Remember those flights to Europe that cost less than a monthly MetroCard? Say goodbye: PLAY Airlines is flying out of the United States this fall, and its mega deals to go along with it.
The budget air carrier from Iceland caught our attention when it boasted $99 Euro flights last summer, and it definitely felt like an accessible way to venture to gorgeous locations, including London, Paris, Lisbon, and beyond. But after three-and-a-half years operating in the U.S., the company will now pivot its focus to flights between Iceland and Europe.
PLAY Airlines will end flights from Keflavik International Airport (KEF) to New York Stewart International Airport (SWF) on September 1st, to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) on September 15th, and to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) on October 24th. Make sure to mark your calendars accordingly.
PLAY Airlines: what’s next
“This is primarily a plan for practical changes to the operations of the Icelandic airline PLAY,” Einar Örn Ólafsson, the company’s investor and CEO stated. “We’re focusing on the profitable aspects of the business—sun destination flights—and discontinuing those that have not yielded results.”
Ólafsson also added, “We look forward to continuing to foster competition in the aviation market with our red aircraft and Icelandic crews. Our main goal remains to offer Icelanders affordable flights to the sun.”
Although it is definitely a bit of a bummer to hear the news, there are still ways to score a deal when traveling aboard. Tools like Google Flight’s “cheapest” tab is one way to explore available discounts, and of course, we will keep you posted on any upcoming flights from various airlines. (Oh, and by the way, solo travelers are expected to be charged more, so bring a buddy along for the trip.)
Regardless of where you’re venturing and when, make sure you’re familiar with the new TSA rules, and be sure to carry a REAL id-compliant document — you won’t be able to make it too far without one.