Flex Change-Maybe I misunderstood???

[icydog]

I thought I would see the same listings on II with my Marriott Summit Watch Thanksgiving '07 Studio as my Marriott Manor Club 2 bdrm July '07 week during Flex change. This is definitely not the case. Was I wrong in the supposition that I could see anything and everything during the 60 day Flex Change period??

 

[KCI]

I was under the same impression as you because in the past I have always been able to see everything available during flex time. Recently, when I look for a ts in the 60 day window, I see different availability depending on what I am looking to trade. Have been meaning to call II to find out why but have been too busy. Will be interested to read if anyone else has noticed this difference too.

 

[Dave M]

You won't necessarily see everything online that an advisor can see and confirm for you. There may also be a few restrictions. Here is a summary that Craig Urbine (II's rep to TUG a few years back) posted on the old BBS in response to questions posed by TUGger Ed Bott. See particularly #6:

Hi Craig -
Several of us have been batting about some experiences with FlexChange searches based on answers you've given in the past. Can you help us come up with a definitive statement of the FlexChange rules? Here are the questions:

1. During the FlexChange period (59 days or less), are trading power restrictions relaxed or completely removed? In theory, should a studio unit that normally is the worst trader in the II system be able to pull any week that is available, regardless of size or quality? For instance, a 2BR Westin St. John or Four Seasons Aviara?

2. You have stated that there are no upward restrictions on quality during FlexChange. So in theory a lower-quality deposit should see all the same weeks as a high-quality deposit, as well as more availability that is blocked to the higher-quality week. True?

3. Does the presence or absence of a kitchen matter when searching for availability during FlexChange?

4. Do regional blocks apply during FlexChange?

5. You have said that Marriott owners get a 3-day preference in FlexChange availability. Are there any other resorts or groups that have similar preferences?

6. In theory, should the online system display all availability during FlexChange? Or are some exchanges available only on the phone?

7. When using an AC during FlexChange, all restrictions (unit size, geographic area, excluded resorts) continue to apply, correct?

Ed

1) In general, yes. In very limited circumstances, for a variety of reasons, some restrictions may be imposed. (i.e. AC restrictions apply during FlexChange)
2) In general, true. In limited cases, resorts may restrict owners from lower quality resorts. Additionally, we may restrict certain members from exchanging into the highest tier resorts.
3) No, not during the entire FlexChange period.
4) Yes
5) Yes
6) Online searches display results that are of reasonable comparable quality. An adviser can see more, and make the offer, as they can advise of any nuances of the particular unit.
7) Yes

 

[icydog]

Thanks for all that information. I wonder why all of a sudden I have to call an advisor to find out what's available during Flex Change. I like the ability to search all destinations and then make a decision as to where we want to travel. I am actually seeing better resorts with the lock off studio than with my one bdrm side of my Marriott Summit Watch Thanksgiving '07 week. What's up with that??

 

[Dave M]

I wonder why all of a sudden I have to call an advisor to find out what's available during Flex Change.

That isn't new. There have always been Flex weeks that an advisor could see that you couldn't. However, it may be that II has changed its criteria in a manner that makes more weeks available only through phoning than in the past.

 

[Stefa]

I'd be interested in some examples of what weeks can't be seen online. We are considering buying a lesser trader with the hopes of occasionally using flexchange to trade up.

Thanks

 

[clivemark]

Even outside the Flex-Exchange's 59days window, the II could see more units than I could. I saw a Marbella week but then it went away but I decided to call them a week later (just in case). To my surprise it was available to her but not showing on the web!

I did not complain but it shows that it is better to call them if you want to be 100% certain.

 

[icydog]

Even outside the Flex-Exchange's 59days window, the II could see more units than I could. I saw a Marbella week but then it went away but I decided to call them a week later (just in case). To my surprise it was available to her but not showing on the web!

I did not complain but it shows that it is better to call them if you want to be 100% certain.

The problem with this for my husband and me personally is the fun part is deciding where we will go at the last minute. I do think I can call up and say, "Tell me all the flex changes you see with my Summit Watch one bdrm unit'. I think the VC would hang up on me. Oh well at least I am now informed about how to do this effectively. Thanks.

 

[Big Matt]

Let me add to this conversation.

Don't assume that just because you can't see similar/same things that they aren't there (huh?).

Let me explain.

I was searching for a week that I knew was there about an hour earlier yesterday (Hilton Head Marriott for week 52). I searched "all destinations" and it didn't even show Hilton Head as available at all. Just yesterday there were all of the Marriotts except Heritage Club. So I went back in and searched using the "map", and guess what? They were all there again.

I'll bet everyone has used the search "all destinations" and then got a message saying there is no availability. Just keep hitting refresh on the browser or F5 on the keyboard and it will eventually show up.

Their system is so incredibly buggy, that you can never really be sure what's there. It's even worse with ACs. I had an AC that would only trade for 1BR units and lower, even in flexchange. The advisor said that the system had a defect and that I should call in the problem to the internet group. I got a case number and it never did get resolved. Instead, I called an advisor that I trust and he did the trade manually for me.

I'm done ranting.

 

[icydog]

Let me add to this conversation.

Don't assume that just because you can't see similar/same things that they aren't there (huh?).

Let me explain.

I was searching for a week that I knew was there about an hour earlier yesterday (Hilton Head Marriott for week 52). I searched "all destinations" and it didn't even show Hilton Head as available at all. Just yesterday there were all of the Marriotts except Heritage Club. So I went back in and searched using the "map", and guess what? They were all there again.

I'll bet everyone has used the search "all destinations" and then got a message saying there is no availability. Just keep hitting refresh on the browser or F5 on the keyboard and it will eventually show up.

Their system is so incredibly buggy, that you can never really be sure what's there. It's even worse with ACs. I had an AC that would only trade for 1BR units and lower, even in flexchange. The advisor said that the system had a defect and that I should call in the problem to the internet group. I got a case number and it never did get resolved. Instead, I called an advisor that I trust and he did the trade manually for me.

I'm done ranting.

Thanks, I thought it was just me!! I cannot figure out how to do this. In the olden days you could search with your best week and then hit the back button and search with a less "tradeable unit' and get the same results. That old trick no longer works.