Last Updated on July 26, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Sun Country Airlines is a Minneapolis-based leisure carrier built around low fares, nonstop vacation routes, and optional extras. It can deliver strong value when its schedule fits your trip, but the cheapest advertised fare is not always the cheapest final trip. Bags, seat selection, flexibility, and onboard connectivity should all be checked before booking.
Quick Answer
Sun Country Airlines can be a good choice for price-conscious leisure travelers who find a convenient nonstop route and pack light. The base fare is stripped down, so compare the full trip cost after bags and seat selection. Expect free device-based entertainment, not internet Wi-Fi, and a mostly Boeing 737 operation centered on Minneapolis.
Key Takeaways
- Sun Country is best suited to leisure travelers who value a low starting fare and a useful nonstop schedule.
- A personal item is included, but a full-size carry-on, checked bag, and advance seat choice may cost extra.
- AirFi provides free movies, shows, music, and games on personal devices, but it does not provide internet access.
- Standard, Exit Row, and Best seats offer different levels of legroom, location, and power access.
- Many routes are seasonal, so schedule frequency and backup options should be checked before booking.
- Sun Country became a wholly owned subsidiary of Allegiant Travel Company in May 2026, but the airlines continue to operate separately during the integration period.
What Is Sun Country Airlines?
Sun Country Airlines was founded in 1982 by former Braniff employees, and its first flight operated in January 1983. The airline is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and has developed from a charter-focused carrier into a hybrid low-cost airline with scheduled passenger service, charter work, and cargo operations.
The passenger operation is centered on Boeing 737 aircraft and leisure demand. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is its main anchor, but the network also includes nonstop service from selected cities outside Minnesota. The schedule changes by season, with more capacity added when demand rises for beaches, warm-weather destinations, school breaks, sporting events, and summer travel.
Note: Allegiant Travel Company completed its acquisition of Sun Country on May 13, 2026. Sun Country bookings, flights, rewards, and customer-service channels continue to operate under the Sun Country brand while the companies work through a longer integration and regulatory process.
Customer Service and Satisfaction
Customer experiences can vary by airport, route, disruption, and individual employee. Instead of relying on broad claims that service is always excellent or always poor, it is more useful to look at the parts of the trip Sun Country controls and the steps travelers can take to reduce friction.
Friendly and Efficient Service
Sun Country trains airport and cabin teams to assist passengers from check-in through arrival. Many travelers value a straightforward low-cost experience, while others may find the service less flexible than a large network airline when a flight is delayed or canceled. This is especially relevant on seasonal routes with limited weekly frequencies.
Keep your confirmation number, travel documents, and contact details easy to reach. When a disruption occurs, check the app and website first, then contact airport or reservations staff if the self-service options do not solve the problem.
Streamlined Check-in Process
The Sun Country mobile app supports booking, trip management, flight-status checks, boarding passes, and check-in. Online and app check-in generally open 24 hours before departure. Travelers who have already paid for bags and selected seats can usually move through the airport with fewer last-minute decisions.
Pro Tip: Add the bags and seat options you know you will need during booking. Sun Country states that bag prices are lowest at booking, and early seat selection gives families and groups a better chance of sitting together.
Proactive Customer Engagement
The app, website, email alerts, text updates, and social channels give passengers several ways to monitor a trip. These tools improve access to information, but they do not guarantee immediate rebooking during a major weather event or systemwide disruption. Confirm that the phone number and email address in the reservation are correct so schedule-change notices reach you.
Safety and Maintenance
Sun Country operates as a U.S. certificated air carrier and is subject to Federal Aviation Administration requirements for operating procedures, maintenance programs, crew training, recordkeeping, and continuing oversight. FAA certification is not a consumer rating or a promise that an incident can never occur, but it means the carrier must meet the regulatory standards that apply to its operation.
Pilots complete initial and recurrent training, and flight attendants train for emergency duties as well as routine cabin service. Aircraft maintenance is performed under approved programs by qualified personnel. Travelers should be cautious with unsourced claims such as “meets or exceeds every standard” or simple safety scores that do not explain their methods.
For a practical safety decision, follow crew instructions, keep your seat belt fastened while seated, review the safety card, and place medicines, identification, batteries, and other critical items in an appropriate cabin bag rather than checked luggage.
