Let's talk straight about Play Airlines. I booked a round-trip from Boston to Berlin last month because the price made my jaw drop – $278 roundtrip! But cheap tickets always come with questions: Is this airline safe? Will they nickel-and-dime me? How bad are those seats really? After living through it and digging through hundreds of Play airlines reviews (including some horror stories), here's everything nobody tells you.
What Exactly Is Play Airlines?
Remember WOW Air? Play's basically its reboot. Icelandic low-cost carrier started in 2021, flying between Europe and North America via Reykjavik. Their whole deal is absurdly cheap base fares. You'll pay extra for literally everything else – we're talking $8 for coffee, $45 for a carry-on. More on that nightmare later.
My first shocker: They operate just 10 planes (all Airbus A320neos/A321neos). Tiny fleet means delays cascade fast. When my Reykjavik-Berlin leg got canceled, the domino effect stranded people for days. Not fun watching grown adults cry at gate C12.
The Real Cost Breakdown (Where They Get You)
That $99 flight to Paris? Fantasy math. Here’s what I actually paid:
| Fee Type | Cost | Is It Avoidable? |
|---|---|---|
| Base Fare (BOS-CDG) | $99 | Nope |
| Carry-On Bag (10kg max) | $49 each way | Only if you fit everything in a purse (good luck) |
| Checked Bag (20kg) | $89 each way | Bring less stuff or pay |
| Seat Selection (Even Exit Rows) | $12-$38 | Avoidable if you don’t care where you sit |
| Credit Card Fee | 3.5% of total | Use debit or eat the fee |
| Water Bottle Onboard | $3.50 | Bring an empty bottle through security |
Real talk: My $278 "deal" became $517 after bags and seats. Still cheaper than competitors? Yes. But budget accordingly.
Baggage Rules That Feel Like a Scam
Their baggage policy is where Play airlines reviews get vicious. Personal item must fit under seat (40x30x15cm). I saw gate agents making people stuff jackets into bags. Carry-on fees double if you pay at airport instead of online. Pro tip: Pack a digital luggage scale. They weigh everything.
Cabin Experience: Flying in a Metal Tube
Seats are… functional. Think bright blue vinyl with minimal padding. I’m 6'2" and here’s the brutal truth:
The Good Stuff
- New planes mean clean cabins (no weird smells!)
- USB-A ports at every seat (bring your cable)
- Decent legroom for short hops (Reykjavik to London)
The Pain Points
- Seat pitch: 29 inches on most flights (my knees touched the seat ahead)
- Zero recline (I mean none)
- No seatback screens or free WiFi (download Netflix shows)
Food? Forget meals. Buy overpriced snacks or bring sandwiches. I smuggled a sub from Boston Logan. Best decision ever.
On-Time Performance: Bring a Backup Plan
Play’s punctuality is… Icelandic weather dependent. Stats from my flights:
- Boston to Reykjavik: Delayed 3 hours (de-icing issues)
- Reykjavik to Berlin: Canceled (got rebooked 36 hours later)
- Berlin to Reykjavik: On time (minor miracle)
They don’t compensate for delays under 4 hours. Bring extra meds and underwear in your personal item. Seriously.
The Customer Service Lottery
Need help? Pray. Email responses take 5+ days. Phone support? I waited 47 minutes then got disconnected. Airport staff in Reykjavik were surprisingly helpful though. Random observation: Twitter DMs got replies fastest during my cancellation chaos.
How Play Compares to Other Budget Airlines
Stacked against competitors for NYC-London route:
| Airline | Typical Total Price* | Seat Pitch | Free Carry-On? | Delay Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Play Airlines | $380 | 29 inches | No ($49+) | Only after 4+ hours |
| Norse Atlantic | $420 | 31 inches | Yes (12kg) | EU rules apply |
| Icelandair | $550 | 32 inches | Yes | EU rules apply |
| Delta Basic Economy | $610 | 30 inches | Yes | Varies |
*Prices include 1 carry-on and taxes for summer 2024
Who Should Actually Fly Play Airlines?
After my experience and reading every Play airlines review I could find, here's who wins:
- Solo travelers with one backpack (you avoid baggage fees)
- Short-haul flights under 4 hours (your back will thank you)
- Flexible travelers without connections (missed connections = your problem)
Worst fit? Families with strollers or travelers with tight connections. Saw a couple arguing with staff over $380 in unexpected bag fees for baby gear. Yikes.
Hacks from My Play Airlines Experience
Learn from my mistakes:
- Book baggage immediately after ticket purchase – prices triple at airport
- Check in online EXACTLY 24 hours pre-flight – good seats disappear fast
- Bring empty water bottle + protein bars – $12 airport sandwiches hurt
- Download movies to TWO devices – no power outlets on most flights
- Allow minimum 3-hour layovers in Keflavik – security lines are brutal
Oh, and pack Advil. Those seats are spine-crushers after hour five.
Your Top Play Airlines Questions Answered
Is Play Airlines safe?
Yes. New planes, EU safety standards. But expect turbulence – they fly northern Atlantic routes.
Can I get refunds if I cancel?
Only taxes/fees unless you paid $49+ for "Flex" fare. Read cancellation Play airlines reviews carefully.
Any hidden fees I should know?
Printing boarding passes at airport: $25. Selecting ANY seat in advance: Starts at $12. Changing flight date: $99 + fare difference.
Do they serve free food?
Lol no. Not even pretzels. Menu prices: Coffee $8, Sandwich $14, Beer $9. Card only.
How strict are carry-on size limits?
Brutally strict. They use sizers at every gate. My tip: Wear your heaviest jacket through security.
The Final Take: Is Play Airlines Worth It?
Look, it's basic transportation. If price is your #1 factor and you pack light, do it. Saved me $300 over Icelandic. But if you expect comfort or reliability? Manage expectations. After reading this and other Play airlines reviews, you'll know exactly what you're signing up for.
Would I fly them again? For a weekend trip with just a backpack? Maybe. For my honeymoon? Not a chance.