What consumers should know

If you book a flight on Sun Country, you'll either fly or get a refund. Credit-card companies hold customers' ticket payments and don't pay the airline until the flights occur.

Consumer advocates differ on whether to buy tickets on Sun Country.

Terry Trippler, a Minneapolis-based travel expert, said he wouldn't hesitate to book a winter trip on Sun Country. In a statement, Sun Country said it "has no plans to shut down or institute a major layoff" and is "confident about the future of our great airline."

Nonetheless, for a trip that you absolutely can't miss -- your March honeymoon to Mexico, for example -- Travel Troubleshooter columnist Christopher Elliott said consumers might want to choose another airline. He also advised people who book on Sun Country to avoid paying with cash or check.