In-Flight Amenities and Comfort
| Category | What to Expect |
| Seat Comfort | Reclining seats and full-size tray tables; comfort remains subjective. |
| Legroom | Varies by Standard, Exit Row, and Best seat category. |
| Entertainment | Free AirFi streaming to a passenger’s phone, tablet, or laptop. |
| Food and Beverage | Complimentary nonalcoholic beverages on many flights; snacks and additional drinks are available for purchase. |
| Internet Wi-Fi | Not provided through AirFi; the onboard network is for local entertainment. |
| Device Power | USB charging is available in most seats, while Best seats add standard AC power. |
Seat Options
Sun Country sells three main seat categories. Standard seats are the basic choice. Exit Row seats provide extra space but require passengers to meet exit-row eligibility rules and accept emergency responsibilities. Best seats offer extra legroom, a location closer to the front, a standard power outlet, and a complimentary premium beverage.
Sun Country does not market a traditional first-class cabin. Passengers who want more space should compare Best and Exit Row seats rather than expecting a separate premium cabin with full-service meals or lounge access.
Entertainment and Internet Access
AirFi lets passengers stream movies, television programs, games, music, and other stored content to a personal device without paying an entertainment fee. It is an onboard local network, not an internet connection. Download work files, messages, maps, and entertainment before boarding if you need them during the flight.
Warning: Do not board expecting to send email, browse the web, use cloud apps, or stream from an online service. AirFi entertainment works without direct internet access.
Food and Beverage
Sun Country offers basic onboard refreshment service rather than a full-service meal program. Water, coffee, tea, juice, and soda may be complimentary, while snacks, alcoholic drinks, and other premium items are sold. Availability can differ by route, flight length, and catering conditions, so bring an empty refillable bottle for use after security and pack suitable snacks when permitted.
Baggage Fees and Size Limits
Baggage is one of the most important parts of a Sun Country price comparison. The lowest fare includes a seat and one personal item that fits under the seat. A full-size carry-on and checked bags normally require payment unless included through a bundle, status benefit, or other eligible benefit.
| Bag Type | Published Limit | Typical Fare Treatment |
| Personal item | 17 × 13 × 9 inches | Included |
| Carry-on bag | 24 × 16 × 11 inches; up to 35 pounds | Usually an added fee |
| Checked bag | 62 linear inches; up to 50 pounds | Usually an added fee |
Measure wheels, handles, and outside pockets, and weigh the bag before leaving home. Oversize or overweight fees can apply. Prices vary by itinerary and purchase timing, so use the live booking screen rather than relying on a fee quoted in an older review.
Routes and Destinations
Sun Country’s network is built around leisure travel and visiting friends and relatives. Minneapolis-St. Paul is the key anchor, with service across the United States and to destinations in Mexico, Central America, Canada, and the Caribbean. The current selling schedule includes popular vacation markets such as Orlando, Fort Myers, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Cancun, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta.
Many routes do not operate every day or throughout the year. A nonstop flight may be very convenient on the outbound date but unavailable on a different return date. Check both directions, weekly frequency, and alternate airports before committing to prepaid hotels, cruises, tours, or event tickets.
The Allegiant acquisition is expected to create a broader combined network over time, but the two airlines remain separate during integration. Do not assume that an Allegiant route can already be booked, changed, or connected through a Sun Country reservation.
Pricing and Value
Sun Country’s low-cost model can produce an attractive starting fare, especially for a traveler who needs only a personal item and does not care where they sit. The total can rise after adding a carry-on, checked bag, seat assignment, priority service, flexibility, or other extras.
Compare the complete checkout total with competing airlines, not just the first number shown in search results. A higher base fare elsewhere may include a carry-on, seat choice, more frequent service, easier connections, or internet access. Conversely, Sun Country may remain the better value when it offers the only convenient nonstop flight.
How to Calculate the Real Trip Cost
- Start with the round-trip fare for every traveler.
- Add the exact bags needed in both directions.
- Add seat assignments if sitting together or extra legroom matters.
- Include change flexibility or insurance only when the terms fit your needs.
- Compare airport parking, ground transportation, and alternate-airport costs.
- Consider the value of flight frequency in case the original flight is disrupted.
Sun Country Rewards
Sun Country Rewards members can earn and redeem points under the program’s current rules. During the Allegiant transition, existing rewards continue to be honored, but the Sun Country and Allegiant loyalty programs remain separate. Check current terms before moving points, using a voucher, or relying on a credit-card benefit.
Changes, Cancellations, and Travel Disruptions
Voluntary change and cancellation terms depend on the fare, timing, and any flexibility product or status benefit attached to the reservation. Read the rules displayed during checkout and save the confirmation email. A low fare can become poor value if it does not match the traveler’s need for flexibility.
If the airline cancels or significantly changes a flight and the traveler does not accept the changed trip or alternative transportation, federal refund protections may apply. Weather-related disruptions may not include meals or hotel coverage. During any disruption, keep receipts, save screenshots of notices, and review the current options in the app or Manage Trip page before accepting a voucher or rebooking.
