Review: Sun Country 737-800 Economy

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Photo of: Sun Country Airlines Boeing 737-800

Sun Country is a relatively new ultra low cost carrier (ULCC). Compared to other ULCC carriers Sun Country did not start out with the ultra low cost operating model. Initially the carrier flew routes from Minneapolis to sunny warm destinations. As the airline progressed, Apollo Global Management and Amazon Air bought a minority stake in the airline in 2017 changing the operating model in the process. How does allegiant stack up in a crowded competitive ULCC market. Sun Country Airlines economy product will be reviewed aboard a Boeing 737-800 from Minneapolis (MSP) to Providence (PVD).

Booking Experience

Ground Experience

At Minneapolis Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) Sun Country operates out of terminal 2 “Humphry Terminal.” There are kiosks and full service check in desks. Arriving at the airport, passengers were directed to the full service check in desks as the kiosks were out of order. Despite the large amount of passengers in line, the wait time was only five minutes. The agent working asked if this was the first time flying Sun Country and wished us a great flight. After dropping bags and getting paper boarding passes it was straight over to security and eventually the gate.

Photo of: Priority Check In Lane Sun Country MSP Airport
Priority Check In Lane Sun Country MSP Airport
Photo of: Full Service Check In Line Sun Country MSP Airport
Full Service Check In Lane Sun Country MSP Airport
Photo of: Bag Sizer Sun Country Airlines MSP Airport
Bag Size Allowance Sun Country Airlines MSP Airport

First Impressions

Boarding commenced right on time. Upon stepping aboard flight attendants were greeting passengers and assisting with luggage stowage. “Best” seats are in an overall dark blue with a splash of orange on the headrests. The standard and exit row seats are in a dark blue color. The aircraft was in clean condition. Upon reaching the seat it becomes apparent that the seats are configured in a bit more mainline configuration with full sized tray tables and USB power. Surprisingly the selected standard seats feature a full recline and 29 inches of seat pitch. Right on schedule the doors closed and pushback commenced for the two hour thirty minute flight to providence.

Photo of: 40 Anniversary Decal Sun Country 737-800
40th Anniversary Decal Sun Country Airlines 737-800
Best Branded Seating Sun Country Airlines 737-800
Best Branded Seating Sun Country Airlines 737-800
Photo of: Standard Seating Sun Country 737-800
Standard Seating Sun Country Airlines 737-800

Inflight Experience

After takeoff crew began the beverage and buy on board service. Sun Country is an outlier in the ULCC market offering complimentary beverages including water, soda and coffee. In the seatback pockets is a menu outlining complimentary and buy on board options. For Sun Country credit card holders, an alcoholic beverage can be purchased free of charge when presenting the credit card to a crew member. Streaming inflight entertainment is featured on select aircraft. On this particular aircraft, the system was not able to connect. Other passengers notified the crew of issue. Unlike Frontier or Spirit Airlines it is possible to charge devices in the seatback. The USB charger under the seatback operated without issue.

Photo of: IFE Portal Sun Country 737-800
IFE Portal Sun Country 737-800
Photo of: Inflight Menu Sun Country 737-800
Inflight Menu Sun Country 737-800
Photo of: USB Charger Sun Country 737-800
USB Charger Sun Country 737-800

Final Approach