Low-cost Icelandic carrier Play adds Orlando to growing list of US destinations
Icelandic low-cost carrier Play is still two months away from its first flight from the U.S., but that isn't stopping the airline from expanding its American network.
The airline said Wednesday that it will launch service from its Keflavik Airport (KEF) hub near the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik to Orlando (MCO), with flights beginning in September.
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Orlando marks Play's fourth U.S. market — the airline has previously announced flights from New York Stewart International Airport (SWF) in Newburgh, New York, starting on June 9; Boston Logan Airport (BOS) starting May 11; and Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) beginning April 20.
Play offers connections to a range of European cities through the Keflavik hub, including London Stansted (STN); Dublin (DUB); Paris (CDG); Berlin (BER); Copenhagen (CPH); Brussels (BRU); Stuttgart, Germany (STR); Trondheim, Norway (TRD); and Gothenburg, Sweden (GOT).
Unlike Play's other U.S. destinations, the Orlando service will not be year-round — the airline said that it plans to focus on the winter travel season to Florida. Orlando is a popular destination for European travelers visiting Disney and Universal, along with other attractions.
Related: 9 reasons you should visit Iceland this summer
The initial seasonal service will operate from September 2022 through April 2023. Flights to Orlando will depart Iceland on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays starting on Oct. 1, while flights will depart from Orlando on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays beginning Sept. 30.
Play operates a fleet of Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft. The airline said it would add an A321 to its fleet to support the Florida service, but it was not immediately clear what variant of A321 the new plane would be, nor where it would come from.
While the airline clearly views Orlando more as a destination than as an originating market, it's nevertheless offering discounted introductory fares from the Florida city to destinations across Europe, including Paris, Copenhagen, Dublin, Berlin, Gothenburg and London. Although the depth of winter may not be the prime time to visit some of those cities, fares are available for prime autumn travel.
Related: Low-cost Icelandic carrier Play expands to New York, marking third US destination
Those introductory fares — $129 roundtrip — are available for select flights booked by Feb. 27, and exclude flights between Dec. 13 and Jan. 5. Available dates are as follows:
● To Iceland Keflavík (KEF) on Tuesdays between Oct. 1, 2022 - Feb. 25, 2023
● To Paris (CDG), Copenhagen (CPH), London (STN), and Dublin (DUB) on Tuesdays between Oct. 4, 2022 - Feb. 21, 2023
● To Berlin (BER) on Tuesdays between Oct. 4, 2022 to Oct. 25, 2022
● To Gothenburg (GOT) on Thursdays between Oct. 6, 2022 to Oct. 27, 2023
Flights can be booked on Play's website.
TPG had a chance to fly the airline between Keflavik and London earlier this year, and found it to be a great experience by low-cost carrier standards.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
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Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.60,000 bonus pointsAnnual Fee
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Why We Chose It
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees