Fun with Norwegian’s Christmas free “shipping” flights promo

Odds of winning are spectacularly low – only 20 prize packages to be given out overall – but I am impressed by the Christmas promo Norwegian Air is running this year. Every three hours, from noon to midnight EST, through 20 December 2016 the company will advertise a destination on the Best Free Shipping on Earth website. Technically they’re advertising some sort of product from the destination, like paprika from Hungary or lavender soap from Nice. But the “free shipping” part is that the airline will send you and a guest to the destination to collect the goodies. YOU are the free shipping. Oh, and you don’t actually have to pay the price listed either. It really is just free.

There are a couple reasons I like the promo. First, it is a fun twist on traditional giveaways. But, more importantly when airlines  are involved, the way the company is managing the prize issuance. Rather than deal with restricted inventory or award space for the flights Norwegian will provide winners with a $2000 allowance towards two economy seats. Spend up to that amount and you’re covered on the airfare portion of the trip. And getting to these destinations at those prices (under $1000 r/t per person) shouldn’t be too hard.

Missing from the fine print are dates where the voucher will be valid, but that’s not too worrisome for me. It is possible I’m misinterpreting the rules given that there is some boilerplate language in the T&Cs about “capacity controls, availability, blackout dates and certain other restrictions” but with the ability to pay as though it is cash I’m inclined to believe that those restrictions are not actually going to play into reality here.

Oh, and you also get whatever the advertised purchase is. After all, that’s what you’re buying, right?