Sunwing Airlines Review [2024]: A legit budget airlines?

Ready to roll into an adventure abroad? Whether you're looking to escape to alluring Antigua, tropical Jamaica, or the cultural hot spot of Panama, Sunwing Airlines offers some seriously great deals. 

Sunwing claims to deliver top-quality service and hassle-free, unbeatable experiences from coast to coast, but do they really live up to that promise?

Before you pack your suitcase, find out everything you need to know about what it's really like flying with Sunwing Airlines.

What is Sunwing Airlines?

Sunwing Airlines is a Canadian-based leisure carrier that offers flights through North, Central, and South America. The company prides itself on fuel efficiency, new technology, and world-class style, which they claim to be evident in the Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 737 MAX aircrafts. 

Sunwing Airlines' goal is to offer customers dependable and budget-friendly flights that don't come at an expense to the environment. 

Where does Sunwing Airlines fly to?

Sunwing Airlines offers flights from the United States and Canada to over 45 of the most prominent travel destinations. These hot spots include Mexico, the Bahamas, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Honduras, and many more.  

What are the packages Sunwing Airlines offers? 

Sunwing Airlines offers three different packages to accommodate the needs of various travelers (on top of the base fare). 

Elite Plus Service ($50 per person – one-way) 

• Free checked baggage (up to 23kg) 
• Buy on board menu of snacks and light meals) 
• Non-alcoholic beverage service 
• Free carry-on (up to 5kg) and one personal item 
• Up to 6 inches of extra legroom per seat 
• Increased baggage allowance of up to 30kg 
• Complimentary advance seat selection 
• Priority baggage handling 
• Priority security line access in some Canadian airports 
• Priority boarding at most airports 
• Priority check-in at most Canadian airports 

This package is an excellent option for backpackers and budget travelers who don't want to spend big bucks but would like to reap some benefits. It's ideal for those who are traveling one way. 

Premium Package ($60 per person – roundtrip) 

• Free checked baggage (up to 23kg) 
• Buy on board menu of snacks and light meals) 
• Non-alcoholic beverage service 
• Free carry-on (up to 5kg) and one personal item 
• Complimentary advance seat selection 
• Priority boarding at most airports 
• Priority check-in at most Canadian airports 
• $50 travel voucher for future Sunwing vacations 
• Booking change fee waived (once per booking) 
• Guaranteed NO currency surcharge after booking
• Guaranteed no fuel surcharge after booking 

This package option is suitable for budget-conscious travelers who want to take advantage of the convenience. For only an extra $10, it's a great choice considering it's also for a roundtrip. 

Premium Package Plus ($120 per person – roundtrip) 

• Free checked baggage (up to 23kg) 
• Buy on board menu of snacks and light meals) 
• Non-alcoholic beverage service 
• Free carry-on (up to 5kg) and one personal item 
• Up to 6 inches of extra legroom per seat 
• Increased baggage allowance of up to 30kg 
• Complimentary advance seat selection 
•  Priority baggage handling 
• Priority security line access in some Canadian airports 
• Priority boarding at most airports 
• Priority check-in at most Canadian airports 
• $50 travel voucher for future Sunwing vacations 
• Booking change fee waived (once per booking) 
• Guaranteed NO currency surcharge after booking
• Guaranteed no fuel surcharge after booking 

This package option is best for couples and young families. With a vast array of benefits, you'll be sure everyone is kept happy. 

What is it like flying with Sunwing Airlines? 

Flying with Sunwing Airlines is what you'd expect from a cost-friendly airline. Aside from the benefits of the package you select, you can expect that all of your basic needs will be met. 

Legroom and space are relatively limited but not entirely uncomfortable. If having space to yourself is a priority, you can simply select the Elite Plus Service or the Premium Package Plus for an extra 6 inches of legroom (along with many other benefits). 

Is Sunwing Airlines safe? 

Regarding safety, Sunwing Airlines stands out in a handful of mixed reviews. While it is widely considered a safe option, there have been multiple reports of not citing some 'aircraft defects.' Federal inspectors had come across non-compliance in specific areas such as internal safety monitoring and safety oversight. 

