Travelers worried as Sun Country becomes no-frills

As Sun Country Airlines considers transforming into a no-frill, discount carrier more like Spirit or Allegiant, both industry analysts and travelers agree on one thing: it's a risky move.

"It's difficult and somewhat dangerous to pivot from a niche you have to the brand you'd like to be known as," said airline industry analyst Robert Mann, adding that Sun Country could alienate its customer base if it becomes too much like current low-cost carriers.

Sun Country did not respond to requests for comment, but has not disputed local news reports outlining the new business model. The company's powerful pilots union declined comment.

Discount carriers like Spirit or Allegiant have a reputation for cheaper fares, but fees for just about everything besides a more-cramped seat.

Cristobal Krusen of St. Paul said he would not want more seats jammed into planes.

"I'm 6-foot-4-and a half inches tall. So, I don't look forward to less legroom in the economy section of any airplane," he said.

Krusen also doesn't like airlines that offer low fares but then tack on fees for services they know most customers rely on.

"To me that's fundamentally dishonest," he said. "Just charge me more but let me have the perk of carrying on a bag for free."

Sun Country's likely changes come shortly after hiring Jude Bricker as CEO. Bricker recently left Las Vegas-based Allegiant Air after a long tenure there. Allegiant touts low fares and route map dotted with primarily smaller metro areas, like St. Cloud and Bellingham, Wash.

If Sun Country moves toward a no-frills business model, it'll be shifting to a style that has garnered a much smaller market share in the Twin Cities.

Last year, Sun Country served 2.2 million passengers at the Twin Cities airport, second only to Delta and its regional carriers. Spirit flew only 1.2 million, slightly more than half Sun Country's count.

Sun Country chair Marty Davis has said the airline wants to be more efficient, but he doesn't want to become like Spirit and nickel-and-dime customers.

Mike Ridgley of Pequot Lakes said he doesn't want Sun Country to emulate Spirit or similar airlines, either.

"I think they've got a great product. Why mess with it?" Ridgley said of Sun Country. "We don't fly Spirit because of the hassles that they put people through."

However, Daniel Moore of Boston said the airline must do what it must to survive and thrive. The market will let the airline know if it's made the right or wrong decision, he said.

"Well, like anything in our capitalistic society, it's all about profit. If they can get away with it, they still have people flying it. That's the way America is right now," Moore said.