It appears Willy Wonka is not the only one hiding golden surprises.
While American Airlines isn't placing tickets in the wrappers of chocolate bars or giving away candy factories, the airlines is giving students a golden opportunity to save money on flights.
The DealFinder Treasure Hunt is a promotional campaign taking place on 36 college campuses nationwide.
Today there are 250 golden envelopes hidden throughout UNC's campus. All of the envelopes contain discounts from the airline.
"College students have become primary trendsetters in today's society," said Holly Brown, UNC's American Airlines campus representative. "American Airlines saw this as a unique opportunity to reach a highly influential demographic while simultaneously providing value through the distribution of multiple discount offers and free travel."
Promotion for the treasure hunt started Tuesday when Brown hid 1,000 gold coins on UNC's main campus. Each coin had "American Airlines DealFinder Treasure Hunt 11/29" written on them to spread awareness throughout the student body.
The envelopes, which Brown and a few of her friends hid Wednesday, contain coupons with varying discount amounts. The discount codes found in the envelopes can take either $10, $20 or $50 off ticket costs.
But there is only one envelope that really contains a golden ticket. This ticket will allow the lucky student to fly round-trip for free.
The round-trip ticket is good to any American Airlines destination in the continental United States, Mexico and Caribbean.
The chances of finding the proverbial golden ticket are 0.4 percent.
The clues to locating the envelopes can be found on the Facebook group page called "I Want a Free Round Trip Ticket from American Airlines at UNC."
Brown said American Airlines saw this treasure hunt as a unique way to unveil this DealFinder tool on campuses across the nation.
DealFinder allows customers to input their ideal flight options, and the desktop tool will let them know when the fare is available.
Other Web sites, including Expedia.com and Travelocity.com, have fare-finder programs that alert travelers to their desired fares.
But Brown said DealFinder is a helpful tool for frequent travelers.
"It's a necessity if you're planning a trip anytime in the near future," she said.
Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
