PLAY A321
  • Play is a new low-cost carrier that flies between Europe and three US cities.

  • Washington DC has been added to the route map after strong demand and bookings.

  • Play's fares to the US capital will be cheaper than those of other airlines.

Play launched flights to the US in April, taking leisure travelers from the East Coast to 22 destinations in Europe.

PLAY A321

Play was established by former executives of WOW Air, which was later renamed "We Are Back" A new budget airline launched in June of 2021.

PLAY's inaugural flight from Reykjavik to London.
PLAY's inaugural flight from Reykjavik to London.PLAY

Simple flying is the source.

Play changed its name to capture its mission of simplicity, fun, and playful, which can be seen in the flight attendant uniforms that wear T-shirts and sneakers.

PLAY CEO Birgir Jónsson (left) with cabin crew.
PLAY CEO Birgir Jónsson (left) with cabin crew.PLAY

Simple flying is the source.

The airline flies between Europe and three US cities, including Baltimore, Boston and New York's Stewart International Airport.

PLAY A321neo water salute in Baltimore.PLAY

Passengers are not allowed to travel to places like Berlin, Dublin, and London viaIceland.

PLAY's full European route map from Iceland. Flights from Orlando will connect to Berlin, Dublin, Gothenburg, London, and Paris.PLAY

Play.

Play has decided to add a fourth pin to its network, which will be Washington Dulles International Airport.

Play.

Play was supposed to start operations at the airport in October, but rising fuel prices forced them to put the plan on hold.

Crowds walk past a sign advertising Walt Disney World at Orlando International Airport.Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images

Simple flying is the source.

The airline will be the only low-cost option between Washington Dulles and Europe once it starts operations on April 26, 2023, and the airport is a key opportunity for the airline.

"Washington, DC is a key destination for both European tourists and American travelers, and expanding our service with flights from IAD will strengthen Play's presence while giving passengers convenient and affordable flights," said PLAY CEO Birgir Jnsson.

CEO Birgir Jónsson at Boston Logan International AirportPLAY

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is located in Washington, DC.

Play's website can be used to book flights, with fares starting at $299 one-way.

Play.

Passengers can expect an all-economy configuration with no frills, which means they only get a seat and personal item with their ticket.

PLAY aircraft interior.PLAY

The source is Insider.

Passengers can pay extra for things like luggage or an onboard meal if they so choose.

Passengers can choose to pay more for extra legroom seats if they so desire. Travelers can expect a product similar to other low-cost carriers, according to Jnsson.

PLAY flight attendant onboard.PLAY

All of Play's point-to-point routes can be booked under a single ticket.

PLAY aircraft at the gate.PLAY

The inbound flight to DC will leave at 3:10 p.m. every day. At 6:50 p.m., you'll be able to return to Reykjavik. The time is eastern.

Washington Dulles airport at night.PLAY

Jnsson said that it would focus on having the lowest fares in order to stay competitive with other airlines.

"Pay less, Play more!" motto.Taylor Rains/Insider

He told Insider that the price was the most important factor in the market. The brands in airlines are diminishing because of convenience, timing, and price.

Passenger boarding a PLAY flight.PLAY

Jnsson is confident in the new airline's strategy despite the demise of WOW Air due to years of financial struggles.

WOW Air.Vytautas Kielaitis/Shutterstock

He said that their model is different because they are entering a widebody market. We don't need a widebody jet between major cities because we are using the geographic location of Iceland.

The company lost money when it flew from places like Los Angeles to Europe and into Asia. Play doesn't plan to buy widebody jets.

WOW Air Airbus A330.Lukas Wunderlich/Shutterstock

Jnsson told Insider thatWOW Air lost control of the cost because it changed its business model. The best part of WOW's business model has been successful for decades.

PLAY A321

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