Sun Airlines, Inc.: Financial Reporting of Point and Loyalty Programs

This case presents a multifaceted, decision‐oriented context to assess the appropriateness of accounting policy for ensuring a faithful representation of underlying economic reality. It will enhance your: (1) appreciation for the role of judgment in accounting decision making, (2) identification of the appropriate sources of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and their authoritative status, (3) understanding and application of the technical literature, and (4) evaluation of accounting policy in the context of an entity's business strategy and potential reactions of capital market participants. The case serves as a basis for developing the functional, personal, and broad business perspective competencies identified as desirable by the AICPA (1999) for entry‐level professionals.