Everybody knows Iceland isn’t a cheap destination, but that doesn’t mean those on a budget are out of reach of the country’s spectacular natural wonders. Towering glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and of course, dancing Northern Lights can be enjoyed by all thanks to PLAY Airlines, a low-cost airline that operates between Iceland and Europe, plus North America. It was founded in Reykjavík and its streamlined, no-frills service has been a huge hit for Brits who seek to ‘pay less and play more’. We board and report back on what it’s really like to fly PLAY, along with handy tips for saving money on transfers and tours in Iceland’s capital.

While this experience was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own

PLAY Airlines flight review

Pre-boarding

Play Airlines Review Boarding
Boarding at London Stansted

The most bargainsome ticket is PLAY Basic, which is your seat and a personal item. Those with luggage should opt for PLAY Basic Plus or PLAY Value, which adds on carry-on or checked bags, seat selection, and priority boarding. A PLAY flex option allows for modifications. We had PLAY Value, and were able to join the priority lane at London Stansted, the non-priority lane went by pretty fast, so it really depends on how impatient you are. You can also check your luggage will fit in the labelled bins before you join the queue, just in case of any last-minute reorganisation requirements.

Seat comfort

Play Airlines Review Seat
Seats 4A and 4C

The seat configuration has rows of three on either side, and everyone is in the same class, which is great for speedy boarding. On the way out we had the roomier options at 4A and 4C, which had a tray table sandwiched between us. On the way back, at 9D and 9E, we did not have the extra spot due to being next to the cabin attendant’s seat. 

Both were of equal comfort, with a good amount of legroom. The seats and interiors were worn, but presentable and we liked the modern and quite neutral grey and red colour palette. Overhead bins had ample space for everyone’s luggage, but that could be down to a considerate crowd with modest-sized bags. The inside was mostly clean, and items in the seat pockets were minimal.

Food and drink

Play Airlines Review Meal
The 12 euro meal deal

As it was lunchtime, we opted for a meal deal from the menu for 12 euros. They each come with a choice of hot dish (pizza, ham and cheese baguette, chicken korma, or penne pasta), then a snack or sweet, and a choice of hot or cold drink. We selected the chicken korma, with a Kropp bar (an Icelander favourite chocolate bar made with corn spheres), and a bottle of Iceland Spring water, which we were told is ‘the best water’. To be honest, the tap water we had in Iceland was just as good, so we would have opted for another drink. Perhaps the Orange Soda or the Kristall sparkling water. The meal was filling, and a decent deal considering how expensive food is at the airport.

Entertainment

There is no power outlet, Wi-Fi, or in-flight entertainment, but we completely expected this on a low-cost airline. With a flight time of just 2.5 hours, we were more than fine to focus on a book, and we remembered to power up in the airport before departure. 

The service

The cabin crew were attentive and stylishly dressed in a red uniform, similar to Virgin Atlantic. Every guest was greeted upon arrival and departure, and they were on the whole much friendlier than the staff at Easyjet or RyanAir. The food service did take a little longer than expected, but that was because a lot of passengers had put requests in and the meals needed to be heated. Overall, for the price, PLAY Airline was a great experience, with a good meal deal, happy crew, and decent seats. We’d fly with them to Iceland again.

Airports transfers

Iceland’s expensive. Here’s how we saved money.

PLAY flies out of London Stansted. For our 11:40 am flight, we took the Stansted Express at 8:30am from Liverpool Street (it runs every 15 minutes), which gave us around two hours at the airport before departure. We recommend booking online in advance for prices as low as £9.90 each way. The trains are great as they have chargers, and you’ll want to power up before boarding the plane which doesn’t have them.

Reykjavík is about a 45-minute drive from Keflavík Airport. Our arrival time was a nice 13:45 , so we took the Airport Direct bus shuttle from KEF, operated by Gray Line Iceland. This is the most affordable option priced at 32 euros per person and can be booked here. Note that the buses run every hour at quarter past from the airport.

For the return flight, our departure  was at 06:40. We didn’t want to be waiting around for shuttle buses at 3am, so we did a private transfer via the same company, and this was 167 euros. It sounds like a lot but it’s cheaper than booking a taxi. Having the driver waiting for you is quite reassuring, rather than trying to hail one down in the night. If you’re travelling with pals, splitting the cost makes it quite affordable.

Reykjavik Excursion Operators

Thingvellir National Park, Iceland
Thingvellir National Park

‘When you pay less, you can play more’, as PLAY’s slogan goes. We only had one full day in Reykjavik, so ticked the biggies off on a Golden Circle Tour, which takes a loop of the famed sites including Gullfoss, Geysir, and Thingvellir National Park. As we only had one full day, we added The Blue Lagoon to the end of our tour for a mammoth 13-hour day of exploration. I’d recommend this as it’s less busy in the evening and you’ll witness a gorgeous sunset, depending on the time of year. Our booking on Gray Line Iceland included transfers and was priced at 217 euros. It was seamless and something that would have been difficult to organise and navigate separately without a car, so I would highly recommend it.

Find out more about PLAY Airlines

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