The Arizona Republic

Mesa Gateway Airport gets new low-cost airline

- Melissa Yeager

Travelers will have another option from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport when Minneapoli­s-based Sun Country Airlines launches service from the East Valley in November.

The airline said it will offer flights between the east Mesa airport and Minneapoli­s-Saint Paul Internatio­nal Airport starting Nov. 24. Tickets are on sale now at suncountry.com with introducto­ry fares starting at $79 one way.

The route will operate four times weekly, departing Mesa on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.

“With more and more people excited to resume traveling, we’re excited to be able to offer them another option to get away this winter to enjoy the Valley of the Sun,” Grant Whitney, Sun Country’s chief revenue officer, said in a press release.

Sun Country already flies to Phoenix Sky Harbor Internatio­nal Airport, and Mesa Gateway officials said the airline plans to continue offering service at both airports.

The news was part of the carrier’s larger announceme­nt that it would add nine new airports to its network.

“This new service provides Sun Country travelers with convenient access to all the outdoor activities that make Arizona a very popular tourism destinatio­n,” J. Brian O’Neill, PhoenixMes­a Gateway Airport Authority executive director, said in a press release.

“I am confident that Sun Country will be very successful at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and welcome them to our family.”

This is the second new airline to announce service from Mesa-Gateway this month. Newly formed budget carrier Avelo Airlines announced it would bring service between Mesa and Burbank starting May 3.

How to book a Sun Country flight

Check schedules and buy tickets at suncountry.com.

The airline uses an unbundled business model, meaning it offers low fares but you’ll pay extra for things like carryon bags, checked bags and seat assignment­s. Make sure to figure those fees into your budget when planning your travel.

You can connect with Arizona Republic Consumer Travel Reporter Melissa Yeager through email at melissa.yeager@azcentral.com. You can also follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @melissayea­gr.

 ?? SUN COUNTRY AIRLINES ?? A Sun Country jet in the airline’s new livery.
SUN COUNTRY AIRLINES A Sun Country jet in the airline’s new livery.

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