Sun Country Airlines: The Leisure Airline That Also Lives on Cargo

History and positioning

Born from a charter past, Sun Country has built over the years a three-legged model that makes it less dependent on the seasonal swings of leisure demand alone than a pure ultra low-cost carrier: scheduled passenger traffic, on-demand charter flights for tour operators, sports teams and casinos, and a dedicated cargo component that has been a stable source of revenue since 2020, in particular thanks to freight transport for large customers such as Amazon. Listed on the Nasdaq as SNCY since 2021, the airline has made this very diversification public as a distinguishing element compared with pure leisure competitors.

The fleet

The fleet is made up of Boeing 737-800s and 737-900s, with some aircraft dedicated or converted specifically for cargo operations, separate from the fleet used on passenger flights. This separation makes it possible to schedule cargo rotations independently of seasonal leisure demand.

Routes and network

The network is centered on Minneapolis-St Paul to Florida, the Caribbean and the beach destinations of Mexico, with a number of routes that expands and contracts following seasonal demand more than a carrier with a year-round presence would. Charter flights supplement the scheduled offering in peak periods or at the specific request of groups and organizations.

Fares and baggage

The fare model follows the ultra low-cost pattern: a base fare with no bag included, separate charges for carry-on baggage beyond a personal item, and paid seat selection. The ancillary revenue structure remains a significant component of turnover, in line with the rest of the US ultra low-cost sector.

What passengers say

• Good value for money on routes from Minneapolis to Florida and the Caribbean.
• Relatively recent cabins on the Boeing 737s in the fleet.
• Operational reliability judged average for the US leisure sector.

What holds the experience back

• Seasonal scheduling that reduces the options available outside peak periods.
• Extra costs that, added up one by one, quickly erode the advantage of the base fare.
• Territorial presence concentrated in Minneapolis, with little support elsewhere.

Sun Country is a good option for those who live in the Minneapolis area and plan a sunny vacation following the airline's seasonal calendar. It is less suitable for those who need a daily link all year on the same route, since many destinations are cut off-season. It is worth buying the base fare only if you are sure of your baggage needs, because the extra costs at booking quickly erode the price advantage over a traditional carrier.