Canadians in search of a deal on flights to Europe will soon have another option. Reykjavik-based Play Airlines, also known as PLAY, is set to launch a new ultra-low-cost route to John. C. Munro Hamilton International Airport, just outside of Toronto.

As of June 22, 2023, Canadians can fly from Hamilton to Europe via Iceland with PLAY, which is offering attractive introductory fares as low as $132 (CAD) per direction. 

Play Airlines Launches New Hamilton Route

Play Airlines has announced a new route between Reykjavik (KEF) and Hamilton (YHM), which marks the ultra-low-cost carrier’s first foray into Canadian airports.

The service is scheduled to begin on June 22, 2023, with flight times as follows:

• OG201 Reykjavik (KEF) to Hamilton (YHM), departing 2:50pm and arriving 5:10pm
• OG202 Hamilton (YHM) to Reykjavik (KEF), departing 6:35pm and arriving 4:20am the next day

PLAY will use its fleet of Airbus A320neo and Airbus A321neo aircraft for this route, which it also flies to destinations in the United States and Europe.

The flights, which are to be operated daily, are loaded into PLAY’s schedule, and can be booked throughout the schedule.

Fares can be found for as low as $132 (CAD) per direction, and the inaugural sale is set to last until January 31, 2023. If you have your eye on a cheap flight to Iceland or Europe next summer, be sure to have a look at the fares before then.

Flights between Hamilton and Reykjavik are around six and half hours southbound, and just shy of six hours northbound. 

Where Does Play Airlines Fly?

PLAY had its inaugural flight from Reykjavik (KEF) to London Stansted (STN) on June 21, 2021. Since then, the airline has expanded its network to include destinations in Europe and North America.

The vast majority of PLAY’s destinations are in Europe, with flights to the Gran Canaria (LPA), Athens (ATH), Stockholm (ARN), and many major European cities in between.

Hamilton, which PLAY lists as Toronto, will become the airline’s fifth North American and first Canadian destination. PLAY also flies to New York (SWF), Boston (BOS), Baltimore (BWI), and Washington D.C. (IAD). 

Passengers departing from Hamilton can enjoy single-connection access to many popular European destinations. 

How Is Flying with Play Airlines?

Play Airlines is an ultra-low-cost carrier that offers a no frills flying experience. You won’t find any entertainment, Wi-Fi, or magazines on your flight, so be sure to pack something to do as you cross the Atlantic Ocean.

The airline’s modest fleet of Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft offer an all-economy cabin arranged in a 3-3 configuration. 

The seats offer legroom of between 28–34 inches, and seats with extra legroom may be purchased for a fee.

Following the usual ultra-low-cost carrier model, your fare gets you a seat on a plane and a small carry-on item, but nothing else. If you’d like to add baggage, seat selection, or food, you’ll have to pay for it à la carte.

On the Hamilton route, baggage fees begin at $72 (CAD) in advance, and increase to $120 (CAD) when paid at the airport. During the booking process, the prices appear to be lower, at around $57 (CAD) for a single checked bag.

According to the PLAY website, an extra carry-on bag, which comes bundled with priority boarding, starts at $62 (CAD) and increases to $1,200 (CAD) at the airport, which is hopefully a typo.

Travelling with any sports equipment incurs fees of between $65–145 (CAD), and you’ll be charged $21 (CAD) for each kilogram above your allotment at the airport.

Seat fees begin at $12 (CAD) during the booking process, rising to $75 (CAD) when paid for at the airport. If you opt not to pay for a seat in advance, you’ll be at the mercy of wherever PLAY assigns you a seat.

You can also choose to add other options to your booking, ranging from cancellation protection for $35 (CAD) to unaccompanied minor services at $165 (CAD), which includes a meal.

As is always the case with ultra-low-cost carriers, be sure to compare the total cost of your booking with other options available through larger carriers. While the initial fares might be considerably lower, once you factor in all of the added amenities, if needed, you could be better off flying with another airline.

Keep in mind that in the event of flight disruptions, larger airlines who belong to alliances will have a much larger number of options available to you than if you book with an ultra-low-cost carrier with just a handful of aircraft in its fleet.

Conclusion

Reykjavik-based Play Airlines, also known as PLAY, has announced its first Canadian route. As of June 22, 2023, PLAY will begin daily service to Hamilton (YHM) from Reykjavik (KEF).

The ultra-low-cost carrier is offering attractive fares for the launch of the new route, so be sure to book before January 31, 2023 to take advantage of the special pricing.

Canadians looking for a cheap way to get to Europe will have another option at their disposal going forward. Just be sure to add up all the extra fees for baggage and seat selection, if needed, to make sure you’re still getting a good deal.