy-on-board items.
Travelers who want more control over price or dietary choices can bring their own food, subject to TSA, airport, customs, and destination restrictions.
Seat Comfort and Legroom
Sun Country’s Boeing 737 cabin is an all-economy layout with Standard, Best, and exit-row seating options. The airline does not currently publish a complete official table of seat pitch measurements for every row, so exact figures found on third-party sites should be treated as approximate rather than guaranteed specifications.
Standard seats include full-size tray tables, recline, and charging access in most locations. They provide the lowest-cost way to reserve a specific seat in advance when a paid assignment is desired.
Best seats are positioned toward the front and provide additional legroom. Sun Country also lists a standard AC power outlet and one complimentary premium beverage among the Best-seat benefits.
Exit-row seats provide additional legroom but come with emergency-exit responsibilities. Travelers seated there must meet federal exit-row eligibility requirements and be willing and able to assist during an evacuation.
For many passengers, Standard seating is sufficient on a shorter leisure flight. Taller travelers or anyone who values more space should compare the price of Best and exit-row seating before checkout.
Safety and Aircraft
Sun Country operates Boeing 737-800 aircraft across its business lines. A common fleet can simplify pilot training and aircraft maintenance compared with operating many unrelated aircraft types.
The 2026 acquisition did not instantly combine Sun Country and Allegiant flight operations. The airlines continue to operate as separate carriers in the near term while the companies work through regulatory and operational integration toward a future single operating certificate.
That means a Sun Country flight booked today should still be managed through Sun Country unless the airline specifically tells you otherwise.
Customer Service and Flight Disruptions
Customer-service experiences naturally vary from one trip to another, so broad claims that an airline always has friendly or unusually attentive crews are difficult to verify. What matters more before booking is knowing where to go if something changes.
For a current Sun Country reservation, continue using Sun Country’s website, app, airport staff, and customer-service channels. Allegiant’s May 2026 acquisition announcement specifically said customers should continue to manage reservations, check in, and seek service through the airline with which they originally booked.
Sun Country’s network is strongly leisure- and seasonally driven. Always monitor your itinerary before departure, especially when booking several months ahead. Saving your contact information to the reservation also makes it easier for the airline to deliver schedule-change notifications.
Note: Because Allegiant and Sun Country are still separate carriers operationally in the near term, do not assume an Allegiant airport counter or Allegiant account can automatically handle a Sun Country booking.
Loyalty Program and Benefits
Sun Country Rewards remains active after the Allegiant acquisition. Members generally earn 2 points per $1 spent directly with Sun Country and 1 point per $1 on eligible bookings made through a travel agent or other travel website.
Redemption is simple: 100 Sun Country Rewards points are worth $1 toward eligible Sun Country purchases. Points can be used toward flights and certain travel extras, and members can combine points with money.
Sun Country also introduced Plus status. Members can qualify by taking 10 Sun Country flights in a calendar year or meeting the program’s qualifying annual Sun Country Visa spending requirement. Current published Plus benefits include an additional point per dollar on Sun Country purchases, Flexible Fare benefits, priority check-in, priority boarding, and priority security for eligible MSP departures.
Note: Allegiant Allways Rewards and Sun Country Rewards remain separate in the near term. Allegiant has said existing Sun Country points, benefits, and account status retain their current value while integration work continues.
Who Is Sun Country Best For?
Sun Country makes the most sense for travelers who value a low total price and are comfortable with an unbundled fare.
- Light packers: Travelers who can fit everything into the included personal item can avoid one of the most common add-on costs.
- Leisure travelers: Sun Country’s network is heavily focused on vacation destinations and visiting friends or relatives.
- Nonstop-focused travelers: A convenient Sun Country nonstop can be more appealing than a connection on a larger airline.
- Flexible passengers: Travelers who do not care about a specific seat can skip advance seat-selection costs.
- MSP-area flyers: Minneapolis–St. Paul remains Sun Country’s core passenger market and an important operating center.
When Another Airline May Be a Better Fit
A cheaper headline fare does not automatically mean Sun Country will be the cheapest choice for every traveler.
A full-service or competing low-cost carrier may offer better value if you need several checked bags, want internet access in flight, require a particular seat, place a high value on a large alliance network, or expect to make complex connecting itineraries.
For business travelers, the lack of normal onboard internet access can be especially important. Likewise, passengers who need maximum flexibility should compare change and cancellation terms rather than buying solely on fare.
What the Allegiant Acquisition Means for Travelers
Allegiant Travel Company completed its acquisition of Sun Country on May 13, 2026. Sun Country is now part of the Allegiant corporate family, but that does not mean the two airline experiences became identical overnight.
Allegiant said at closing that both airlines would continue operating separately in the near term and maintain their respective brands. Existing reservations, schedules, travel plans, and loyalty balances did not immediately change because of the transaction.
The companies are working toward deeper integration, including a future single operating certificate. No firm public date has been announced for completing every customer-facing integration step.
For now, the simplest rule is this: book, check in, manage your trip, and request customer service through the airline shown on your reservation.
Overall Conclusion: Is Sun Country Airlines Worth It?
Sun Country Airlines can be a strong value for travelers who understand how its pricing works. The most attractive use case is a convenient nonstop flight where you can travel with a personal item or only a small number of paid extras.
The airline includes a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage and free streaming entertainment, and travelers can pay more for extra-legroom seating and other conveniences. The biggest limitation for connected travelers is that AirFi does not provide normal internet access.
Before booking, add the cost of every bag and seat option you need and compare the final amount with competing airlines. That one step gives you a much more accurate picture of whether Sun Country is genuinely the cheapest choice for your trip.
The Allegiant acquisition is important for Sun Country’s long-term future, but the practical short-term message is simple: Sun Country continues to fly and handle its own bookings while the two airlines work through integration.
Sun Country is best known for affordable leisure flights, so the airline may be only one part of a larger vacation plan. Travelers building an outdoor trip can also explore these guides to tent camping spots and the best ultralight tents for backpacking. For another trip-planning idea, see these travel gifts for her.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sun Country Airlines?
Sun Country Airlines is a U.S. hybrid low-cost airline focused heavily on leisure travel. It operates scheduled passenger flights along with charter and cargo services.
When was Sun Country Airlines founded?
Sun Country was founded in 1982 by former Braniff International Airways pilots and flight attendants. Its first flight departed January 20, 1983, from Sioux Falls to Las Vegas.
Where is Sun Country Airlines based?
Sun Country is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, near Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport. MSP is its primary passenger base and an important operating center.
What type of aircraft does Sun Country Airlines operate?
Sun Country operates Boeing 737-800 aircraft across its scheduled passenger, charter, and cargo operations.
What is Sun Country’s main hub or base?
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport is Sun Country’s main passenger base and anchor city. The airline also offers nonstop leisure routes from selected airports outside Minnesota.
Does Sun Country Airlines have Wi-Fi?
Sun Country has an onboard wireless AirFi network for free entertainment, but it does not provide normal internet access. You cannot rely on it for web browsing, email, social media, or standard internet messaging.
Does Sun Country offer free in-flight entertainment?
Yes. Passengers can connect their own phone, tablet, or laptop to AirFi and access Sun Country’s complimentary entertainment library. No seatback screen is required.
What is Sun Country Airlines’ loyalty program?
Sun Country Rewards lets members earn and redeem points toward eligible Sun Country purchases. Members generally earn 2 points per $1 on direct Sun Country purchases and 1 point per $1 on eligible third-party bookings, while 100 points are worth $1 in eligible Sun Country purchases.
Did Allegiant acquire Sun Country Airlines?
Yes. Allegiant Travel Company completed its acquisition of Sun Country on May 13, 2026. The airlines continue operating separately in the near term while integration work proceeds.
Does Sun Country charge for carry-on and checked bags?
Generally, yes. One personal item up to 17 × 13 × 9 inches is normally included. An overhead carry-on and checked bags are paid options unless another benefit in your booking applies.
How big can a Sun Country carry-on be?
Sun Country allows a paid carry-on measuring up to 24 × 16 × 11 inches, including wheels, handles, and other protruding parts. The carry-on weight limit is 35 pounds.
When can I check in for a Sun Country flight?
Sun Country’s app allows check-in between 24 hours and one hour before scheduled departure. Travelers should still arrive much earlier when checking bags, flying internationally, or departing from a busy airport.
Sources
- Sun Country Airlines Investor Relations: Our Story — founding history, fleet, business model, and onboard experience.
- Allegiant Travel Company: Acquisition Completion — May 13, 2026 closing, separate near-term operations, loyalty accounts, and integration status.
- Sun Country Airlines: How to Book Your Flight — baggage dimensions, seat assignment, optional extras, and booking guidance.
- Sun Country Airlines: AirFi In-Flight Entertainment — free entertainment, lack of direct internet access, and device charging.
- Sun Country Airlines: Sun Country Rewards — point earning and redemption value.
- Sun Country Airlines: Plus Status and Visa Benefits — current Plus-status qualification and travel benefits.
