using bonus week

[nfwjlw Member Find all posts View Profile Close nfwjlw]

I read about requesting exchange for a bonus week and am considering a trip to mexico. I will need to arrange flights etc.
The instructions suggest being flexible but if I give a range, i cannot plan ahead...
1. when a match is found and I am called, do i have say 24 hours to check air fares etc before committing?
2. If I accept and then need to cancel (more than 30 days in advance) does it say I will need to pay the $399 fee to set a new trip? or is this a different re- booking fee?
3. If an "exact match" is found but I decline because I do not like a particular resort of whatever, do I still owe? (the web site seems to say this)
Thanks for helping us Newbies get comfortable...
Charlie

[Mark @SFX Industry Representative Find all posts View Profile Close Mark @SFX]

I read about requesting exchange for a bonus week and am considering a trip to mexico. I will need to arrange flights etc.
The instructions suggest being flexible but if I give a range, i cannot plan ahead...
1. when a match is found and I am called, do i have say 24 hours to check air fares etc before committing?
2. If I accept and then need to cancel (more than 30 days in advance) does it say I will need to pay the $399 fee to set a new trip? or is this a different re- booking fee?
3. If an "exact match" is found but I decline because I do not like a particular resort of whatever, do I still owe? (the web site seems to say this)
Thanks for helping us Newbies get comfortable...
Charlie

Charlie - thank you for your post and apologies for the delay.

1. Yes, we put the week on hold for 24 hours. Technically if it's an "exact match", then whether you accept the week or decline, the exchange fee is due and payable.

Obviously, if we are calling you a couple of days prior to what you requested and you cannot get airfare, common sense dictates that is unreasonable notice and we wouldn't charge the exchange fee as a courtesy.

But... in trying to avoid that "awkward situation" for everyone, we specifically ask you upfront when placing your request, up to what point (date) are you willing to accept this exchange prior to your requested arrival dates?

For example: If you request Hawaii for any week between June 1 through June 30, you might state if the week has not been confirmed by May 1, please cancel the search.

2. In the event of a canceled Bonus Week more than 30 days prior to arrival... there is only a $149 re booking fee to pay at the time of the re booking confirmation.

3. If the resort is within the bounds of reasonable quality of what you deposited, yes... the fee is due and payable. As a general rule, you will only be offered a Gold Crown or 5 Star rated resort. We all know there are different levels of Gold and 5.

For example, a palatial resort in Mexico, with a 100 swimming pools and it's own private heli-pad and sailboat, is what you might find in Mexico, but along the California Coast where the land is millions per acre, and the coastal commission has strict laws prohibiting anything that doesn't conform to the coastal aesthetics, may be equally given a Gold Crown or 5 Star rating because of it's incredible location.

You won't find any resorts along the California Coast on the same scale you would in Mexico, based on cost of land, construction, labor... and environmental laws. But you would have a great vacation !!

Everything in perspective...

Hope this helps.

[nfwjlw Member Find all posts View Profile Close nfwjlw]

Mark,
Thanks for the newbie help. Your answers will help me plan. I do have a couple of specific questions and will PM to you.
Charlie