JUST ANNOUNCED: Low-cost airline PLAY launches $2 flights to Europe for families  

Kids fly for just $2 so families can experience Iceland and Europe on a budget.
Grattan Bridge in Dublin, Ireland (Photo: Shutterstock)
Grattan Bridge in Dublin, Ireland (Photo: Shutterstock)

Dreaming of a trip to Europe with the kids? International travel exposes children to new cultures and customs, making life-long memories. Of course, trans-Atlantic airfare for a family can also be a prohibitive expense. But now a low-cost Icelandic airline called PLAY is making a European family vacation more affordable than ever. From September 10-17, 2024, PLAY is offering $2 flights for youngsters under the age of 12 when their parents book round-trip flights. 

Fly to Reykjavik and connect to additional destinations in Europe

PLAY flies nonstop to Reykjavik from four East Coast airports near NYC, Boston, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. Once you arrive in Iceland, you can catch a connecting flight to Copenhagen, Paris, London, Amsterdam, Dublin, Berlin, or Liverpool. 

The deal gets even sweet with PLAY’s free stopovers, giving you the option to extend your layover in Iceland up to 10 days at no extra cost. On the way to Paris, London, Amsterdam, or other destinations, you can visit the “Land of Fire and Ice” for Northern Lights season and kid-friendly activities including whale watching tours and scenic hikes. 

Don’t any expect frills

PLAY has been flying from the East Coast to Iceland since 2022. When you purchase your ticket, you’re getting a seat on the plane, nothing more. This pay-for-what-you-need model keeps fares affordable, allowing you to choose the upgrades you need and not pay for those that you don’t. You’ll pay extra for food, drinks including water, priority boarding, carry-on bags, checked baggage, and a few other customizable options to enhance your flight. 

MAKE MEMORIES: I’ve taken my kids to Europe dozens of times. Here are my tips for a perfect European family vacation.

I flew PLAY and had a good experience

My family and I flew PLAY to Reykjavik from Stewart International Airport in Newburgh, located just outside of NYC. At this small under-the-radar airport, there were no lines, no crowds, and no hassles. Once on-board, the bilingual Icelandic cabin crew went out of their way to be helpful.

There’s one main cabin with six seats per row for a three-three configuration. It’s a no-frills experience, with no in-flight entertainment for the five-hour flight. You’ll want to bring your entertainment for the kids, including travel headphones and maybe a bingeable book series.

Goodbye turkey, hello Europe

Taxes, fees, and carrier charges are not included in the $2 kids’ fare. The price is subject to availability and valid for flights between September 29 to October 6, October 8 to October 20, October 22 to November 3, and November 5 to December 15. 

Keep in mind that crowds are generally lighter in autumn, so you’ll spend less time waiting on lines and more time enjoying the destination. It also means that should you decide to forgo the turkey, you can spend Thanksgiving break in Europe without the kids missing school.

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Allison Tibaldi
Allison Tibaldi has written for publications including CNN, Business Insider, FamilyVacationist, HGTV, USA TODAY, and Travel Weekly. As a former early childhood educator, she is interested in the way kids experience the world, and thinks that travel is the best education for young minds. Tibaldi is based in New York City.