Low-cost Icelandic airline PLAY’s one millionth passenger flies from Liverpool and is rewarded with a lifetime of free flights. Tony McDonough reports

When Ikechi Chima Apakama boarded his PLAY flight from Liverpool to Iceland on February 17 he had no idea of the surprise that awaited him at the other end.

Unbeknown to Ikechi he was the Icelandic carrier’s one millionth customer. After takeoff from Liverpool the crew announced that the landmark passenger was on board but didn’t reveal who it was.

When Ikechi arrived at Keflavik International Airport, with his two friends, he was delighted to discover he was the winner of the PLAY ‘Golden Ticket’. This now entitles him to free flights for life.

All passengers were greeted with gift bags, prosecco and cakes to mark the occasion. Alongside free PLAY flights for life, Ikechi also received a coat and hat from well-known Icelandic brand, Cintamani, to use on all his upcoming adventures.

He and his travel companions then travelled on to their destination from Keflavik Airport in style, with a Cadillac full of treats and goodies to enjoy whilst spotting the billboards around Iceland welcoming and congratulating Ikechi on his triumph.

PLAY launched its route to Keflavik from Liverpool John Lennon Airport in October 2022. It offers ‘seamless’ onward connections to US cities including Washington, Boston and New York

Chief executive Birgir Jónsson said: “I want to thank each one of the one million guests who chose to fly with PLAY and the PLAY team for delivering our award-winning service.

“Reaching one million passengers is a huge milestone for a new airline that only 18 months ago was facing a global pandemic and unprecedented travel restrictions.”