Sun Country Airlines Celebrates 35 Years: 35 Reasons We Love Flying
It's remarkable to reflect on 35 years of flying with Sun Country Airlines. Launched in 1983, when a postage stamp cost 20 cents, a bag of cheese puffs was 89 cents, and gas was 91 cents per gallon, our inaugural year coincided with Michael Jackson's Thriller album release and the debut of USA Today. Fashion trends included braided belts and orchid jewelry for women, plaid pants and boat shoes for men, while children enjoyed tape recorders, Matchbox cars, arcade games, and pinball.
A dedicated group of pilots and flight attendants from Braniff International Airways, joined by local Minneapolis/St. Paul businessmen and MLT Vacations, founded Sun Country Airlines. Our first flight connected Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Las Vegas, Nevada.
Over 35 years, Sun Country has navigated industry changes, expanding routes to beaches in Mexico, Costa Rica, and the Caribbean, while lifting spirits across the U.S.
As Minnesota’s Hometown Airline™, we cherish each year with these 35 aspects of flying we love:
#1. Our dedicated employees.
Our team, including multi-generational families, defines who we are.
#2. Hometown support.
Minnesota travelers provide unwavering loyalty and enthusiasm.
#3. Hometown passion.
Our Hometown Lakes Project celebrates Minnesota summers and local support.
#4. Serving over 40 destinations annually.
Expanding routes brings excitement as we reach new places.
#5. From snow to beach—all winter long.
From Minneapolis/St. Paul, flights to Mexico, Costa Rica, and the Caribbean offer sunny escapes.
#6. History in our uniforms.
Our aprons, designed by founding flight attendant Joan, honor our Braniff roots.
#7. Inspiring passenger stories.
From Rosie the Riveter flights to Honor Flight surprises, every journey shares heartfelt tales.
#8. Sun Country Explorers.
We've partnered with Minnesota influencers to showcase destinations like Fort Myers, Los Cabos, and Denver.
#9. Terminal 2's growth.
From Humphrey Terminal to a vibrant hub with local dining, shops, and art.
#10. Still flying our first route.
Sioux Falls to Las Vegas remains a top destination.
#11. Flight to the North Pole.
This annual tradition delights families, with crew in festive spirit.
#12. Community commitment.
Ufly® Rewards donations supported Red Cross relief and Texas Diaper Bank hurricane aid.
#13. Wing It!™ Tuesdays.
Weekly deals on our website and social channels spark travel excitement.
#14. #SCASkyView photos.
Passenger-shared views from Minnesota snow to Aruba shores captivate us.
#15. Inaugural flight celebrations.
New routes merit donuts or cupcakes, even at dawn.
#16. Witnessing the 2017 solar eclipse.
A charter to Nebraska created unforgettable memories.
#17. Spotting our planes at MSP.
Orange tails on runways inspire pride.
#18. Military charters worldwide.
Supporting troops is a core honor.
#19. Endless travel excuses.
Our cloud-view office reminds us daily of flying's joys.
#20. Mother's Day airport flowers.
Brightening traveling moms' days.
#21. Pink flight attendant uniforms.
A nostalgic chapter in our history.
#22. Our compass logo.
Symbolizing journeys in every direction.
#23. Original Boeing 727-200.
Featured deluxe service; brochure promised the “Sun Country Feeling.”
#24. The Sun Country blimp.
Iconic at Gopher hockey and Timberwolves games.
#25. New pilot and crew graduations.
Watching wings earned is always rewarding.
#26. Ufly Rewards program.
Earn points on flights and packages; learn more here.
#27. Sun Country Airlines® Visa Signature® Card.
Multiple ways to earn points; apply here.
#28. Sun Country Connections™ brochure.
Seatback travel tips and destination guides.
#29. Winter deicing teams.
Essential for warm getaways; thank you!
#30. First-time flyers.
Certificates, wings, and cockpit visits create magic.
#31. Honor Flights for veterans.
Partnering with Honor Flight Twin Cities to D.C. monuments.
#32. Pilot sky tours.
Announcements over landmarks like the Grand Canyon enhance flights.
#33. Reasons to travel.
Vitamin D, ocean sounds, and sales make it easy.
#34. Sun Country feels like home.
People, stories, and travels foster family bonds.
#35. Annual birthday celebrations.
Grateful for passengers who keep us soaring.
