Is Sun Country Airlines Safe? Learn Facts Before You Book

Sun Country Airlines is a US-based ultra-low-cost carrier that serves about 140 destinations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Since it provides cheap tickets, a lot of travelers question the safety of the carrier before they book, and typically face the common question: “Is Sun Country Airlines safe? ” Despite being a low-cost carrier, the airline is generally considered among the safest and has successfully passed the IATA Operational Safety Audit. 

Moreover, the airline has a 7/7 safety rating from AirlineRatings. com and is a Part 121 air carrier, a category of airlines that closely adhere to the aviation regulations. Find out more about the airline’s safety records and accident history in this guide. 

What is the safety rating of Sun Country Airlines?

AirlineRatings.Com, a leading global authority on airline safety, awards Nat Alison a perfect 7/7 safety rating. In 2026, Sun Country ranked among the 25 safest low-cost airlines worldwide, a ranking the airline credits to its advanced turbulence-prevention technologies and excellent safety standards. This award is given based on several safety factors, including the airline’s strong regulatory compliance record, continuous pilot training programs, a modern fleet, and an accident-free history.

Accident and Incident History

Sun Country Airlines has not had any fatalities in the past 42 years, indicating its strong safety record. Nevertheless, a few recent instances have resulted in security compliance violations, leading to FAA investigations as well. Some of them are given below:

• Sun Country Flight 606: A Sun Country flight taking off from Phoenix’s Sky Harbor Airport on Tuesday night and heading for Minneapolis had to abruptly return due to an engine event. However, there were no casualties.
•  Los Angeles to Minneapolis: A Sun Country flight to Minneapolis that had just left Los Angeles International Airport was experiencing engine problems and had to be turned back shortly after takeoff early Monday morning. Fortunately, there were no fatalities.
• Sun Country Flight 428: After making a turn that air traffic control (ATC) had not given permission for, Sun Country Airlines Flight 428 almost collided with another passenger jet. 

These incidents demonstrate that although Sun Country Airlines’ engine-related mishaps might have unsettled some passengers, the airline’s safety response is, overall, quite strong. The pilot handled the situation each time with professionalism, ensuring continued safe flight operations without any serious passenger injuries.

Fleet and Maintenance 

According to the most recent data, Sun Country Airlines operates 66 aircraft, including 33 passenger and 33 cargo planes. The airlines fleet consists of the following aircraft models:

• Boeing 737s- Major worldwide carriers use them on their routes, and they are highly appreciated for their safety features, cutting-edge avionics, and backup systems. Besides that, the 737 is also tailored for improved aerodynamic performance.
• Boeing 737-800: It is one of the most popular and reliable commercial aircraft used by airlines such as United Airlines and Southwest Airlines. Besides fuel efficiency, it also comes with updated navigation systems and a strong safety record.

Pilots Training of Sun Country Airlines

Sun Country Airlines is a partner of ATP Flight School. Students of this world, renowned university have a chance to step up their career ladder by getting a job at the airline. The school features a range of professional classes and training sessions, such as:

• Airline Transport Pilot Certification Training Program (ATP CTP).
• Jet Transition Training.

This pilot training facility is equipped to prepare aviators to operate a wide range of aircraft, including passenger, charter, and cargo aircraft. Professional instructors with many years of experience in the field lead pilots through programs ranging from basic (ab initio) pilot training to highly advanced, specialized courses. Pilots are also given simulator-based emergency sessions to learn how to manage emergencies. These trainings provide aspiring pilots with skills such as:

• Simulator Training.
• Compliance with Aviation Protocols.
• Mastery in Emergency Procedures.
• In-depth knowledge regarding aviation.
• Flight Operations Proficiency.
• Navigation & Meteorology.
• Simulator Training.

Crew Standards of Sun Country Airlines

Sun Country Airlines takes great precautions when hiring its flight attendants. The airline’s focus is to ensure customers have a comfortable, safe, and pleasant flight experience. Cabin crew members are required to be equipped with the following skills in order to satisfy such standards:

First aid	Evacuation protocols
Problem-solving techniques	Passenger safety and crisis communication
Interpersonal skills	Effectively responding to Emergencies

Customer Reviews and Real Experiences

Most travelers do not complain about the airline’s aircraft or mechanical safety, but some express dissatisfaction with operational issues. Flight delays, poor customer service, slow refunds, and limited compensation are the most frequent complaints. Many passengers, however, praise Sun Country for providing affordable flights throughout the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America, while still ensuring a comfortable travel experience.

Sun Country Airlines is one of the most recognized low-cost airlines in the US, having won numerous awards and worldwide recognitions. Some of these achievements include:

• 7/7 Safety Rating by AirlineRatings. com, indicating high safety measures, cockpit training, and aircraft maintenance. 
• The company is also proud to hold the 3-Star Low-Cost Airline certification from SKYTRAX.
•  At the Paris Airshow World Airline Awards 2023, Sun Country was named the Best Low-Cost Carrier in North America. 
• The CAPA Low Cost Carrier of the Year 2024 award was handed over to Sun Country Airlines. 
• In 2023, the carrier was given the Best Low-Cost Carrier Airline in North America title by SKYTRAX.

Conclusion 

Sun Country Airlines demonstrates that going low-cost with airfare doesn’t have to mean compromising on safety. In fact, the airline boasts 40+ years of accident-free operations, a 7/7 safety rating from AirlineRatings. com, no fatal accidents, and the commitment to high aviation safety standards and passenger safety. Therefore, the answer to the question “Is Sun Country Airlines safe?” is yes. Travelers can confidently book knowing that safety is the airline’s top priority, even as it offers good-value fares. 

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