Find cheap PLAY flights

PLAY is an Icelandic ultra low-cost carrier (ULCC), which means it's known for cheap airfare. The airline flies between North America and Europe (plus Marrakech, Morocco) via Iceland, so all transatlantic routes have a layover in Iceland. As a ULCC, PLAY charges extra for just about everything, from a cabin bag to a seat assignment to drinking water. But if you're willing to go bare bones on your flight, you can score a very cheap ticket.

Fare classes or "bundles" on PLAY

PLAY has four fare classes that are known as "bundles." While a basic bundle simply includes airfare and taxes, the higher-level bundles include a range of add-ons, such as seat assignments and cabin or checked bags, as well as perks like priority boarding and waived change fees. You can also purchase some add-ons separately to create your own "bundle."

PLAY basic

PLAY basic fares only cover the airfare, taxes and one personal item, which must be 43x33x25 cm or smaller and 10 kg or less. This is the cheapest fare on PLAY and the one you'll see displayed on the fare calendars during booking. You can purchase add-ons like seat selection and cabin or checked bags, but you'll want to compare the cost to booking other bundles.

PLAY basic plus

This fare class covers the same things as PLAY basic, but it also includes a carry-on bag (max measurements are 46x46x25 cm and 12 kg), priority boarding and free seat selection in the middle or back of the plane. If you want to book in the front of the plane or in an extra legroom seat, you'll have to pay extra.

PLAY value

This fare class builds on PLAY basic plus by adding a checked bag (up 20 kg) and a 30% discount on change fees. If your checked bag is heavier than 20 kg, you will be charged an extra fee at check-in. Weigh your bags before you leave home to avoid these extra baggage fees!

PLAY flex

This bundle is ideal for those whose plans might change. It includes everything covered by the PLAY value bundle with some slight variations. Checked baggage can weigh up to 32 kg, and all flight change fees are waived. You can also select a seat anywhere on the aircraft except for extra legroom seats, which cost extra.

À la carte add-ons

Adding baggage or seat selection to your ticket is cheapest during booking. Prices can go up after booking and before your flight, with prices being more expensive at online check-in and even more expensive at in-person check-in at the airport. In general, prices vary based on the route and the date of the flight.

Seats & legroom

PLAY only has one cabin: economy. The standard economy seat has 74 or 76 cm of pitch. But there are extra legroom seats at the front of the plane and in the exit rows, and these have up to 25 additional centimetres of pitch. Extra legroom seats are the most expensive seats on the plane, and they are not included in any bundles.

I prefer the bulkhead seats on PLAY, as I find there's enough room for passengers in the middle and the window to get up and walk past the passenger in the aisle. The downside to the bulkhead is that sometimes the lavatory line backs up into the aisle here, so it's better to sit in the window.

If you are travelling with children under 12 years old, PLAY will ensure they are seated with you. But older children may be separated from their parents, so if you want to seat your family together, it's best to pay for seat assignments. The same goes for groups travelling together.

Amenities & entertainment

PLAY's amenities and entertainment options are very limited, which is how the airline is able to keep flight prices so low. There are no inflight entertainment systems onboard, nor is there Wi-Fi. But there is an intranet service called PlayPal that works during the flight. This webpage includes a live flight map, an ordering option for food and drink and a few simple games.

You can also purchase amenities and entertainment like a nap kit with an eye mask and ear plugs; playing cards; a game called Yatzy and a cuddly puffin. If you want to save money on entertainment, I recommend downloading content on your phone or a tablet in advance, but do note that there are no USB ports or outlets available to charge your devices. Or you can bring a book!

Food & drink

All food and beverages cost extra on PLAY flights, including water. You can, however, ask for free ice. If you'd like to purchase food, there are several hot dishes available, as well as baked goods for breakfast and savoury and sweet snacks. Drinks available to purchase include bottled water, juices, soft drinks, hot coffee and tea and alcoholic beverages; I highly recommend the Icelandic orange soda Applesín.

PLAY allows you to bring your own food and drinks onboard, so to save money, it's best to pack your own meal. Remember that liquids usually can't be taken through airport security, so ensure all food you pack is solid. As for drinks, purchase them at the airport or fill up an empty water bottle. (And don't forget to ask for free ice on the flight!)

How to check in

PLAY has two check-in options: at the airport or online. Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure, and you can choose to have your boarding pass sent to you via email to print yourself or to your mobile device. In-person check-in is open until 1 hour before departure. The only airport with self-service kiosks is Keflavik Airport (KEF) in Iceland; all others only have full-service desks.

During check-in, both online and in-person, you can purchase add-ons like a seat assignment or carry-on or checked baggage. If you are bringing a cabin bag, you must visit the check-in desk to have it sized and weighed; I found PLAY to be very strict with these measurements. Cabin bags that meet the size and weight requirements will be given a special tag.

At some airports, online check-in is unavailable, so you may have to check in at the desk on the day of your flight. Additionally, mobile boarding passes may not be accepted (mine wasn't at Stewart International Airport in New York), so you may be asked to print your boarding pass at the check-in desk. Get to the airport early in case you need to visit the desk.

The boarding process

PLAY boards in three zones: pre-boarding for those who need extra time and families, priority boarding, and general boarding. Priority boarding is given to passengers who book PLAY basic plus, value and flex bundles, as well as those who pay for carry-on bags. At least half my flight boarded in the priority group, so it's less of a priority than you might expect!

Change & cancellation policies

PLAY does allow changes, but there is a fee involved. The only exceptions are if you book a flex bundle, which waives the change fee, or you pay for flight flexibility, which is an add-on. You will still be responsible for any changes in fare, and you will not be refunded if the fare is lower for your new flight.

PLAY typically doesn't issue refunds for cancellation, but there are some exceptions. For UK flights, their standard policy states that flight tickets are non-refundable unless you purchased Cancellation Protection at the time of booking. However, if your flight involves travel to or from the United States, you can you cancel within 24 hours for a full refund if the flight is booked at least seven days before departure. It's definitely worthwhile purchasing Cancellation Protection, as it also covers specified reasons for cancellation like falling ill or becoming injured.

If PLAY changes or cancels your flight, you'll be offered rebooking options free of charge. If you don't find an alternative that's suitable for your travel plans, you can request a cash refund. Because PLAY is registered in Iceland, its flights are protected by EC No. 261/2004, which provides compensation for passengers affected by long delays or cancellations.

Destinations

PLAY's hub is Keflavik Airport (KEF) in Iceland. From here, it flies to four airports on the East Coast of the U.S., plus Toronto in Canada. It also flies to more than 35 European cities, as well as Marrakech, Morocco. In the UK, it flies to Liverpool and London Stansted. Keep in mind that the airline may fly to secondary airports, as is the case with Stansted, located 37 miles from London, plus Stewart International Airport (SWF) in New York, which is about 60 miles north of New York City.

Stopover programme

PLAY offers a stopover programme called PLAY Stayover. This allows you to extend a layover in Iceland for up to 10 days for free, in either or both directions, when travelling between Europe and the U.S.. Since flying between North America and Europe (or Marrakech) requires a stop in Iceland anyway, this is a great way to extend your holiday.