AC Flexchange & Blackout Dates

[stacyl]

i recevied an AC for depositing a week. i have a couple questions on if there is any way to get around the blackout dates and/or the expiration - both of which simply do not work for us...

• if i wait till flexchange, does that remove the blackout date restriction? meaning can i use it anytime within that flexchange period even if the dates fall within the blackout dates?
  
  
• if not, then, im wondering if i just exchange the AC for a week that i really dont want, then maybe i can do one of the following...

• [*]can i deal directly with the property to change to a different week?
  [*]can i do an exchange of that 'exchanged' unit at a later time - possibly past the expiration of the AC - or will the expiration date stick?
  ​

 

[BevL]

i recevied an AC for depositing a week. i have a couple questions on if there is any way to get around the blackout dates and/or the expiration - both of which simply do not work for us...

• if i wait till flexchange, does that remove the blackout date restriction? meaning can i use it anytime within that flexchange period even if the dates fall within the blackout dates?
  
  
• if not, then, im wondering if i just exchange the AC for a week that i really dont want, then maybe i can do one of the following...

• [*]can i deal directly with the property to change to a different week?
  [*]can i do an exchange of that 'exchanged' unit at a later time - possibly past the expiration of the AC - or will the expiration date stick?
  ​

I don't know the answer definitively to your first question. I think I'm pretty confident with the answers to your second question. You would not be able to change your check in date through the resort, in all likelihood - that would be extremely, extremely rare. Also, once you use an AC, you get no credit at all if you cancel that exchange, and you can't switch it through II for something else.

I believe, but will defer to others more expert than myself, that blackout dates will be somewhat lifted during flexchange, but I'm not sure if they are completely thrown out the window or not.

Bev

 

[dougp26364]

You have to keep in mind that AC's are there to use excess inventory and still get some return for it. You're not likely to pull off any really great trades with one with any regularity. You'll get lucky sometimes but not enough to count on.

As far as Blackout dates, I'm not certain if this is something new or if I've just never noticed them before. I don't recall ever being told I had a blackout date on any of the AC's we've been given. Keep in mind that we've only ever used AC's three times since 1998.

Of the times that we've used AC's, I've found that within a short notice travel range (Flexchange period or less) that I can view exchange area's just like I can with a regular unit. IOW, no grid came up last year when I was searching online with our AC's.

FWIW, we've used AC's to exchange into Ocean Pointe 2 bdrm unit, Palm Beach Shores, FL in December (slow or silver season. Not a hard trade), into GreenSprings Plantation 2 bdrm unit, Williamsburg, VA in May and have given one to a friend to go to The Palms 2 bdrm unit, Orlando the first week of this coming December. Everyone of those are pretty easy exchanges and probably could have been pulled with one of our Las Vegas studio units if we'd have had one to use.

As for getting a resort to change your week once you've reserved using an AC, I suppose that would be up to each individual resort but somehow, I don't think it would work out very well. I know I would not be counting on it with any regularity.

I'm almost certain that I.I. won't allow you to deposit a unit you exchanged to get. I've never seen anyone talk about churning deposits to keep one alive or go somewhere else.

I'm pretty sure that you can cancel and exchange, for a fee, and get your AC back. If the AC is about to expire, then I'm pretty sure that for a fee, I.I. will extend the expiration of the AC. Again, since an AC costs more to exchange than just exchanging one of our units, it's not something I've ever looked into.

 

[Big Matt]

This information isn't correct.

You can cancel the AC Exchange, but you receive nothing and lose your money (up to $299). You can, for the exchange fee ($135 normally) do a re-trade into another week/resort as long as it is available in inventory and does not violate the original terms and conditions of the AC.

You cannot extend an AC. When it expires, it expires. I've been able to haggle with II into letting me use one that went two days beyond the expiration (check out Sunday instead of Friday), but they had to do it manually.

I'm pretty sure that you can cancel and exchange, for a fee, and get your AC back. If the AC is about to expire, then I'm pretty sure that for a fee, I.I. will extend the expiration of the AC. Again, since an AC costs more to exchange than just exchanging one of our units, it's not something I've ever looked into.

 

[Big Matt]

The blackout dates apply, even during flexchange.

• if i wait till flexchange, does that remove the blackout date restriction? meaning can i use it anytime within that flexchange period even if the dates fall within the blackout dates?
  
  

 

[dougp26364]

This information isn't correct.

You can cancel the AC Exchange, but you receive nothing and lose your money (up to $299). You can, for the exchange fee ($135 normally) do a re-trade into another week/resort as long as it is available in inventory and does not violate the original terms and conditions of the AC.

You cannot extend an AC. When it expires, it expires. I've been able to haggle with II into letting me use one that went two days beyond the expiration (check out Sunday instead of Friday), but they had to do it manually.

I see that you are correct. I have an AC that expires the 12th of next month. Online I get this message:
This certificate entitles you to an additional full week of resort lodging around the world...but it's about to expire. Don't let that happen!
Once the certificate expires, it cannot be extended. So don't wait

I have also noticed a change in terminology online. While this week has been called an accomadation certificate, when I went to deposit my Polo Towers weeks, they stated I would receive Bonus Weeks that were extra weeks at no charge (mentions some fee's may be applicable). As PT's is not in the office at this hour of the morning, I.I. has not yet verified my deposits so I can't look to see if bonus weeks are different than the AC's I've received in the past.

I know that in the past, I've not had any blackout dates on the AC's I've recieved. I also know that within the flexchange period, I can see weeks that are not on the grid. But, these were AC's recieved for deposits made in 2005. Perhaps things are changing and I just haven't caught up yet.

Once my bonus weeks are deposited, I'll work with them a little to see what I can and can not do with them both in the short term (flexchange period) and over the coarse of a year. It would be great if the charges for using them were less than what I've been charged for the AC's in the past. Paying $299 for a AC exchange is unattractive when I can split units and exchange them at $135 apiece. That give me 2 weeks of vacation for $270 rather than 2 weeks with restrictions for $334 to $434 using my deposited unit and an AC.

 

[tashamen]

Paying $299 for a AC exchange is unattractive when I can split units and exchange them at $135 apiece. That give me 2 weeks of vacation for $270 rather than 2 weeks with restrictions for $334 to $434 using my deposited unit and an AC.

I'm starting to think this way too, mainly because I'm running out of vacation time for next year. I've already deposited one 2007 week and have that deposit and its associated AC to use (the AC expires in July). Rather than depositing another 1BR week and getting yet another AC that I'd have to use within a year I'm thinking that I may just deposit two studios that will not get ACs, but which will be good for almost three years to exchange. The studios will be enough for our purposes, especially since we would likely use them within flexchange and could get larger units. And based on experience, a Whistler studio will pull about as well as a 1 or even 2BR during the times we travel, so we could easily pull 1BRs which is all we usually need.

 

[Big Matt]

I'm not doubting that what you say below is true. In fact, I'm sure you are remembering correctly.

Mine have always had black outs, and they stay in place regardless of flexchange. I absolutely have seen the grid lifted for non-blackout weeks and have received a couple good exchanges that way.

I have a new AC coming for a recent deposit. When I get it, I'll start a new thread in the exchaning forum about the rules. We can see if others have different ones.

I know that in the past, I've not had any blackout dates on the AC's I've recieved. I also know that within the flexchange period, I can see weeks that are not on the grid. But, these were AC's recieved for deposits made in 2005. Perhaps things are changing and I just haven't caught up yet.

 

[rsackett]

I have an AC I got for a deposit of a Marriott Ocean Pointe week 53. I see the grid even within the 59 day flexchange period. The AC is also more expencive than others I have recieved 229/279/329.

Ray

 

[dougp26364]

I have an AC I got for a deposit of a Marriott Ocean Pointe week 53. I see the grid even within the 59 day flexchange period. The AC is also more expencive than others I have recieved 229/279/329.

Ray

At those rates they are completely worthless and unusable to me. It was bad enough when they charged $199, $249 and $299 but those rates are not acceptable to me. On the other hand, I probably have co-workers who will think those rates are great, even with the extra price of a guest certificate and can find usage for them.

