Post Last Modified – April 19, 2025 ¦ gr8traveltips.com
Certain products/services may have affiliate links where I may receive a commission.
There is no cost to you whatsoever.
A Sunwing Airlines Flight Review Regarding a Pilot Request
On one of our vacation to Cancun, Mexico a few seasons ago and flying with; Sunwing Airlines, a strange thing happened on our flight home. It was something I had never experienced in all my years of air travel.
Here’s what occurred on this flight and a brief look at my …
Sunwing Airlines Flight Review
Now I’m no pilot or have any knowledge of flying whatsoever, but what occurred, really drew my attention and curiosity. So much so, that once I returned home I immediately, contacted a family member. He is an experienced test pilot, in the Canadian Armed Forces.
Here’s what happened;
Prior to takeoff from Cancun airport, our flight attendant made an announcement. The Captain had issued an order.
7 passengers in rows {1 thru 10}, must move back to the rear of the plane, for takeoff.
Not only for takeoff, but for the entire duration of the flight. Now, these front row seats are for those elite passengers and who paid, an additional fee for; extra leg room, baggage allowance, priority check in and more.
There was no explanation given for this order, and all the flight attendant said to passengers, was …
“The doors would not be closed until this request was met.”
Needless to say, those elite passengers, were not very happy to say the least!
Safety Is Priority One
I would never sacrifice my safety or that of any others, for any reason. After discussing this with a professional airline pilot and from the explanation received, I’m glad the pilot made this important decision.
Here’s what he had to say;
“I read Rob’s question about the aircraft weight distribution and although,
this is rare for commercial airlines to have to move passengers, the Centre of Gravity
of the aircraft is critical, to maintaining proper aircraft control. It is computed in detail before every single flight, even on our helicopters. So it is likely, that due to the specific passenger seating and 🧳 baggage load, they had to move the center of gravity of the aircraft backwards, to ensure it was within limits (for adequate control).
This often leads to accidents on small general aviation aircraft, when they are either; overloaded or the loading puts the Centre of Gravity (CG) out of limits.
Unfortunately these pilots are not diligent enough, or sometimes negligent in this regard.”
Hats Off To Our Sunwing Pilots
Now after understanding what occurred in more detail, I am thankful our Sunwing pilots were doing their job; professionally and with the safety of all passengers as … priority one!
Indeed, this must be a very rare occurrence for this type of air travel. In all my years of flying in all sizes of aircraft, this has never occurred. Hopefully for good reason and not because of; pilot negligence.
So there you have it!
Just something of interest to pass on to you in regards to airline safety. It’s nice to know that for those of us who travel and fly a great deal, we are safe, in the hands of; professional commercial airline pilots.
I trust that the airline would have reimbursed or offered some sort of compensation, to those passengers that were not able, to utilize their class of seating they had paid for.
However, I personally think that things would have gone a lot smoother, had the flight attendant and/or pilot, actually explained the reason for this demand. I’m quite sure, once the passengers were aware of the circumstance, they would have given up their seats much easier.
As well, giving assurance at that time, that their payment for their {Elite Upgrade} and/or flight, would be reimbursed and/or credit given for a future flight.
We’ve booked a number of all inclusive vacation packages with this airline over the years, to a variety of holiday destinations. Knock on wood, with no real complaints to speak of to date.
Update 2024
Canada’s transport ministry has approved WestJet Airlines request to acquire; Toronto’s Sunwing Vacations and Sunwing Airlines.
“May 1, 2023 — The WestJet Group today announced that it has completed its
acquisition of Sunwing Vacations and Sunwing Airlines.”
Hopefully this merger between the airlines will make air travel for Canadians, more efficient than what we’ve experienced in recent years. 🫰
Safe and Healthy Travels!
All personal photographs on this post are the property of gr8traveltips.com and are copyright protected.
Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.
Did You Know …
“Turbulence Isn’t Dangerous & There Are Ways Pilots Can Reduce, Your Chances Of Experiencing It.”
Join Me On Instagram For Travel Photos, Video’s & More!
Amazing Boeing Dreamliner Safe Flying Video
Airplane Travel Tips & Air Travel Etiquette
🧳 Beware Of In Flight Theft On Your Next Flight
Don’t Forget It … Be Sure To Pin It!
© 2025, All Rights Reserved ¦ gr8traveltips.com
Please visit:
Our Sponsor