Sun Country Airlines is now owned by Allegiant Air. The deal closed May 13, 2026, after receiving regulatory approval and shareholder votes from both airlines. If you have a Sun Country booking, it is still valid. If you are a Sun Country Rewards member, your points still work. Nothing changes for passengers right now, but here is what to watch for as the Sun Country Airlines Allegiant Merger (May 2026) integrate.
What Happened: The Allegiant and Sun Country Merger Explained
Allegiant announced the acquisition on January 12, 2026, and the $1.5 billion deal closed on May 13. The combined airline now serves roughly 22 million passengers per year across 175 cities with more than 650 routes and a fleet of 195 aircraft, making it one of the largest leisure-focused carriers in the US.
The merger happened for two main reasons. First, Spirit Airlines collapsed on May 2, 2026, leaving 60,000 daily passengers scrambling and opening up dozens of budget routes. Second, rising jet fuel costs caused by the 2026 Iran conflict pushed smaller carriers to consolidate or risk failing alone. Allegiant and Sun Country, both leisure-focused ultra-low-cost carriers, had similar business models and mostly non-overlapping routes, making the combination a logical fit.
Why this matters for budget travelers: Spirit is gone. Now Allegiant, Frontier, Avelo, and Breeze are competing harder than ever to fill that gap. The Allegiant and Sun Country combination creates the largest ULCC entity in the US and positions it to absorb more of Spirit’s old routes this summer.
What Changes and What Stays the Same for Sun Country Passengers?
| What stays the same RIGHT NOW | What will likely change OVER TIME |
| Sun Country brand name and website still active | Gradual integration of booking systems into Allegiant platform |
| All existing Sun Country flight schedules unchanged | Possible route additions as combined network expands to 650+ routes |
| Sun Country Rewards points still valid and earnable | Loyalty programs may eventually merge or offer cross-redemption |
| Same check-in process at suncountry.com and app | Customer service and operational procedures will align with Allegiant |
| All existing Sun Country bookings honored | Fleet optimization may affect some routes long-term |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) remains Sun Country’s main hub | MSP identified as important operating center for combined company |
| No immediate changes to Sun Country employees | Some corporate roles may be eliminated as functions overlap |
Official statement: Allegiant CEO Gregory Anderson called it a defining moment, saying the combined company is well positioned to deliver lasting value. No immediate changes to frontline roles such as pilots and flight attendants were announced.
Will Sun Country and Allegiant Fares Get Cheaper or More Expensive?
The honest answer is both are possible depending on the route. Here is the likely scenario:
- Routes where Sun Country and Allegiant previously overlapped may see lower fares as the combined carrier avoids competing against itself and optimizes pricing.
- Routes where Spirit flew and neither Allegiant nor Sun Country operated may see the combined carrier step in with new service, keeping budget options alive.
- Routes where the combined carrier now has a monopoly on budget service may see modest fare increases over time.
- The merger is expected to generate $140 million in annual synergies within 3 years, partly through fleet optimization and cost savings, which can support lower fares.
The combined network of 650 routes and 175 cities is significantly larger than either carrier alone. For passengers in Minneapolis, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Orlando, and smaller US leisure markets, this is generally positive news for fare competition.
What Happens to Sun Country Rewards Points?
Sun Country Rewards points are currently not affected. You can still earn and redeem points on Sun Country flights exactly as before. The two loyalty programs, Sun Country Rewards and Allegiant’s Allways Rewards, remain separate for now.
Long term, the two programs are expected to integrate or offer cross-airline redemption. No timeline has been announced. Keep earning points on Sun Country flights and watch for official communications from Sun Country about any loyalty program changes.
Watch for: Any email from Sun Country or Allegiant about loyalty program changes. When airlines merge loyalty programs, early notice is usually given 60 to 90 days in advance. Nothing has been announced as of May 2026.
Is This Like Spirit Airlines Shutting Down? Should Sun Country Passengers Worry?
No. This is completely different from the Spirit shutdown. Spirit ceased all operations with no warning. Allegiant acquiring Sun Country is a planned corporate merger. Sun Country is not shutting down. Flights are running normally. The brand is staying active. Employees keep their jobs.
The only disruption risk is during the eventual technology integration, when booking systems merge. That process typically takes 12 to 24 months for airlines of this size. Sun Country will communicate changes to passengers well in advance.
The New Allegiant and Sun Country: By the Numbers
| Metric | Allegiant (before) | Sun Country (before) | Combined (May 2026) |
| Annual passengers | ~15 million | ~7 million | ~22 million |
| Routes | 400+ | 130+ | 650+ |
| Cities served | 130+ | 60+ | 175+ |
| Fleet size | 130+ aircraft | 50+ aircraft | 195 aircraft |
| Main hub | Las Vegas (LAS) | Minneapolis (MSP) | Both retained |
| Business model | Leisure ULCC, point-to-point | Leisure ULCC + charter + cargo | Leisure ULCC + charter + cargo |
Need help with a Sun Country or Allegiant booking? Call Flying Getaway at our phone. We book both Sun Country and Allegiant flights and can help you understand how Allegiant acquisition affects your existing reservation or find the best available fare on your route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Allegiant buy Sun Country Airlines?
Yes. Allegiant Travel Company completed its $1.5 billion acquisition of Sun Country Airlines on May 13, 2026. The deal was announced January 12, 2026 and received regulatory and shareholder approval before closing in May. Both airlines continue operating under their own brands during integration.
Is Sun Country Airlines still operating after the Allegiant acquisition?
Yes. Sun Country Airlines is still flying, still accepting bookings, and still operating all existing routes. The Sun Country brand, website, app, and flight schedules remain unchanged. The Sun Country Airlines Allegiant Merger and acquisition does not affect day-to-day passenger operations right now.
What happens to my Sun Country Rewards points after the merger?
Nothing changes for now. Sun Country Rewards points are still valid, still earnable, and still redeemable on Sun Country flights exactly as before. After the Sun Country Airlines Allegiant Merger the two loyalty programs have not been merged. Watch for official communication from Sun Country when changes are planned, which is typically announced 60 to 90 days in advance.
Will Sun Country flight prices change after the Allegiant merger?
Not immediately. Both airlines were already budget carriers with similar pricing models. Long term, the combined network may create more competition on some routes and less on others. Passengers in Minneapolis, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Orlando leisure markets are most likely to see network expansion benefits.
Is the Sun Country and Allegiant merger like the Spirit Airlines shutdown?
No. They are completely different situations. Spirit Airlines ceased all operations without warning on May 2, 2026. The Allegiant and Sun Country merger is a planned acquisition where both airlines continue operating. Sun Country is not shutting down. All flights, bookings, and loyalty programs are active and functioning normally.
Patrick Walker is the travel brain behind Flying Getaway. With a knack for spotting flight deals and a passion for exploring new skies, he helps travelers fly smarter and save more with every trip.