Aside from these findings, Sunwing Airlines is still one of the most secure airlines to travel with compared to other major airlines across the world. 

Does Sunwing Airlines serve food and beverages? 

Coined as the Sunwing Café, there's a wide variety of onboard options. Prices are reasonably standard when compared to other airlines. If you're a vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan, or trying to save money, it's best to bring your own snacks. 

Sunwing food

The breakfast menu is pretty simple, with four options: croissants, sandwiches, oatmeal, and a cheese tray.

Other meal options are slightly more varied, with plates including smoked meat sandwiches, turkey and bacon wraps, Margherita pizzas, noodles, hummus, and even a wine and cheese combo. 

Aside from the standard snacks available across practically all major airlines, Sunwing Airlines offers snack boxes that include a variety of sweet and savory treats, sure to satisfy both kids and adults. 

Sunwing drinks

From the list of beverages available, you can expect that of what's on most flight menus – wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, juices, coffee, tea, and water. Sunwing Airlines offer a complimentary, non-alcoholic beverage for each flight. 

Cancellation Policy of Sunwing Airlines 

Passengers have the freedom to cancel a flight booked as long as it's within 24 hours of the purchase. In this case, customers can receive a full refund as long as it was made a week or more before the departure date. 

If you cancel the flight within 24 hours of departure, passengers are charged a cancellation fee ranging from $100 to $400. 

What people are saying about Sunwing Airlines?

Most customers have reported nothing short of positive comments, praising the staff members for their kindness and top-quality service. Food and beverage seem to be a real winner across the broad expanse of reviews, with comments on the quality and value for money. 

The array of unhappy customers claimed delayed, rescheduled, and even canceled flights. Some clients said that even though the airline had canceled their flight, changing to another date would cost them hundreds of dollars.

Multiple Sunwing reviews note that if your flight price increases, Sunwing will simply cancel all flights, and then they may try to resell it back to you for a higher price.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Sunwing Airlines

Benefits

The advantages of booking a trip abroad with Sunwing Airlines are pretty enticing. Each passenger is allowed at least one personal item and one carry-on making it an ideal option for backpackers or those traveling light. 

With low costs and plenty of destinations to choose from, it can be a bit tempting not to just go straight ahead and book the flight you're after. Sunwing Airlines is well-known for its exceptional customer service and range of onboard meals and beverages. 

The cancellation policy can also greatly benefit organized travelers, as long as it's made in good time.  

Drawbacks

All that being said, the disadvantages seem to outweigh the pros. Swarming reviews about delayed and rescheduled flights can leave a sense of unease and distrust when deciding whether or not you should make that booking. 

In addition, if you fail to follow the correct check-in procedures, your seats will be reassigned, and you may even be denied boarding compensation. 

If you fail to cancel your flights within the given time frame, you won't get a refund and will have to pay a fee. 

And lastly, if you don't select one of the packages, you'll be hit with expensive add-ons and pricey luggage fees. 

Is Sunwing Flights worth it?

Suppose you're looking for a cost-effective option across North America, Central America, and South America. In that case, Sunwing Airlines is a great choice. If you're only traveling with a backpack or carry-on luggage, and you're not overly fussed about leg room, it's worth it. 

The biggest downside to booking with Sunwing Airlines is the uncertainty of a flight being delayed, rescheduled, or cancelled. But considering that this is a budget airline, it's pretty standard. 

If you're willing to compromise an uncertain flight path or time for a lower price, then Sunwing can still be a great option. 

Our Rating: 3.3/5

Pros:

• Over 45 destinations
• Budget-friendly options 
• Various meal and drink options
• Great customer service 
• Included carry-on
• Add-on packages available

Cons:

• Frequent delayed, rescheduled, or canceled flights 
• Cancellation policy
• Add-on fees if you don't select a package option 
• Strict luggage restrictions 

Plan your next adventure

Sunwing is not the only option for cheap flights; if you're not sold, you can check out other budget airlines like Flair or sites that claim to offer the best deals like eDreams or Hotwire. Whichever company you decide to book with, planning travels can be hectic. Stay organized with Pilot!