Guide to Flying PLAY Airlines: All You Need to Know in 2025

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Wondering if PLAY Airlines is the right fit for your next trip? From fare classes and baggage policies to tips for making the most of your journey, here’s all you need to know.

If you’re like me and always on the lookout for affordable ways to travel between Europe and the U.S., you’ve probably come across PLAY Airlines. I’ve flown with them quite a few times, and it’s quickly become one of my go-to airlines when I need to stick to a budget without sacrificing comfort. This guide will cover everything you need to know about flying with PLAY Airlines. From fare classes and baggage policies to seat selection and their unique Icelandic Stayover Program, I’ll walk you through what to expect when booking and flying with PLAY.

What is PLAY Airlines?

PLAY Airlines is a low-cost airline in Iceland, founded in 2019 by a group of aviation professionals and is considered one of the top airlines that fly to Iceland. The airline was created to offer affordable, no-frills flights after the collapse of WOW Air, a previous budget airline in Iceland. PLAY started flying in 2021 and focuses on providing low-cost travel options across Europe and North America.

PLAY’s hub is Keflavik International Airport (KEF) in Reykjavik, Iceland. This location is key for transatlantic flights, serving as a convenient connection point between Europe and North America. The airline uses a fleet of Airbus A321neo aircraft, which are fuel-efficient and help keep ticket prices low, while still offering a comfortable experience for passengers.

I’ve flown with PLAY many times, and it’s one of the cheapest ways to fly to Europe from the US. If you’re looking to save money on transatlantic flights, I highly recommend considering PLAY.

Where do PLAY Airlines fly?

PLAY Airlines connects travelers to a variety of key cities across Europe and North America, with a mix of year-round and seasonal routes. Using Reykjavik as its main hub, PLAY offers affordable transatlantic travel, with a growing list of destinations.

Destinations in Europe

In Europe, PLAY flies to several key cities like London, Paris, and Berlin all year long, making these great options no matter when you’re traveling. If you’re heading to Dublin or Copenhagen, you’ll also find year-round availability.

For more seasonal destinations, PLAY ramps up its routes to places like Venice, Athens, and Split during the spring and summer, perfect for those warm-weather escapes. They also offer seasonal flights to sunny spots like Alicante, Tenerife, and Palma de Mallorca, catering to travelers looking for a beach getaway during the holiday months.

Destinations in North America

On the other side of the Atlantic, PLAY flies year-round to cities like Boston, Baltimore/Washington, and Newburgh (Stewart International) in the U.S. These routes make it a solid choice for affordable travel between the U.S. and Europe.

PLAY also recently started flying to Hamilton in Canada, a fantastic low-cost option near Toronto.

Future destinations

PLAY is always adding new routes, with some exciting seasonal destinations planned for the future. Places like Pula in Croatia and Marrakesh in Morocco are set to join their network soon, along with Faro and Funchal in Portugal, which will be perfect for summer escapes.

PLAY Airlines fare classes

PLAY Airlines offers four fare bundles, each tailored to different types of travelers. Whether you’re a light packer or need more baggage flexibility, there’s an option for you.

PLAY Basic

The PLAY Basic fare is for those who want to travel light. This bundle includes your airfare, taxes, and a small personal item that fits under the seat in front of you. Your personal item can be a small backpack, laptop bag, or purse, but it must not exceed the size limit of 42x32x25 cm (17x18x10 inches) and should weigh no more than 10kg (22 lbs).

If you’re okay with packing light, this fare will get you where you need to go at the lowest cost.

PLAY Basic Plus

If you need just a little more space, PLAY Basic Plus adds some extra perks. This fare includes the standard airfare and taxes, a personal item, and a carry-on bag that fits in the overhead compartment (up to 56x45x25 cm or 22x18x10 inches, with a weight limit of 12kg or 26lbs).

You also get priority boarding and can select a seat in the middle or back of the plane (excluding extra legroom seats). It’s a great middle-ground option for those traveling light but with a bit more baggage.

