Flying With Play Airlines: 2025 Review

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Last year, I took over 30 flights, and in the past three years, I've come close to taking nearly 70. A couple things can be inferred from this: I've been abundantly blessed on the travel-front (like beyond my wildest dreams), stricken with jet lag far too many times to not have a better remedy for it by now, and have evolved into an unofficial flying expert of sorts. I'm always looking for ways to maximize on my flight miles and cut down on the costs of my airfare, even if that means experimenting with new, less mainstream airlines.

In the fall of last year, I had the opportunity to try Gen Z's newest airline of choice for affordable travel: Play Airlines. Founded in 2019, the airline literally abides by the motto “pay less, play more,” with flights from major East Coast cities in the US to global destinations like London or Copenhagen — all for hundreds of dollars less than other airline competitors (hence it's appeal to more frugal travelers).

Like most low-cost airlines, Play's cheaper seat tickets don't necessarily excuse additional costs entirely; things like priority boarding and checked baggage will come at an additional cost. But the company's low-fare model is still significantly more affordable than other carriers, giving travelers the freedom to play with their travel budget and explore the world on the cheap.

Eager to see how Play Airlines really holds up against its competitors, I flew on the airline last October on a trip from Baltimore to Reykjavík, Iceland. Below, I detail my experience using the carrier, including how it ultimately elevated the quality of my trip. From the airplane's comfortability and cleanliness to its additional in-flight costs, keep reading for my full review of Play Airlines.

What Is Play Airlines?

Play Airlines is a low-cost airline that operates flights from North America to destinations like Iceland and other countries throughout Europe, with one-way fares that average around $100 — sometimes even lower. The airline offers three different ticket options: Play Basic, Play Basic Plus, and Play Value. With Play Basic — typically the most affordable of the three — the option includes a seat ticket and one personal item; with the Play Basic Plus or Play Value options, passengers can choose their own seats, add a carry-on or checked bag, and enjoy priority boarding.

What I Like About Flying Play Airlines

Play essentially offers an à la carte take on flying, where passengers can choose their own adventure based off of their personal traveling needs, comfortability preferences, and budget. I was admittedly skeptical about flying with the airline prior to my trip, mostly because the notion of under-$150 flights from the United States to Iceland or Europe seemed so outlandish to me; could quality flights really be that affordable? (Spoiler: the answer is yes.)

Unlike other airlines, Play embraces a more stripped-back approach to air travel, but not in a way that feels low-budget or uncomfortable; the aircrafts are stylish, with comfortable seats that are equipped with ample legroom and overhead bin space for luggage. They all feature the usual bells and whistles you'd expect from a mainstream carrier — like a back seat pocket and collapsible food tray — but they're minimal on everything else; Play flights don't have WiFi, in-flight entertainment, or even power outlets to charge your devices. This didn't prove to be much of an inconvenience for me personally; I flew via a red eye flight from Baltimore to Iceland, so I spent most of my trip resting in anticipation for any Icelandic adventures the next day (including a visit to the Sky Lagoon Spa) and packed my own portable chargers just in case.

There are also food and drinks available during the flight for an additional cost, and I'll be honest — Play has one of the best in-flight menus I've ever seen (like better than even standard airlines). I ordered the hot ham and cheese baguette (10/10), juice, and a couple Icelandic candies to satiate my sweet tooth; I highly recommend the Eitt Sett bar. The food was delicious, the attendants were so attentive and kind, and the flight was surprisingly smooth despite running into some stormy weather over the north Atlantic ocean.

What's Worth Noting

The biggest thing to note is that Play Airlines does not fly from all major airports in the United States — at least not yet. The carrier has hubs in four East Coast-based locations: Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI), Logan International Airport (BOS), Stewart International Airport (SWF), and Dulles International Airport (IAD). This means that there's some limitations as to who can fly through the airline; if you're based outside of these cities, you'll need to book an additional flight to one of the above airports in order to then fly through Play.

In my experience, Play's fares are low enough that it's still more feasible to book through them — even if it requires an additional flight to one of their hosted airports — than to pay for a roundtrip international flight through other airlines. But if you're looking for something more convenient that doesn't require additional connections or air time, it's something to keep in mind.

Who Is Play Airlines Best For?

Anyone who is looking for a more affordable way to travel will find that Play Airlines is a worthwhile option that prioritizes comfort and cleanliness, all while offering some of the cheapest airfares on the market. I was pleasantly surprised by my experience flying with the airline to Iceland, and have already been exploring options to book a similar trip with the company to Europe in the fall. It's perfect for lowkey travelers who are simply looking for a functional way to get from one destination to another, sans the unnecessary expenses that typically come with mainstream airfares.

The lower cost of Play's tickets can also mean more room in your travel budget for other excursions once you land. On my trip, the cheaper airfare gave me the flexibility to book additional activities while in Iceland, without feeling like I was straining my bank account. I went on a bus tour of Iceland's southern coast and visited the world's only Lava Show in Reykjavík; ultimately, I felt like booking with the low-cost airline allotted more breathing room in my budget and elevated the quality of my trip.

Additional Details

Where Can I Buy Book a Play Airlines Flight?

For more information and to book a flight through Play, visit www.FlyPlay.com.

Rating:

★★★★

Kyley Warren (she/her) is an award-winning writer, editor, and affiliate strategist with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She currently works as an assistant editor on PS Shopping and is an expert on all things related to shopping and fashion. She previously worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally.