✓ Policy web-verified 2026-05-31
PLAY is Iceland’s low-cost carrier, flying between Europe and North America via Keflavík (KEF). Like most ultra-low-cost airlines, its cheapest PLAY Basic fare is stripped to the bone: you get a seat and one small under-seat personal item, and absolutely everything else — including a full-size cabin bag and any checked luggage — costs extra.
That makes baggage the single biggest variable in what a PLAY ticket actually costs. A headline fare can easily double once you add a checked bag both ways. This guide breaks down exactly what’s included free, what the carry-on and checked-bag limits are, and how the fees stack up in 2026 — so you can judge whether a PLAY deal is genuinely cheap once bags are factored in.
Quick facts
| Free personal item | 42 × 32 × 25 cm, max 10 kg — fits under the seat |
| Cabin/carry-on bag | 56 × 45 × 25 cm, max 12 kg — paid add-on or bundle |
| Checked bag | 20 / 23 / 32 kg options, max 158 cm linear |
| Carry-on fee | ~$26–$57 / €25–€55 (varies by route & when added) |
| Checked-bag fee | ~$34–$76 / €34–€70 (varies by route & when added) |
| Overweight fee | ~$50 / €36 per kg, paid at airport |
Cabin bag & personal item
| Item | Allowance |
|---|---|
| Personal / under-seat item | 42 × 32 × 25 cm (17 × 13 × 10 in), max 10 kg / 22 lb. Included in every fare, even the cheapest PLAY Basic. Must fit under the seat in front of you. |
| Cabin / carry-on bag | 56 × 45 × 25 cm (22 × 18 × 10 in) · Max 12 kg / 26 lb ~$26–$57 / €25–€55, cheapest when added during booking; most expensive at the airport. Varies by route. |
Checked baggage & fees
| Checked allowance | None included in PLAY Basic; 1 bag included in Value bundle |
| Weight limit | 20 kg, 23 kg or 32 kg options (max 158 cm total dimensions) |
| Typical fee | ~$34–$76 / €34–€70 per bag, cheapest at booking and dearest at the airport; varies by route |
What each fare includes
| Fare | Personal | Cabin | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLAY Basic | Yes — 42 × 32 × 25 cm, 10 kg | No (personal item only) | No |
| PLAY Value | Yes | Yes — 56 × 45 × 25 cm, 12 kg | Yes — 1 × 23 kg |
| PLAY Flex | Yes | Yes | Yes — up to 32 kg |
What you actually get on a cheap fare
What you actually get on the cheapest PLAY fare at deal prices: just one free personal item (42 × 32 × 25 cm, max 10 kg) that slides under the seat. The PLAY Basic fare includes no cabin bag and no checked bag — both are paid extras.
For deal-hunters this matters a lot: a $99 transatlantic PLAY headline is realistic only if you travel with a backpack that fits under the seat. The moment you need a roller cabin bag or any checked luggage, add roughly $30–$75 each way per bag. Two checked bags round-trip can add $130–$300 to a “cheap” fare. Always price the bundle (PLAY Value) against adding bags individually — bundling at booking is consistently cheaper than buying bags later, and far cheaper than paying at the airport.
Oversize, sports & special items
When you add bags matters. PLAY uses tiered pricing: bags are cheapest added during the initial booking, more expensive if added before online check-in, and most expensive at the airport counter. Pre-pay online — airport rates can be roughly double the booking rate.
Overweight charges. If a bag exceeds the weight you paid for, PLAY charges roughly $50 / €36 / C$70 per extra kilogram at the airport — far more than simply buying the next weight tier in advance. If you’re near a limit, pay for the heavier allowance up front.
Oversize, sports and special items. Items over the 158 cm checked limit, plus sports gear (skis, golf clubs, bikes) and musical instruments, are handled as special baggage for an additional fee and should be declared in advance; very large or heavy items may need to travel as cargo. Always confirm dimensions and the current fee on PLAY’s official baggage page before flying.
Frequently asked questions
Does PLAY include a free carry-on bag?
No. Only a small personal item (42 × 32 × 25 cm, max 10 kg) that fits under the seat is free on every fare. A full-size cabin bag (56 × 45 × 25 cm, 12 kg) is a paid add-on or comes with the PLAY Value and Flex bundles.
How much is a checked bag on PLAY?
Roughly $34–$76 / €34–€70 per bag depending on route and when you add it. It's cheapest added during booking, more before online check-in, and most expensive at the airport. PLAY Basic includes no checked bag.
What is PLAY's free personal item size?
42 × 32 × 25 cm (about 17 × 13 × 10 in), maximum 10 kg / 22 lb. It must fit under the seat in front of you and is included on all fares, including the cheapest PLAY Basic.
What checked-bag weights does PLAY offer?
You can buy 20 kg, 23 kg or 32 kg checked bags. The 32 kg option comes with the PLAY Flex bundle. Maximum total dimensions are 158 cm (62 in) length + width + height.
Which PLAY bundle gives the best baggage value?
PLAY Value usually offers the best value if you need luggage: it adds a full-size carry-on, one 23 kg checked bag and priority boarding. PLAY Flex adds a 32 kg allowance plus free seat selection and waived change fees.
What does PLAY charge for overweight bags?
Around $50 / €36 / C$70 per kilogram over your paid allowance, charged at the airport. It's much cheaper to buy a higher weight tier (e.g. 32 kg) in advance than to pay overweight fees on the day.
Is it cheaper to add bags at booking or later?
At booking. PLAY's bag prices rise in tiers: lowest during the initial booking, higher before online check-in, and highest at the airport counter — where rates can be roughly double the booking price.
Can I bring sports equipment or a musical instrument on PLAY?
Yes, as special baggage for an extra fee, declared in advance. Items over 158 cm, skis, golf clubs, bikes and instruments are handled separately; very large or heavy items may need to go as cargo. Check PLAY's official baggage page for current fees.