PLAY Value

For more flexibility without going overboard, PLAY Value is a solid choice. This bundle includes airfare, taxes, a personal item, a carry-on bag (same size and weight as the Basic Plus), and one checked bag weighing up to 20kg (44 lbs).

You also get priority boarding, seat selection towards the back or middle of the plane, and a 30% discount on date change fees. It’s perfect for those who need to bring more but want to stick to a budget.

PLAY Flex

The PLAY Flex fare gives you the most comfort and flexibility. In addition to the standard personal item, carry-on bag, and priority boarding, you also get a checked bag allowance of up to 23kg (50 lbs).

You can choose any seat on the plane, including those with extra legroom. Plus, you can change your flight date without being charged the date change fee, though any airfare difference still applies. This bundle is ideal if you want peace of mind and added flexibility on your trip.

PLAY Airlines baggage policy

Understanding PLAY Airlines’ baggage policy can help you avoid any surprises at the airport. The amount of baggage you can bring depends on the fare class you choose. Here’s a breakdown of both carry-on and checked baggage policies:

Carry-on baggage

Every fare class includes a personal item that fits under the seat in front of you. This personal item can be a small backpack, laptop bag, or purse, but it must not exceed 42x32x25 cm (17x18x10 inches) and should weigh no more than 10kg (22 lbs).

• PLAY Basic Plus, PLAY Value, and PLAY Flex fares also include one carry-on bag, which can be stored in the overhead compartment. This carry-on bag must not exceed 56x45x25 cm (22x18x10 inches) and must weigh no more than 12kg (26 lbs).
• All fares that offer a carry-on also include priority boarding.

If you’re flying with the PLAY Basic fare and need extra baggage, you’ll need to pay an additional fee to bring a carry-on or checked luggage.

Checked baggage

Checked baggage is included in PLAY Value and PLAY Flex fares, but not in PLAY Basic or PLAY Basic Plus. Here’s what you can expect based on your fare:

• PLAY Value: Includes one checked bag weighing up to 20kg (44 lbs).
• PLAY Flex: Includes one checked bag weighing up to 23kg (50 lbs).

For those flying with PLAY Basic or PLAY Basic Plus, checked baggage is available for purchase. It’s generally cheaper to add checked baggage when booking your ticket rather than at the airport. Overweight fees apply if your checked luggage exceeds the weight limit, and you’ll be charged per kilogram.

In-flight experience with PLAY Airlines

PLAY Airlines offers a no-frills in-flight experience, focusing on providing the essentials at an affordable price. While the airline doesn’t offer the extensive in-flight services that you might find with legacy carriers, they ensure a comfortable journey with options for snacks and entertainment that can be purchased as needed.

Seat selection

With PLAY Airlines, your seat selection options depend on the fare you choose. Whether you’re looking for basic seating or extra legroom, there’s flexibility to pick a seat that suits your comfort level and budget.

PLAY Basic

If you’re flying with the PLAY Basic fare, seat selection is not included. The system will automatically assign you a seat at check-in. If you prefer to choose your seat, you can pay an additional fee to select one.

PLAY Basic Plus

The PLAY Basic Plus fare allows you to select a seat towards the middle or back of the aircraft, but this doesn’t include extra legroom seats. This fare is perfect if you want more control over where you sit without paying for premium seating.

PLAY Value

With the PLAY Value fare, you also get to choose a seat in the middle or back of the plane. Just like the Basic Plus fare, extra legroom seats are excluded, but this fare is a good balance between flexibility and price.

PLAY Flex

If you’re flying on the PLAY Flex fare, you can choose any seat on the plane, including those with extra legroom. This fare provides the most flexibility for travelers who want to ensure they have a comfortable spot on the flight.

In-flight entertainment

There are no built-in entertainment screens, so you’ll want to bring your own devices preloaded with movies, podcasts, or books to keep yourself entertained during the flight. Wi-Fi is not available on PLAY Airlines.

Food and drinks

PLAY Airlines operates a cafeteria-style service where passengers can purchase snacks and drinks onboard. The menu typically includes sandwiches, snacks, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages, with prices varying based on the items.

