Allegiant Air and Sun Country Airlines, which officially merged in May, are continuing to operate separately as they work toward full integration, company executives said. Travelers should not expect significant changes this summer as the consolidation process is expected to take 18 to 24 months before the two carriers fly under a single operating certificate and fully merge their operations.

Kristen Schilling-Gonzales, Allegiant’s vice president of network, planning and charters, explained that while both airlines are currently maintaining their independent brands, steps are underway to align services and improve customer experience. The combined airline will ultimately operate under the Allegiant name, but the timing for that transition will depend on regulatory approvals and operational consolidation.

During the interim period, Allegiant and Sun Country continue to sell tickets on each other’s websites, broadening travel options for passengers. However, because each airline is still a separate entity, customers cannot book itineraries that combine both carriers on a single ticket. This limitation is expected to ease as the two approach unification under a single operating certificate, likely by summer 2027.

Schilling-Gonzales said that although the airlines operate different aircraft fleets—Sun Country exclusively flies Boeing 737s, while Allegiant uses both Airbus A320 family planes and Boeing 737 Max aircraft—the company plans to maintain a mixed fleet to serve various markets across the country. Efforts are also underway to standardize in-flight experiences and seating configurations to enhance consistency for passengers in the future.

Regarding operations, the airlines are beginning to co-locate some facilities at select airports to streamline customer service, including shared check-in counters. Sun Country’s strong customer service reputation is influencing Allegiant’s approach as they integrate. Meanwhile, negotiations continue on labor agreements to harmonize employee contracts.

Schilling-Gonzales emphasized that both airlines remain profitable and do not anticipate drastic changes immediately, focusing instead on stability and incremental improvements. The newly formed company aims to strengthen its position as a leading leisure carrier, connecting travelers to more destinations throughout the United States and internationally.

Details about a combined frequent flyer program have not yet been announced but are expected as part of the ongoing integration. For now, customers of both Allegiant and Sun Country can expect a familiar experience with incremental enhancements as the airlines gradually merge operations over the next two years.