Allegiant and Sun Country Merge: Two Leisure Airlines Seek New Opportunities

Introduction to the Merger

In January 2026, one of the most notable mergers in the U.S. aviation industry was announced. Allegiant Air officially acquired Sun Country Airlines for approximately $1.5 billion, which included the takeover of $400 million in net debt from Sun Country, bringing the total deal value to about $1.1 billion.

Before the merger was finalized, Allegiant shareholders held 67% of the company, while Sun Country shareholders made up around 33%. Under the agreement, each Sun Country shareholder will receive 0.1557 Allegiant shares and $4.10 in cash for each share they hold, reflecting a 19.8% premium compared to the stock price on January 9, 2026.

Operations of the Two Airlines

Despite the merger being completed, Allegiant and Sun Country will continue to operate independently for the time being until they receive a joint operating license. Customers can still book flights through existing channels, and there will be no changes to any confirmed bookings, flight schedules, or travel plans.

The loyalty programs of Allegiant and Sun Country will also remain separate in the short term. Customers can manage their bookings and receive customer service from the airline through which they initially purchased their tickets.

Future Direction

Looking ahead, the long-term plan is to retain the Allegiant brand while gradually phasing out the Sun Country brand. The company promises a careful and well-planned integration process aimed at providing additional benefits to customers, making it easier for them to access the combined transportation network.

Characteristics of Allegiant and Sun Country

Currently, Allegiant boasts a fleet of about 130 aircraft, primarily consisting of Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 models, mainly operating on leisure routes from secondary airports. In contrast, Sun Country owns around 65 Boeing 737s, with a passenger network focused on leisure routes from Minneapolis.

Allegiant's CEO, Gregory Anderson, emphasized that this is a pivotal moment in the airline's history as they join forces with Sun Country to become a leading leisure airline in the U.S., serving hundreds of cities and expanding access to affordable air travel.

Advantages of the Merger

This merger not only creates a larger airline but also maximizes the advantages of their route networks. Allegiant and Sun Country each have distinct market strategies that allow them to perform well even during challenging times in the aviation industry.

It is estimated that the merger will yield about $140 million in annual savings over the next three years, with a larger customer base providing more opportunities for brand loyalty.

Useful Information for Vietnamese Travelers

For those planning to travel to the U.S., understanding the airlines like Allegiant and Sun Country is crucial. These airlines primarily operate on domestic routes and popular vacation destinations, making them convenient for Vietnamese travelers looking to explore U.S. cities.

Currently, to travel to the U.S., you will need to apply for a tourist visa. Ticket prices from Vietnam to the U.S. (especially to major cities like New York or Los Angeles) typically range from 15 million to 30 million VND, depending on the season and airline. The average flight duration is about 15 hours, with one to two layovers.

If you want to book domestic flights with Allegiant or Sun Country, be sure to check their official websites for specific pricing and schedules. As of now, neither airline has plans to introduce additional international routes since the merger.

With this information in mind, if you are planning a trip to the U.S., choosing Allegiant or Sun Country for your journey would be a sensible option, especially if you want to explore vacation destinations at affordable prices.

This article is referenced and edited from: One Mile at a Time