There are no complimentary meals, so I recommend bringing your own food if you prefer not to buy during the flight.

Is PLAY Airlines safe to fly?

Yes, PLAY Airlines is safe to fly. They take safety seriously, operating with strict international aviation standards. The airline flies modern Airbus A321neo planes, which are known for being both safe and fuel-efficient. These newer aircraft are equipped with the latest technology, giving you peace of mind during your flight.

PLAY Airlines Stayover Program

PLAY Airlines offers a pretty cool way to break up your transatlantic trip. The Stayover Program lets you explore Iceland for up to 10 days at no extra cost.

What to know about PLAY’s Stayovers

• How long can you stay? You can stay in Iceland for up to 10 days on either leg of your trip. Whether you want a quick stop or a mini-vacation, it’s flexible.
• Is there an extra cost? Nope! The Stayover is included in your airfare, so you won’t pay anything extra for adding Iceland to your itinerary.
• What about accommodation? The Stayover doesn’t cover hotels, so you’ll need to book your own place to stay while in Iceland.
• When do you book it? You can add the Stayover when booking your flight on PLAY’s website. Just select the option for a stop in Iceland, and you’re set.
• Where do flights go? All PLAY flights between the U.S. and Europe pass through Iceland, so it’s an easy and natural stop.

PLAY’s Stayover Program takes the usual layover and flips it on its head. Instead of rushing through the airport, you get a chance to experience Iceland’s stunning landscapes, culture, and outdoor adventures without any extra airfare costs.

If you’ve always wanted to visit Iceland, this is a great way to do it!

Tips for Flying PLAY Airlines

Here are a few personal tips to help you get the most out of booking your PLAY Airlines flight:

• Book baggage early: If you know you’ll need extra baggage, add it when you book your ticket. It’s usually cheaper than paying for it at the airport, and you’ll avoid any last-minute stress.
• Check your baggage size: Measure your bags before you get to the airport to make sure they fit PLAY’s size limits. Trust me, it’s not fun to repack at the gate!
• Bring your own snacks: Since there’s no complimentary food on board, I always pack a few snacks and a reusable water bottle. It’ll save you some cash and keep you fueled for the flight.
• Download entertainment: There’s no in-flight entertainment, so be sure to download movies, shows, or podcasts before you board. This is especially helpful for long transatlantic flights.
• Consider seat selection: If you’re particular about where you sit, it’s worth paying for seat selection when you book. If you’re okay with a random assignment, stick with the free option to save some money.
• Keep an eye on their promotions: PLAY often runs sales, so signing up for their newsletter can alert you to some great deals. It’s a handy way to snag a cheap flight when you’re flexible with your travel dates.
• Look at the seasonality: Some destinations are only available seasonally, so plan accordingly if you’ve got your heart set on a particular place during the off-season.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about PLAY Airlines

If you’re considering flying with PLAY Airlines, you might have a few questions before booking. I’ve flown with them several times, so here are some of the most common questions I get asked, along with helpful answers to make your trip planning easier.

Does PLAY Airlines have first class?

No, PLAY Airlines does not have first class. PLAY is a low-cost airline that focuses on offering budget-friendly travel with a simple fare structure. Their planes feature economy seating only.

Is PLAY a low-cost airline?

Yes, PLAY is a low-cost airline. PLAY Airlines was founded to provide affordable, no-frills flights between Europe and North America. They focus on keeping costs low by offering basic services and giving passengers the option to pay for extras like baggage, seat selection, and meals.

Can I bring food on PLAY Airlines?

Yes, you can bring food on PLAY Airlines. Since PLAY operates as a no-frills airline, they do not provide complimentary meals on board. You can purchase food and drinks during the flight, but if you want to save money or prefer your own snacks, feel free to bring your own food onboard.

What planes do PLAY Airlines use?

PLAY Airlines uses Airbus A321neo aircraft. These planes are known for being fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly while still offering a comfortable ride for passengers. The A321neo is also a great choice for transatlantic flights.