Hold on to your hats, budget travelers! Allegiant and Sun Country are officially tying the knot, with the deal expected to close in the second half of 2026. While it might seem like a behind-the-scenes business move, this merger could have a ripple effect on your travel plans, especially if you're loyal to either airline's rewards program or hold one of their co-branded credit cards.

The big question mark right now is what the combined loyalty program will look like. Will Allegiant's Allways Rewards and Sun Country's Rewards programs merge into a single entity? And what will happen to the perks and benefits you've earned? Similarly, those co-branded credit cards you use to rack up points and miles could see some changes in earning rates, redemption options, or even partner benefits.

Essentially, if you're an avid flyer on either of these airlines or a cardholder, keep a close eye on announcements over the next couple of years. It's never too early to start strategizing how you can maximize your rewards before any potential changes are implemented. This also may mean some new destinations and more options when they combine their routes.