PLAY introduces complimentary stopovers in Iceland, letting travelers discover the country's wonders before reaching European destinations. (Canadian Travel News)
PLAY, the budget-friendly airline facilitating travel between Iceland and various European destinations, has introduced a complimentary stopover feature, enabling passengers to explore both Iceland and their final European destination in a single journey.
The airline's stopover initiative is built upon its hub-and-spoke model, with all flights routed through Iceland. Travelers can now extend their layovers for up to 10 days in Iceland, providing an opportunity to immerse themselves in the country's captivating natural attractions, including waterfalls, geysers, hot springs, glaciers, and the mesmerizing Northern lights. Canadian travelers interested in availing themselves of this option can easily book their stopover through PLAY's official website at flyplay.com.
PLAY's CEO, Birgir Jónsson, highlighted the strategic advantage of Iceland's geographical location near Europe, emphasizing the airline's commitment to providing convenient flights and cost-effective fares. The extended stopover feature is designed to offer passengers more than just a brief layover, allowing them to delve into the unique experiences Iceland has to offer at an affordable price point.
In Canada, PLAY operates daily flights and seasonal services to over 30 European destinations from John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. Notably, the stopover service is applicable to all flights routed through Iceland. The airline's recent announcement of ticket sales for flights to Split, Croatia, starting at $359 one way has generated additional interest. Scheduled to commence on May 28, the service will operate weekly on Tuesdays throughout the summer, establishing a new connection between Iceland and Split, PLAY's inaugural destination in Croatia. Canadian passengers keen on exploring both Iceland and Split can seamlessly extend their layover into a multi-day stopover without incurring any additional costs.
In 2023, PLAY successfully transported 114,265 passengers across Europe and North America, boasting an impressive on-time arrival rate of 83 percent. The airline's commitment to affordability is evident through its "pay-for-what-you-need" model. Basic amenities, such as a personal item, are included in the flight fare, while passengers have the flexibility to choose optional upgrades based on their individual requirements. These upgrades encompass in-flight meals, carry-on and checked baggage, specialized bags for items like golf sets and musical instruments, seats with extra legroom, and cancellation protection.
Cole Horncastle, Executive Managing Director of John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport, expressed enthusiasm about PLAY's innovative stopover option. He sees it as a means for Canadians to explore multiple destinations affordably, aligning with the airport's commitment to providing economical travel choices. PLAY's continued expansion in the Canadian market, especially from Hamilton International, coupled with this new feature, augurs well for travelers seeking diverse experiences within a single trip.
