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Ultra-low-cost carrier Sun Country adds flights from DFW to California and Mexico for as low as $49

Low-priced airlines have thrived during the pandemic, feeding on bargain-seeking leisure travelers flying to vacation hot spots.

Ultra-low-cost carrier Sun Country is adding new routes from DFW International Airport to California’s John Wayne Airport in Orange County and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, trying to snag the few passengers willing to fly with bargain-priced tickets.

Minneapolis-based Sun Country said Monday that it’s launching the new seasonal flights in May, operating twice weekly in a strategy used by budget carriers to serve maximum demand.

Ultra-low-cost airlines have been stronger than their traditional counterparts during the pandemic, buoyed by leisure passengers seeking bargain fares and with enough courage to brave the pandemic. Airlines such as Spirit and Allegiant have expanded rapidly to new destinations, hoping to grab market share from mainline competitors such as American Airlines and even Southwest.

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Airlines, particularly those flying in and out of the country, face a new set of challenges with the Biden administration’s recent announcement of testing and quarantine restrictions for international travelers flying into the United States.

But airlines seem to be forging ahead, hoping the distribution of COVID-19 vaccine starts to spur demand for travelers stuck at home since last March or even longer.

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By adding flights at DFW, Sun Country will take direct aim at Fort Worth-based American Airlines. DFW is American’s primary hub and flies nonstop to both John Wayne Airport and Puerto Vallarta.

“We are excited to extend our network and offer people access to even more low-cost vacation options, when they are ready to travel again,” Sun Country Airlines CEO Jude Bricker said in a prepared statement. “The past year has been a challenge for the travel industry but with increased access to COVID-19 tests and vaccinations, we’re starting to see that turn around.”

Flights to Orange County’s John Wayne Airport start May 6 and will operate on Thursdays and Sundays. Flights from DFW to Puerto Vallarta’s Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport start on May 28 and will fly on Mondays and Fridays.

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Flights to John Wayne Airport start at $49 each way, a bargain during the peak summer travel season. John Wayne Airport is often the gateway to major Southern California attractions such as Disneyland in Anaheim and the nearby Knott’s Berry Farm theme park.

The airline didn’t give an end date to the routes, but the company’s online schedule has flights through the end of 2021 from DFW to John Wayne Airport and through Aug. 9 from DFW to Puerto Vallarta.

Tickets to Puerto Vallarta start at $149 each way. The Mexican resort city on the Pacific Ocean is known for its beaches, marine life and late-night hot spots.

Of course, like all ultra-low-cost carriers, the cheap tickets do come at a price. Sun Country charges for preferred seating, carry-on bags, checked bags and a few other privileges. Passengers should also pay for bags when booking, as fees are higher at the airport.

Limited schedules mean passengers on budget airlines have less flexibility, too, having to wait several days for another flight if their original schedule doesn’t work out.

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