Sun Country Airlines has become a popular choice for travelers in the United States, especially for those looking for affordable flights without giving up essential comfort. Founded in 1982, Sun Country has grown from a small charter service into a well-known ultra-low-cost airline based in Minnesota. It mainly serves vacation destinations across the U.S., Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. If you’re planning a trip, understanding how Sun Country works can help you save money and travel smarter.
In this article, we will cover Sun Country’s services, destinations, baggage rules, booking tips, and more. Whether you’re a first-time flyer or a frequent traveler, this guide will give you the key details about Sun Country Airlines.
Table of Contents
A Brief History of Sun Country Airlines
Sun Country Airlines was launched in 1982 by a small group of pilots and flight attendants who wanted to create a low-cost option for leisure travelers. The airline started with charter services and gradually expanded into scheduled passenger flights.
Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Sun Country still maintains its main hub at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP). It focuses heavily on seasonal and leisure travel, offering flights to sunny vacation spots like Mexico, Florida, and the Caribbean. Unlike some traditional carriers, Sun Country focuses more on flexibility and affordability, appealing to vacationers and budget-conscious families.
Where Does Sun Country Fly
Sun Country’s route map may not be as large as the big airlines, but it covers popular vacation destinations. Some of the main routes include:
- Domestic U.S. destinations: Las Vegas, Orlando, Miami, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Phoenix, and more.
- International destinations: Mexico (Cancún, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas), Costa Rica, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, and Belize.
- Seasonal flights: Sun Country often adds special seasonal flights to sunny destinations during winter and spring break.
The airline’s strategy is simple: focus on leisure travelers who want affordable tickets to vacation hotspots.
Sun Country as a Low-Cost Airline
Sun Country Airlines operates as an ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC). This means it keeps ticket prices low but charges extra for additional services. For example:
- Seat selection comes with an extra fee.
- Carry-on and checked bags are not free.
- Food and beverages on board must be purchased.
By offering a “base fare,” Sun Country allows travelers to choose only the extras they want. This makes it attractive to budget-conscious flyers who don’t need luxury services.
Baggage Policy: What You Should Know
One of the most important things to understand about Sun Country is its baggage rules.
- Personal Item: Free (must fit under the seat, like a backpack or purse).
- Carry-On Bag: Paid option, stored in the overhead bin.
- Checked Bag: Paid option, with size and weight limits (50 lbs max).
- Oversized Bags: Extra charges apply for large or heavy baggage.
Tip: Buying your baggage allowance online while booking is usually cheaper than paying at the airport.
Sun Country Seating and Comfort
Seats on Sun Country flights are relatively standard for low-cost airlines. While not as spacious as premium airlines, they provide enough comfort for short and medium-haul flights.
- Standard Seats: Basic seating with average legroom.
- Best Seats: Located near the front of the aircraft with more legroom (extra fee).
- Exit Row Seats: Offer extra legroom for an additional charge.
Passengers can pay for seat selection during booking, or allow the airline to assign a random seat for free.
In-Flight Experience
The in-flight experience on Sun Country is designed to be simple and efficient.
- Food and Drinks: Snacks, meals, and beverages are available for purchase.
- Entertainment: Free in-flight entertainment is offered through personal devices (streaming via Wi-Fi).
- Wi-Fi: Available on many flights for an extra fee.
Sun Country focuses on practicality rather than luxury. For budget travelers, the experience is more than sufficient for the price.
Booking Flights with Sun Country
Booking flights with Sun Country can be done directly on its website or through travel platforms. To get the best prices, it’s often recommended to book directly through the airline’s website.
Tips for booking:
- Book early to secure the lowest fares.
- Check for seasonal sales and promotions.
- Be flexible with travel dates for cheaper options.
- Prepay for baggage and seats to avoid higher fees later.
Sun Country Rewards Program
Sun Country offers a loyalty program called Sun Country Rewards, which allows travelers to earn points for flights, vacation packages, and purchases. These points can be redeemed for future flights.
Unlike some major airline programs, Sun Country Rewards is simple and straightforward. You earn points based on the amount spent rather than miles flown, making it easier to understand for casual travelers.
Vacation Packages with Sun Country
Sun Country also offers vacation packages that bundle flights, hotels, and rental cars. These packages can save money compared to booking each component separately. Popular destinations include Cancún, Las Vegas, and Orlando.
The packages are especially useful for families or couples planning a getaway, as they often come with discounts and added convenience.
Pros and Cons of Flying Sun Country
Pros:
- Affordable base fares
- Good selection of vacation destinations
- Free personal item included
- Option to purchase vacation packages
- Simple rewards program
Cons:
- Extra fees for baggage and seat selection
- Limited route network compared to major airlines
- No complimentary meals or drinks
- Seasonal route changes may affect availability
Tips for Flying with Sun Country
- Pack light to avoid baggage fees.
- Bring your own snacks and water.
- Download the Sun Country app for easy check-in.
- Consider booking vacation packages for added savings.
- Compare Sun Country with other budget airlines to find the best deal.
Conclusion
Sun Country Airlines is a strong choice for budget travelers who want to save money while flying to popular leisure destinations. While it doesn’t offer the luxury or extensive route network of bigger airlines, its affordable fares and simple services make it ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers looking for vacation-friendly flights.
By understanding baggage rules, booking strategies, and available add-ons, you can make the most of your Sun Country experience. If saving money and reaching sunny destinations are your top priorities, Sun Country is worth considering for your next trip.
FAQs
Q1: Is Sun Country a safe airline?
Yes, Sun Country meets all FAA safety standards and has a good safety record.
Q2: Does Sun Country give free snacks or drinks?
No, food and drinks must be purchased onboard.
Q3: How strict is Sun Country with carry-on bags?
Very strict. If your bag doesn’t meet size limits, you may be charged at the gate.
Q4: Can I change or cancel my Sun Country flight?
Yes, but change and cancellation fees may apply depending on your fare type.
Q5: Does Sun Country fly internationally?
Yes, mainly to vacation spots in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
