Iceland Start-up PLAY Chooses Orlando as Latest U.S. Destination

Updated: February 25, 2022, 3:06am CST

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PLAY Lands in Orlando
Final Thoughts

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Iceland’s newest airline, PLAY, has announced that Orlando (MCO) will be its fourth nonstop U.S. destination served from its hub at Reykjavik (KEF), the Icelandic capital.

Here’s what you need to know about this new route.

PLAY Lands in Orlando

When it begins on September 30, 2022, Orlando will join Baltimore (BWI), Boston (BOS), and New York-Stewart (SWF) as PLAY gradually builds up its transatlantic route network.

PLAY's routes from Iceland to the U.S. — PLAY’s routes from Iceland to the U.S. Image Credit: Great Circle Mapper

PLAY’s new nonstop flight will provide exciting low-cost travel opportunities to Iceland for Floridians.

“I am convinced that our arrival in Orlando (MCO) will shake up the Iceland – Florida market,” said Birgir Jónsson, CEO of PLAY Airlines.

Beyond Iceland, passengers will be able to benefit from PLAY’s 1-stop connections to 22 more European cities through its hub in Reykjavik (KEF).

It may seem strange to launch the route at the end of the summer and miss a busy travel period, but PLAY hopes to still benefit from Europeans looking to escape the colder winter months.

“With our operations on this popular route, many will be able to fly to Florida and experience this wonderful area,” said Jónsson.

PLAY’s new service from Orlando (MCO) to Reykjavik (KEF) will operate 3 times per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with the return flight to Orlando operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.

The flights will have the following schedule:

Depart Orlando (MCO) 5:15 p.m. — Arrive Reykjavik (KEF) 4:35 a.m. (+1)
Depart Reykjavik (KEF) 3 p.m. — Arrive Orlando (MCO) 7:20 p.m.

Hot Tip: PLAY’S first flights from Iceland to the U.S. will touch down in Baltimore (BWI) and Boston (BOS) on April 20, 2022.

The aircraft set to operate the route is an Airbus A321neoLR (long-range) in an all-economy configuration. The airline has yet to take delivery of the aircraft.

After a quick search, we found that PLAY’s one-way fares are around $200 cheaper than Icelandair — its main competitor — which also operates the route.

“We are confident we can offer much lower prices on this popular route, which benefits a huge market,” said Jónsson.

Final Thoughts

A new Icelandic low-cost airline will be touching down in Orlando (MCO) at the end of the summer. PLAY’s new route to the Sunshine State will bring new European travel opportunities for those living in Florida as well as Europeans wishing to escape the cold winter months.