If you’re wondering how little I regard elite status these days, this should make it clear: I just booked a ticket on Sun Country Airlines.
Sun Country Airlines is “The Hometown Airline” of Minneapolis (MSP). With no partner carriers, its UFly loyalty program is only valuable if you fly Sun County.
Later this week I’ll travel to MSP for Frequent Traveler University. Both Delta and United fly non-stop between Los Angeles and Minneapolis, but I figured this was a perfect itinerary to try something new.
Why? Sun Country fares are cheap: my first class ticket was not much more than the price of a coach ticket on Delta or United (about $98 more). Two, I love flying new airlines and after this trip Allegiant will be the only domestic airlines I have yet to fly. Third, if the experience is good, perhaps my report will be helpful in choosing Sun County (or not).
Sun Country describes its first class benefits in the following way—
- Check their first two bags for free (bags also receive priority delivery to baggage claim)
- Experience faster check-in lines, shorter security lines, and priority boarding
- Enjoy personalized and exceptional onboard service
- Relax with spacious First Class seating and added leg room
- Savor freshly prepared hot meals or a filling snack
- Toast to a great trip with a selection of complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Relax with a movie, TV show, and more with complimentary use of a Sun Country Digital Entertainment Device
It will be annoying not to have wi-fi, but I look forward to giving Sun Country a chance. I’ll fly United in the other direction.
You’ll be pleasantly surprised. The food is above average and the local MN beers are great. Get a Surly Furious.
Best food I’ve had on any domestic flights for sure. And the warm big chocolate chip cookie for dessert!
I’ve seen their sign out at LAX for years and always wondered what they were about… Now I’ll finally find out!
Can’t wait for the report.
The seats look more comfy than AA, DL, and UA domestic first class seats. I hate the new slimline seats and reduced pitch of the Big 3. I would love to try SY as well, so I can’t wait for your report!
I flew them in February, and found that they could really teach the legacy carriers a thing or two about offering domestic first class service. While there was no option on the meal, it was nice having a meal on a 2 hour flight.
you’ll like the food, hate no wifi.
and if there are irrops….
otherwise if time isn’t important it’s a nice deal
Lol. Great satire article.
Did you mean my Concorde Room lounge review?
Sun Country is great for last minute First Class flights. It seems they rarely sell out up front and the prices remain the same whether it is months out or last minute. I thought it was a good value.
I fly Sun Country from the Bay Area to the Twin Cities several times a year and the value on the first class is great. The lack of WiFi does suck, the entertainment device has many recent movies but is overall average. I do like the food and being originally from Minnesota, the local beers are a great touch (I second the comment saying to try the Surly Furious). Hot meal is nice, seats are comfortable. I’d definitely recommend for flying to/from MSP.
Side note, check out the Sun Country Wing-it deals every Tuesday. Flights are usually for that upcoming weekend or the weekend after and fares are cheap, around $100 each way from LA, SD and SF.