 

[dougp26364]

The blackout dates apply, even during flexchange.

Apparently there are different types of AC's. I just checked using the one issued for our latest deposit. Within 59 days (I looked through 1/27/07) I can see anything my other units can see. Outside of 59 days the grid comes up. There is no mention of blackout dates unless you're counting the months not available on the grid. The rates for exchange were the same as last year, $199 for a studio, $249 for a one bedroom and $299 for a two bedroom.

 

[Dave M]

Doug -

In your II account where your AC is listed, click on "More Details", immediately under the AC listing. The fifth or sixth paragraph of the language you see may have blackout dates. Are there blackout dates listed there?

There might not be blackout dates for your AC that expires next month, but I'm betting that there are for the new one you got.

 

[dougp26364]

Doug -

In your II account where your AC is listed, click on "More Details", immediately under the AC listing. The fifth or sixth paragraph of the language you see may have blackout dates. Are there blackout dates listed there?

There might not be blackout dates for your AC that expires next month, but I'm betting that there are for the new one you got.

I was looking using the new AC. The only language I find is that it may not be used during passover week or Easter. It says some Christmas and New Years restrictions may apply.

Like I said, within the 59 flexchange window, no grid comes up. Only the area's to trade into just like my regular units. Outside the 59 day window I get the dreaded grid, which is pretty much worthless IMO.

 

[Dave M]

The only language I find is that it may not be used during passover week or Easter.

That's about what I expected you would find. Easter week seems to be the most typical blackout period on current ACs. It's the only blackout period for two ACs I got two weeks ago.

As for the grid not coming up during the 59-day period, that's the way it's supposed to work. You should be able to see many resorts, just as you state that you can. However, an II rep has access to even more weeks and resorts than you can see during that 59-day period. Thus, if you don't see what you want, call and ask.

 

[dougp26364]

I finally accessed the wording under More Details. It is as follows:

All confirmations are made on a space available basis and no guarantee is made that any specific request can be confirmed. The redemption of the Accommodation Certificate is subject to certain terms and conditions. A redemption fee will be required.

This Certificate cannot be combined nor used in conjunction with any other certificate or fee waiver certificate.

All other terms and conditions of individual membership, exchange and flex change must be adhered to.

This certificate must be completed prior to the expiration date NOVEMBER 28, 2007.

This certificate may not be used to travel to any other resort under common ownership or management with the Home Resort.

Certificate not valid for 29MAR to 09APR travel dates.

Certificate may not be used for the following Resorts:.La Dorada Club Aldea del Mar,Alpenland Sporthotel-St.Johann-im-Pongau,Apartur Mountain Club,Americano Beach Lodge Resort,Club Sunterra @ The Alpine Club,Apollo Park At Vail,Tenerife Sun Club,Atlantic Beach Villas,Atrium Resort,Apartur en el Valle de Las Lenas,Acadia Village Resort,Beach House Golf & Racquet Club,Bighorn Meadows,Blue Tree Resort at Lake Buena Vista,The Beach Club at Montego Inn,Peppertree By the Sea,Casablanca,Castillo Beach Club,Hippocampus Beach International Resort,Thurnham V.C. at Cromer Country Club,Hosteria del Cerro,Club Flamingo Village,CSY at Club Callao Garden,Cabins at Green Mountain,Casa del Lago,Chalet High/Chalet High North,Colibri Beach Club - Porlamar,EDO @ La Dorada Club Jardines Paraisol,Club Orlando,Colonial Acres Resort,Club at Cape Cod,The Nautical Mile Resort & Condominiums,Colonial Village,Coconut Palms Beach Resort,Coconut Palms Beach Resort - Fishtail,Carriage House at Pocono Manor,Clube Praia da Oura,Captain's Qua

This certificate has no cash value.--------------------------------------------------------------------------
I find no black out dates but, as you can see, there is a pretty good sized list of resorts that do not participate or are not included for usage of the AC. None of those bother me. I'm looking more at area's to exchange into and not for specific resorts.

