Sunwing Airline Review – The Good, the Bad, and Inbetween

Sunwing Airlines is a popular Canadian airline owned by Westjet. It offers flights from Canada and the U.S to over 45 destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, Florida, and Central America. I’ve flown with Sunwing several times, most recently on a trip out to Cancun, Mexico. Sunwing is often known for its affordable vacation packages, but what is it actually like to fly with them? In this Sunwing airline review, I’ll break down my personal experience, so you know what to expect before booking your next getaway.

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Related: Curious how it compares? Read our Air Transat review next.

Booking with Sunwing: Vacation Packages vs. Flight-Only Options

Booking with Sunwing is fairly straightforward, especially if you’re booking a vacation package. The packages are bundles with flights, hotels, and airport transfers included in the price. These options are perfect for people looking for a hassle free vacation. Plus, you can sometimes find good deals on these packages. If you’re just booking the flight, it’s important to note that Sunwing operates more like a budget airline meaning you will have to pay extra for checked baggage, seat selection, and in-flight meals. 

Check-In and Baggage: Sunwing Airline Review

Check in with Sunwing is pretty straightforward and similar to many other airlines. I opted for online check-in 24 hours before my flight. You can pay for extras like seat selection or meals during the online check-in. Once at the airport, the process was smooth with short lines and friendly service from the Sunwing staff. 

In regards to baggage, if you purchase a vacation package it will come with one included check bag for each passenger. However, if you’re just buying the plane ticket you’ll have to pay extra for a checked bag. It’s $50 per bag each way. 

Overall, my check-in experience was stress-free, and the baggage handling seemed efficient both ways. Just remember to factor in the cost of any extras when you’re booking, especially if you’re not getting a package deal.

Sunwing Cabin Experience: Seats, Space, and Cleanliness

The cabin of the aircraft felt pretty standard for an economy flight. Seats are basic but functional, no fancy headrests or leather, but they’re fine for a few hours. Legroom was on the tighter side, I had no problem with it but my partner who is over 6 foot tall noticed it was a bit more cramped than other flights. If you decide you want extra leg room it may be worth it to upgrade to Elite Plus seats, which offer early boarding and extra leg room. 

Overall, the airplane felt clean which is always important to me. The seats and tray tables were clean and the washrooms remained in decent shape for the flight. It’s definitely not luxury, but it wasn’t grimy or overly dirty. All in all, the cabin is basic but comfortable enough for short to mid-haul flights to sunny destinations. 

In-Flight Service: Food, Drinks, and Crew Friendliness

Sunwings in-flight service is pretty minimal. Meals and snacks are an extra cost and selections are limited. Snack boxes, sandwiches, basic packaged snacks, soft drinks, and alcohol are what’s offered. This was totally fine for me as the flight was just under five hours and I normally bring my own snacks anyways. The staff were friendly and accommodating. Despite the flight being completely full they stayed patient and professional, which was definitely a standout. 

Entertainment On Board: Sunwing Airline Review

Sunwing is pretty basic when it comes to entertainment and amenities. There are no TV’s on the backs of the seats or personal entertainment systems. If you’re hoping to watch movies or shows on the flight you’ll have to bring a device and download them before the flight. I opted to bring my Kindle Paperwhite and just read during the flight. If you want to watch movies or TV it would be best to bring a device to watch it on, I recommend this Amazon tablet. It’s a short enough flight that I didn’t need any other entertainment. There’s also no onboard wifi, which isn’t super surprising considering this is a no frills type of airline, but it’s important to note if you like to stay connected during your flight. 

Sunwing Customer Support

Customer Service can be a bit of a situational basis. When everything goes smoothly, there is never really a need to reach out. However, if your flight is delayed or there is a booking issue, it can be a bit of a wait to get in touch with someone. The reps are usually helpful and friendly once you get through, but the wait times can be frustrating. If you’re booking a vacation package, you’ll usually have access to a Sunwing rep at your destination, which can be a lifesaver if something goes sideways during your trip. If you do end up needing to contact customer support visit Sunwings website for up to date phone numbers and FAQ’s.

Final Thoughts: Sunwing Airline Review

I’ve flown with Sunwing many times and I will continue to fly with them. They are a good option for flights to the Caribbean and Mexico and I like that you can book vacation packages for no hassle trips. The flight itself is basic, but it’s a short enough flight that the added amenities are not necessary. I found the staff friendly and professional which always makes a difference when you’re heading out on vacation. If you’re looking for an affordable, no-frills way to get to a sunny destination, Sunwing is a solid choice. Just pack your own snacks and entertainment, and you’ll be good to go! I hope this Sunwing airline review helps you decide if it’s the right fit for your next trip.

Related: Read our Porter Airlines review to see how it compares.