Sun Country Airlines is a low-cost carrier based in Minnesota that flies mostly leisure routes

Sun Country Airlines is a Minneapolis-based airline that operates scheduled flights and charter services. The airline focuses on leisure travel — vacations, visiting family, weekend trips — rather than business routes. Sun Country flies to roughly 80 destinations across the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean, with a fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft.

The airline operates on a point-to-point model, meaning most flights don't connect through a hub. You fly from your departure city directly to your destination. This differs from carriers like Delta or United, which route many flights through major hub cities. Sun Country's model works well if you're traveling from Minneapolis or to popular vacation spots, but may involve more connections if you're flying from a smaller city to an uncommon destination.

Sun Country is owned by Cambria Capital, a private equity firm, as of 2023. The airline has been operating since 1983, originally as a charter-only service before adding scheduled flights in 2010.

Key Takeaways

  • Sun Country charges separately for most services — baggage, seat selection, and checked bags all cost extra beyond your base ticket price.
  • The airline operates point-to-point flights, so you fly directly from your departure city to your destination without routing through a hub.
  • Booking directly through Sun Country's website or calling their reservation line gives you access to their full schedule and current fares.
  • Sun Country allows you to change or cancel flights, but the terms depend on the ticket type you purchased and when you make the change.
  • The airline operates both scheduled flights and charter services, so you may see Sun Country flights offered through tour operators or vacation packages.

How Sun Country's fare structure works

Sun Country operates on an unbundled pricing model, meaning the ticket price you see does not include extras. You pay for the base fare, then add on services as you need them. This is similar to how budget airlines like Spirit or Frontier operate, but different from full-service carriers that include baggage and seat selection in the ticket price.

When you search for a flight on Sun Country's website, the price shown is for the passenger and carry-on bag only. A checked bag costs extra — the amount varies depending on how far in advance you purchase it and which route you're flying. Seat selection, advance boarding, and other services each have their own cost. You can see all available add-ons before you complete your purchase, so there are no surprise fees at checkout.

Sun Country offers different ticket types — Basic, Classic, and Premium — each with different inclusions. A Basic ticket includes only a carry-on bag and personal item. A Classic ticket adds a checked bag and seat selection. A Premium ticket adds priority boarding and other perks. You choose which level fits your trip when you book.

Booking a flight and finding current fares

You can book Sun Country flights through three main routes: the airline's website at suncountry.com, by calling their reservation line at 651-905-2737, or through third-party travel sites like Google Flights, Kayak, or Expedia. Each route shows you the same flights and fares, though booking directly through Sun Country sometimes reveals add-on options more clearly.

The airline publishes its schedule several months in advance, typically opening bookings four to six months out. Peak travel seasons — summer, winter holidays, and spring break — fill up faster and often have higher fares. Flying on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday typically costs less than flying on Friday or Sunday. Sun Country also runs periodic sales, which you can see on their homepage or by signing up for their email list.

When you book, you receive a confirmation email with your itinerary, booking reference, and a link to manage your reservation. You can check in online 24 hours before departure through the Sun Country website or mobile app, or at the airport ticket counter.

What happens if you need to change or cancel your flight

Sun Country allows changes and cancellations, but the terms depend on your ticket type and when you make the request. Basic tickets typically cannot be changed or refunded — if you need to modify your trip, you forfeit the ticket value. Classic and Premium tickets usually allow changes, though you may owe a change fee plus the difference in fare if the new flight costs more.

If you cancel a Basic ticket, you receive a travel credit for the base fare amount (not including add-ons like baggage fees). That credit is valid for one year from your original booking date. If you cancel a Classic or Premium ticket, the terms are more flexible, but you should check your specific ticket conditions before assuming you can get a refund.

The best way to understand your specific ticket's change and cancellation terms is to review the fine print when you book, or call Sun Country's reservation line before your trip. Policies can vary by route and booking date, so it's worth confirming rather than assuming.

Baggage, seating, and other add-on services

Sun Country charges for checked bags separately from your ticket. The cost depends on whether you purchase it when you book or at the airport — buying in advance is cheaper. The airline typically allows one free carry-on bag and one personal item (purse, backpack, laptop bag) for all passengers.

Seat selection is available for an additional fee. Basic tickets do not include a seat choice — you're assigned a seat at check-in. Classic and Premium tickets include seat selection, so you can pick your seat when you book or later through the website. Preferred seats (exit rows, extra legroom, or front of cabin) cost more than standard seats.

Sun Country also offers other paid services: advance boarding, which lets you board before general boarding; checked bag priority handling; and seat upgrades. You can add these when you book or manage them later through your reservation on the website.

Sun Country's charter and group travel services

Beyond scheduled flights, Sun Country operates a charter division that books entire aircraft for tour operators, travel agencies, and groups. If you're booking a vacation package through a tour company or a large group trip, the flight may be operated by Sun Country even though you booked through the tour operator. Charter flights follow different rules than scheduled flights — your contract is with the tour operator or travel agency, not directly with Sun Country.

Charter passengers typically have different baggage allowances, cancellation terms, and customer service contacts than scheduled flight passengers. If you're traveling on a charter flight, your booking confirmation should specify the terms. Contact the tour operator or travel agency that sold you the package if you have questions about changes or cancellations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Sun Country fly from my city?

Sun Country operates from roughly 80 destinations, with Minneapolis as its main hub. The airline focuses on leisure routes to vacation spots and popular destinations. You can see the full list of cities on suncountry.com, or search for flights from your city to see if Sun Country operates that route. If not, you may find Sun Country flights through connecting carriers or third-party booking sites.

What's the difference between Sun Country and other budget airlines?

Sun Country uses the same unbundled pricing model as Spirit or Frontier — you pay for the base ticket and add services separately. Sun Country typically has fewer routes and focuses more on leisure travel than some competitors. The actual price difference depends on your specific trip, so comparing fares across airlines for your dates and cities is the best way to see which is cheapest.

Can I bring a pet on a Sun Country flight?

Sun Country allows pets in the cabin for a fee, typically around $100 per pet per flight. You must book the pet when you reserve your flight, and the airline has size and breed restrictions. Contact Sun Country directly or check their website for current pet policies and fees, as these can change.

What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

Sun Country's policy on delays and cancellations is similar to other U.S. airlines. If the airline cancels your flight, you can rebook on another Sun Country flight at no extra cost, or request a refund of your base fare. If the delay is caused by weather or other circumstances outside the airline's control, you may not be may have access to to compensation. Check Sun Country's website or call their customer service line for details on your specific situation.

How do I contact Sun Country customer service?

You can reach Sun Country by phone at 651-905-2737, through their website at suncountry.com, or by mail. The airline also operates social media accounts on Facebook and Twitter. Response times vary depending on how busy the airline is, particularly during peak travel seasons.