Dumpster diving soars for free air travel

NEW YORK, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Dumpster-diving has reached new depths in the United States, with a rush for frequent-flier coupons printed on the side of Wendy's restaurant cups.

Under the promotion that began last month, Wendy's and Florida-based discount airline AirTran are offering free frequent-flyer rewards on the sides of 84 million 20- and 32-ounce cups. Just 64 coupons are worth a round-trip flight anywhere AirTran flies.

Now, the hungry and homeless are being jostled by entrepreneurs who aren't afraid to get dirty, with many of them even offering their salvaged coupons on Internet auction sites, the Christian Science Monitor reported.

On Craigslist, buyers are soliciting coupons for upwards of $1.50 each, more than the retail value of a Wendy's soft drink.

"I will pay you to dumpster-dive at Wendy's," wrote a buyer in Indianapolis. "Looking for about 1,000-1,500 of these, maybe a few more."

Meanwhile, AirTran has already redeemed an estimated 85,000 coupons, but is limiting individuals to two round-trip flights, said Tad Hutcheson, airline vice president of marketing.