 

[dougp26364]

Sorry I do see the blackout date of March 29 to April 9th, which I beleive would be the Passover week/Easter mentioned in one of my earlier posts.

 

[Big Matt]

Dougp,
you are mixing apples and oranges. The blackout date is the one week around Easter on your AC. This won't be lifted even in flexchange. The grid limits your ability to trade into certain areas. The grid is lifted during flexchange allowing you to go to any available area except those resorts listed.

Apparently there are different types of AC's. I just checked using the one issued for our latest deposit. Within 59 days (I looked through 1/27/07) I can see anything my other units can see. Outside of 59 days the grid comes up. There is no mention of blackout dates unless you're counting the months not available on the grid. The rates for exchange were the same as last year, $199 for a studio, $249 for a one bedroom and $299 for a two bedroom.

 

[tashamen]

Like I said, within the 59 flexchange window, no grid comes up. Only the area's to trade into just like my regular units. Outside the 59 day window I get the dreaded grid, which is pretty much worthless IMO.

I only get the grid outside the 59 day window if looking at all destinations, or those areas where there are no months on the grid. In other words, as an example, I am able to search through July 17th, 2007 (the expiration date of my AC) within all of New England at once, or all of the Mid-Atlantic, or all of Southwest, etc. and everything that is available through July 17 with the AC comes up. In essence it's the same result as you would get through the grid but IMO much easier. On the grid you can only select six combinations of locations/months at a time, but if you search by geographic area you can select all the locations and all months up to your expiration date within that area at once.

My current AC has the same Easter week restriction that has been mentioned, but no other date erstrictions. Also the same list of resorts as Doug.

 

[sdtugger]

The blackout dates apply, even during flexchange.

I'm not doubting you at all Big Matt. But, I'm wondering how you confirmed that the blackout dates still apply during flexchange. Too bad!

 

[Dave M]

From the certificate's T&C:

Certificate not valid for 29MAR to 09APR travel dates.

That would seem to apply to any week obtained with the AC, whether in or out of the Flex period.

 

[Big Matt]

I've had about ten of them over the years and I would have loved to have used them during those times. They never show up. Since I usually have the deposited week to search with, I can compare how they trade. I've had ACs that were blacked out the week before and after Easter and also Christmas week.

I'm not doubting you at all Big Matt. But, I'm wondering how you confirmed that the blackout dates still apply during flexchange. Too bad!

 

[sdtugger]

I've had about ten of them over the years and I would have loved to have used them during those times. They never show up. Since I usually have the deposited week to search with, I can compare how they trade. I've had ACs that were blacked out the week before and after Easter and also Christmas week.

Thanks for the info. That's just what I needed to know.

 

[sdtugger]

Blackouts During Last 59 Days?

I was playing around with my AC a few days ago and it pulled up Hawaii inventory during the blackout days listed on my AC. I can't get decent airfare at that time and have conflicts anyway so we decided to pass. But, I'm wondering if I would have had trouble "redeeming" the AC for a week during the blackout dates listed on the AC. The week appeared to pull a week within the blackout days. Would I have been able to complete the reservation? If so, would someone at the resort give me trouble?

Thanks for any info.

 

[winger]

I was playing around with my AC a few days ago and it pulled up Hawaii inventory during the blackout days listed on my AC. I can't get decent airfare at that time and have conflicts anyway so we decided to pass. But, I'm wondering if I would have had trouble "redeeming" the AC for a week during the blackout dates listed on the AC. The week appeared to pull a week within the blackout days. Would I have been able to complete the reservation? If so, would someone at the resort give me trouble?

Thanks for any info.

u able to see within 59 days flex period or ?59 days?

 

[Big Matt]

If you can book it on line, it's yours.

I was playing around with my AC a few days ago and it pulled up Hawaii inventory during the blackout days listed on my AC. I can't get decent airfare at that time and have conflicts anyway so we decided to pass. But, I'm wondering if I would have had trouble "redeeming" the AC for a week during the blackout dates listed on the AC. The week appeared to pull a week within the blackout days. Would I have been able to complete the reservation? If so, would someone at the resort give me trouble?

Thanks for any info.