The airline industry saw major news in January 2026 when Allegiant Air announced plans to acquire Sun Country Airlines in a deal worth about 1.5 billion dollars.
The Allegiant Sun Country merger would bring together two well known budget airlines that focus mainly on leisure travel and smaller or underserved cities across the United States.
Overview: Allegiant Sun Country Merger
If the deal receives approval from federal regulators and shareholders, the combined airline would serve about 22 million passengers each year. Together, Allegiant and Sun Country would operate flights to nearly 175 cities and more than 650 routes, making the new company one of the largest leisure focused airlines in the country.
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According to Allegiant CEO Gregory C. Anderson, the merger represents a new chapter for both airlines. He said the goal is to offer more affordable and reliable travel options while expanding access to popular vacation destinations, including international locations.
Executives from both companies believe their route networks complement each other well, which could benefit travelers by offering more choices without major disruptions.
Immediate Changes for Travelers
For now, passengers should not expect immediate changes. Both Allegiant and Sun Country will continue to operate as separate airlines until the Federal Aviation Administration grants a single operating certificate.
During this period, travelers can continue booking flights, checking in, and flying with either airline just as they do today. There will be no changes to ticketing, schedules, or the overall travel experience in the short term. The Sun Country brand will also remain in place for now.
The companies expect the merger to be completed in the second half of 2026, assuming all approvals are granted.
Sun Country Customers
For Sun Country customers, the biggest long term benefit could be access to a much larger network of destinations.
Because there is very little overlap between the two airlines’ routes, travelers would eventually be able to choose from a wider range of cities and vacation spots. Industry analysts note that each airline has built its own niche, which makes the combination more practical and less disruptive.
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Allegiant currently operates only within the United States, serving dozens of states across the country. Sun Country, on the other hand, already flies to international destinations, including Canada, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
These international routes could eventually become available to Allegiant customers once the airlines fully integrate.
Sun Country also flies to Puerto Rico and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, adding even more leisure destinations to the combined network.
Popular international destinations served by Sun Country include Aruba, Jamaica, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Belize, and several others across the Caribbean and Central America.
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Loyalty Programs and Rewards
Another key area travelers are watching closely is the loyalty programs. Allegiant’s Always Rewards and Sun Country Rewards are expected to be combined into a new loyalty program.
According to the airlines, the new program will offer expanded benefits and more opportunities for passengers to earn and redeem rewards across a much larger network. While full details have not yet been announced, both companies say customers will benefit from improved frequent flyer options.
The merged airline will operate under the Allegiant name and will be headquartered in Las Vegas. At the same time, the company plans to maintain a strong presence in the Minneapolis St. Paul area, where Sun Country is based. Sun Country’s charter and cargo operations will also continue after the merger.
Leadership and Company Structure
Leadership roles have already been outlined. Gregory C. Anderson will serve as chief executive officer of the combined airline, while Sun Country CEO Jude Bricker will join the company’s board of directors. Bricker, who previously worked at Allegiant as chief operating officer, said the merger is a strong fit based on his experience with both companies.
For travelers, the message from both airlines is clear. Nothing changes right away, but over time the merger could mean more destinations, more travel options, and a stronger low cost airline focused on leisure travel.
If approved, the Allegiant and Sun Country merger could reshape the budget airline space in the United States while keeping prices competitive for vacation travelers.
Allegiant Sun Country Merger: Sources
- Allegiant Sun Country Merger – USAToday
- Allegiant Air to acquire Sun Country Airlines in $1.5B deal – ABC
- Allegiant and Sun Country are merging. What it means for Iowa fliers – DMR
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