Welcome to
TAN ZONE
Explaining how the business of aviation shapes the way we fly.
TAN ZONE SPECIAL FEATURE
INSIDE
SUN COUNTRY AIRLINES
Sun Country may be one of the least-known airlines in the United States, but it is also one of the most unusual.
On a short flight from Minneapolis to Chicago, I found a passenger experience that outperformed several much larger carriers. Behind that onboard experience, however, sits an airline built on a far more complex model — one that did a great job of incorporating scheduled passenger service, charter operations, and cargo flying.
This special feature explores Sun Country from two perspectives: the experience passengers actually encounter onboard, and the business rhodel that makes the airline fundamentally different from many other U.S. low-cost carriers.
Flying With Chris
A surprisingly complete low-cost experience.
On a short hop from Minneapolis to Chicago, Sun Country delivered more than I expected: extra-legroom seating, complimentary drinks, inflight entertainment, and a full cabin service on a flight lasting less than an hour.
THE SEAT
Best Seats add roughly four inches of legroom, extra recline, power, and additional onboard benefits.
THE SERVICE
Beverage service began roughly fifteen minutes after departure, even on a flight with only around fifty minutes in the air.
THE SURPRISE
Sun Country felt like a low-cost airline when buying the ticket. It did not always feel like one once onboard.
AeroTrace
The passenger flight is only part of the airline.
Sun Country combines scheduled passenger service with a substantial charter operation and dedicated Amazon cargo flying. The result is one of the most unusual operating models in U.S. low-cost aviation.
CHARTER
Sports teams, government customers, casinos, and other groups create a second demand stream beyond individuals.
CARGO
Dedicated Boeing 737 freighters operate for Amazon, giving Sun Country exposure to a business far removed from leisure fares.
THE QUESTION
What happens when Sun Country's diversified-utilization model becomes part of Allegiant's intentionally low-utilization model?
AT A GLANCE
One Flight
A Much Bigger History
The passenger experience may look simple. The economics behind Sun Country are anything but.
ROUTE
MSP → ORD
Minneapolis to Chicago
55 Minutes Airtime
AIRCRAFT
Boeing 737
N832SY
3-3-3 Configuration
PASSENGER PRODUCT
Best Seats
Extra legroom
Power & Entertainment
BUSINESS MODEL
3 Pillars
Passenger
Charter + Cargo
