Sun Country is eliminating the one thing that made it special…first class.
I raved about Sun Country first class last year after flying from Los Angeles to Minneapolis. The flight was like being transported back 10-15 years in the world of domestic USA flying. The meal was delicious, service excellent, and the price reasonable.
> Read More: Sun Country First Class Review LAX-MSP
Small problem though for the beleaguered Minnesota-carrier: first class lost money. Only half the seats sold. Flights routinely went out with open seats, even after employees were upgraded.
Earlier this year, Sun Country tried to “save” first by cutting it back. Hot meals like the one pictured above were replaced with cold packaged sandwiches. Unsurprisingly, the loads became even worse. Thus, the company has opted to eliminate first class by the end of the year.
I an interview with the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Sun Country’s Senior Vice President of Commercial, Brian Davis, defended the reduction:
That makes it feel like that isn’t an appropriate product for our customers. I’m fully prepared that there are some people who like first class and will be disappointed to see it go. If we look at the big picture, we believe this is the right decision.
As much as I hate to see first class go, I simply cannot blame that business decision. There is no need to lose money or hope for a turnaround in the point-to-point market Sun Country is transitioning to.
> Read More: Can Sun Country Airlines Survive? I Doubt It.
CONCLUSION
Emotions aside, the first class product just wan’t working. Still, I assert this is eliminating the one thing that made Sun Country special and will further make consumers choose Sun Country on price alone. That’s dangerous in the current competitive landscape.
On another note, I’m happy to see Sun Country will not be fully embracing the Spirit and Frontier models. Power outlets will be added to planes, wi-fi and streaming video will be available, and soft drinks will still be complimentary. I’m not sure how long that will last, but it is something…
That still doesn’t atone, however, for stranding passengers in Mexico.
> Read More: Shameful Sun Country Strands Sundry Sun Searchers
> Read More: Senators Threaten Sun Country Over Flight Cancellations
The other driving factor is that SY was recently sold to a hedge fund, who is more interested in milking every dime out than delivering excellent service. Look no further than the April drama where they stranded hundreds in Mexico because it was the end of season.
I fly first class to Vegas and first class is always full. I will probably have to fly Delta.
How much money could they really be losing on a few seats per flight? It’s like Lance said above…its’ about milking every dime….this isn’t the only change Sun Country made. They’ve made a few other changes to nickel and dime every traveler who desires to travel with anything more than the clothes on their back and a hand bag. I have an idea, lower the price a bit so average people can spend the money to upgrade and fill those seats.
Money is always the bottom line, sadly.
The important part of Sun Countries demise is thre hiring of the top exec from the “death trap” Aligent airlines. When they took over, all bets
were off ….the change to nix first class along with the former Aligents also short changing plane maintenance has made our family drop this airline. Delta or American will benefit the most. PS we flew 1st class on Sun Country all the time. So dad to see this airline in decline. The smart would have been to go the opposite and put in a business class and put in more space. That is what the fling public would like to see. Riding the Amtrack or driving is looking better all the while.