- New, larger jet on key leisure routes: Sun Country’s first Boeing 737‑900ER is now scheduled on high‑demand routes from Minneapolis–St. Paul (MSP) to Phoenix (PHX), Las Vegas (LAS), Orlando (MCO) and Fort Myers (RSW), with operations extended through early January 2026. [1]
- Travel disruption today: The FAA’s order to cut flights at 40 major U.S. airports begins today, prompting Sun Country schedule adjustments at MSP; the airline says it will contact affected customers directly. [2]
- Know your rights: If your flight is canceled (or significantly changed) and you don’t travel, you’re entitled to a cash refund under U.S. DOT rules. [3]
- Investor angle:TD Cowen this week raised its Sun Country (SNCY) price target to $21 (Buy), while trackers show an average target around $18–$19. [4]
- Cash generation remains a bright spot: Independent analysis highlights strong free cash flow—about $135M FCF vs. $58.1M statutory profit in the year to September 2025—supporting earnings quality. [5]
What’s new for travelers on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025
The FAA’s temporary plan to reduce air traffic by up to 10% at 40 high‑volume airports starts today. At Minneapolis–St. Paul International (MSP), Sun Country confirmed it is adjusting flight schedules and will notify customers whose flights are impacted. Local reports show early‑morning cancellations as the cutbacks roll in. If you’re flying, monitor your booking and the airline app closely. [6]
Refund basics: If Sun Country cancels your flight (or makes a significant schedule change) and you choose not to travel, the U.S. DOT requires the airline to issue a cash refund—not just a voucher. Keep records of notifications and your original itinerary when you make the request. [7]
Fleet update: Where Sun Country is flying the Boeing 737‑900ER
Sun Country is rolling out its largest narrow‑body yet, the Boeing 737‑900ER, on peak leisure routes from MSP. Published schedules show initial and near‑term flying concentrated on:
- MSP–PHX
- MSP–LAS
- MSP–MCO
- MSP–RSW
These 737‑900ER rotations, launched in late September, are extended through early January 2026, aligning capacity with holiday demand. [8]
What to expect on board: The airframes were acquired second‑hand (ex‑Oman Air) and are being integrated into the fleet. Early public seat maps list ~189 seats in a single‑class layout today, while prior investor materials indicated an “~200‑seat” target configuration once standardization is complete—so exact seating may vary by tail as interiors are refreshed. [9]
Strategy check: Cargo scale‑up reached, passenger capacity ramps next
Sun Country has now completed the build‑out to 20 Boeing 737‑800 freighters operated for Amazon, hitting a key milestone in its diversified model (scheduled, charter, and cargo). Management and trade outlets have signaled that, with cargo capacity in place, the airline will lean back into scheduled passenger growth as market conditions allow. [10]
Wall Street today: upgrades, targets, and what’s priced in
- TD Cowen lifted its SNCY price target to $21 and reiterated a Buy rating, citing cargo at full potential and improving passenger yield dynamics at MSP. Other trackers peg the average 12‑month target around $18–$19 (methodologies differ). [11]
- A fundamentals deep‑dive this week pointed to solid cash conversion: an accrual ratio of –0.10 and ~$135M free cash flow versus $58.1M statutory profit for the year to September 2025—supportive of valuation debates as schedules normalize post‑shutdown impacts. [12]
What this means for Sun Country flyers today
- Check your flight status and email/app alerts frequently today and through next week as the FAA caps roll in. [13]
- If Sun Country cancels your flight (or significantly changes it) and you don’t accept an alternative, request a cash refund under DOT rules. Keep confirmation numbers and screenshots handy. [14]
- Flying MSP–PHX/LAS/MCO/RSW in the next two months? You may see the larger 737‑900ER subbed in—helpful for busy departure banks—though assignments can still change day‑to‑day. [15]
What this means for investors
- The 737‑900ER adds gauge on core leisure routes without adding a new aircraft family—good for unit costs during peaks. Cargo’s now at scale (20 freighters), offering a stabilizer while scheduled capacity flexes around the FAA cuts and seasonal swings. [16]
- Estimate dispersion remains: Some trackers show average targets near $18–$19, while the fresh $21 at TD Cowen sketches upside if margin expansion and yield recovery materialize as planned. As always, targets vary by model inputs and time horizon. [17]
- Cash generation (negative accrual ratio; FCF > net income) continues to be a supportive narrative into 2026, assuming schedules stabilize and peak‑season demand holds. [18]
Sources & further reading
- FAA cuts & MSP travel impacts (Nov. 7, 2025): CBS Minnesota report quoting Sun Country’s schedule changes; Colorado Sun statewide roundup of airline policies. [19]
- Refund rights: U.S. Department of Transportation consumer refund guidance. [20]
- 737‑900ER routes & timing: AeroRoutes schedule filings; AirlineGeeks route overview at launch. [21]
- Seat configuration context: JetTip aircraft fleet notes; current public seat map reference; historical investor slide on planned ~200‑seat layout. [22]
- Cargo milestone: FlightGlobal coverage of Sun Country completing the expansion to 20 Amazon freighters. [23]
- Analyst sentiment: TD Cowen raise to $21 (Investing.com/The Fly); average target trackers. [24]
Disclosure: This article is for information purposes only and is not investment advice.
References
1. www.aeroroutes.com, 2. www.cbsnews.com, 3. www.transportation.gov, 4. www.investing.com, 5. simplywall.st, 6. www.cbsnews.com, 7. www.transportation.gov, 8. www.aeroroutes.com, 9. blog.jettip.net, 10. www.flightglobal.com, 11. www.investing.com, 12. simplywall.st, 13. www.cbsnews.com, 14. www.transportation.gov, 15. www.aeroroutes.com, 16. www.flightglobal.com, 17. stockanalysis.com, 18. simplywall.st, 19. www.cbsnews.com, 20. www.transportation.gov, 21. www.aeroroutes.com, 22. blog.jettip.net, 23. www.flightglobal.com, 24. www.investing.com
