Would you like a free transatlantic flight with your new mobile?

Telecoms suppliers are coming up with innovative ways to entice new customers: first there was ‘free’ broadband; then ‘free laptops with broadband’. Now Orange is offering mobile customers that sign up to its pay-monthly Animal Plans before the 13th September the chance of a free return flight to one of 14 destinations including New York, Boston, Madrid and Rome.

The promotion is open to customers who either connect or upgrade to a minimum £30 a month tariff on a 12, 18 or 24 month contract, but is limited to the first 20,000 customers and is exclusive of taxes and surcharges.

Steve Weller, Head of Communications Services at uSwitch.com comments: “It’s great news that mobile networks are offering free gifts and unlike the free broadband deals we have seen, customers only need to sign up to a 12 month contract - avoiding being tied to one company for a long period of time. For those looking to switch before the month is out, the Orange deal not only offers a competitive tariff but also one of the most attractive freebies we have seen in the mobile industry. Those who want to fly to New York could jet off with an extra £230 in their pocket from the money saved on the cost of an airline ticket.

“As with all freebies, there are unfortunately strict terms and conditions in place. The deal is only available via the Orange online shop or their call centre, customers have to be flexible with times and dates of travel, and the promotion excludes taxes and supplements. Moreover. this deal is only available to the first 20,000 customers who sign up. With 1 million customers switching network every month, competition for this deal will be fierce so it’s important to make sure this is the right package for their needs, with or without the free flight.”

uSwitch.com suggests that customer looking to change their mobile phone contract should consider the following:

When do you make the majority of your calls?
How many minutes do you use?
How many texts do you send?
How much do you want to pay each month?
Is there a particular handset you are after?

Weller concludes: “If you are willing to jump through a few hoops, this is a great offer. However, if flights don’t take your fancy and you’re after something more down to earth, there are a host of other online freebies currently on offer from other mobile companies, including Sat Nav, an XBox 360 or even a Sony PSP.”