On-Time Performance
The original claim that Sun Country consistently ranks favorably for on-time arrivals is not supported by the latest U.S. Department of Transportation ranking table. The July 2026 Air Travel Consumer Report covers May 2026 and lists reporting carriers that meet the report’s revenue threshold; Sun Country is not included in that table.
This does not prove that Sun Country is especially punctual or especially unreliable. It means a national ranking should not be stated without comparable current data. For a specific trip, check recent performance for the exact flight number, consider seasonal weather, and avoid a tight connection to a cruise, separate ticket, wedding, or other time-sensitive event.
The best Sun Country value usually appears when three things line up: a useful nonstop schedule, light baggage needs, and enough flexibility to handle a seasonal or low-frequency route.
Sun Country Airlines Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Who Is Sun Country Best For?
Sun Country is often a strong match for travelers based in or connecting with Minneapolis, vacationers who want a nonstop flight to a leisure destination, and light packers who can stay within the personal-item allowance. It can also work well for travelers who are comfortable buying only the extras they need.
It may be a weaker match for someone who needs reliable internet in the air, wants several services included in the base fare, requires a traditional premium cabin, or needs many same-day backup flights. Families should price seat assignments early rather than assume everyone will automatically be placed together.
The Verdict: Is Sun Country Airlines Good?
Sun Country Airlines is a viable low-cost option when the route, schedule, and complete checkout price fit the trip. Its strengths are leisure-focused nonstop service, simple self-service tools, free onboard entertainment, and the ability to customize the fare. Its main trade-offs are paid bags and seats, no internet connection through AirFi, and a network that can be seasonal or less frequent than a major hub carrier.
Customer feedback is mixed. Some passengers value the fares and direct routes, while others report frustration when delays, schedule changes, or support problems occur. Compare the full cost, review the exact flight frequency, and keep a backup plan for time-sensitive travel.
If your trip continues into the outdoors after landing, this article on portable camping stoves may help with the ground portion of your adventure.
Sources
- Sun Country Airlines: Our Story — company history, operating model, and Boeing 737 fleet background.
- Sun Country Airlines: Bags and Optional Services — current baggage rules, limits, and optional-service information.
- Sun Country Airlines: AirFi In-Flight Entertainment — free personal-device entertainment and the lack of direct internet access.
- Sun Country Airlines: Winter and Spring 2027 Schedule — current destinations, schedule focus, and onboard-service summary.
- Sun Country and Allegiant Acquisition FAQs — current ownership, brand, booking, rewards, and integration status.
- Federal Aviation Administration: Air Carrier Certification — regulatory certification and continuing safety oversight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sun Country Airlines?
Sun Country is a Minneapolis-based hybrid low-cost airline that operates scheduled passenger flights, charter service, and cargo flights. Its passenger network focuses heavily on leisure destinations in the United States, Mexico, Central America, Canada, and the Caribbean.
Is Sun Country Airlines a good airline?
It can be a good value for travelers who find a convenient nonstop route, pack light, and do not need internet access or a traditional premium cabin. Compare the final price after bags, seats, and flexibility before deciding.
How is Sun Country Airlines’ safety record?
Sun Country is an FAA-certificated U.S. air carrier subject to federal operating, maintenance, training, and oversight requirements. Past accident history or a third-party score should not be treated as a guarantee of future safety.
What are customer reviews for Sun Country Airlines like?
Reviews are mixed. Positive comments often focus on low fares, nonstop routes, and friendly crews. Negative comments commonly involve fees, delays, schedule changes, or difficulty recovering from a disruption. Route frequency and the complete price matter more than a single average score.
Does Sun Country Airlines charge for baggage?
Yes. One personal item is included with the base fare. A full-size carry-on and checked bags usually cost extra unless they are included through a bundle or eligible benefit. Fees vary by route and purchase timing.
What size personal item can I bring on Sun Country?
The published personal-item limit is 17 × 13 × 9 inches. It must fit under the seat in front of you, including handles, wheels, and outside pockets.
Does Sun Country have Wi-Fi?
Sun Country provides an AirFi network for free onboard entertainment, but AirFi does not provide direct internet access. Download anything that requires the internet before departure.
Does Sun Country have first class?
No traditional first-class cabin is marketed. Best seats provide extra legroom, front-cabin placement, an AC power outlet, and a complimentary premium beverage. Exit Row seats are another extra-space option.
When can I check in for a Sun Country flight?
Online and mobile-app check-in generally open 24 hours before scheduled departure. Airport document checks or counter service may still be required for some passengers and international trips.
Is Sun Country now owned by Allegiant?
Yes. Allegiant Travel Company completed its acquisition of Sun Country in May 2026. Sun Country continues to operate its own brand, bookings, flights, and rewards during the integration period.