RCI.COM vs Phone

[JeffC]

I am looking to make my first exchange thru RCI. Is there any advantage to calling them directly vs booking on RCI.COM? Do the VC's have additional inventory that is not listed on the website? I am looking to exchange into the Tahoe area in late July and New England in early Sept. TIA for any advice.

 

[DeniseM]

Remember that the online (and phone) inventory is the LEFTOVERS after all on-going requests have been filled. You need to put in an on-going request ASAP - July is very popluar in Tahoe and it's late to put in the request.

 

[JeffC]

Thanks Denise. How long does an on-going request hold the week? According to the website tip it is only 24hrs.

 

[DeniseM]

Thanks Denise. How long does an on-going request hold the week? According to the website tip it is only 24hrs.

An ongoing request is an exchange request that stays in place until you either get the reservation, or the date passes, or you cancel it. If you get the exchange - it's a done deal, unless you refuse it.

 

[BevL]

An ongoing request is an exchange request that stays in place until you either get the reservation, or the date passes, or you cancel it. If you get the exchange - it's a done deal, unless you refuse it.

I don't think that's quite right, is it? That's the case with Interval, you have to call to cancel within 24 hours or it's yours and you're subject to losing your exchange fee and getting a replacement week instead of your original week back if you cancel.

But with RCI, I believe if your search matches, the matched unit will be placed on hold until usually the end of the following business day. You can either "throw it back" or confirm the exchange within that timeframe.

It's been a while since I've done an ongoing search so maybe the process has changed but that's always been my understanding.

 

[Free2Roam]

Also keep in mind that you save $20 by booking online.

 

[JeffC]

Thanx for the info everyone. I was able to book a week at the Olympic Village Inn at the end of July. I booked online, so I paid the lower fee. I'm still a little confused about the benefit of the on-going search. If I search for a vacation and don't find a week I like, does the on-going search give me first shot at newly deposited weeks? I read somewhere else in the forum that the exchange fee is charged when I put in the search. Is this true? If so, is it refunded if I decide not to take the week? I started the process for an on-going search in early Sept, but the search criterion was very specific as to the # of bedrooms and # of people. Is there any way to vary these, like the check in dates? It seems to me that being able to search for a variety of units would give you a greater number of choices.

 

[WinniWoman]

I haven't exchanged in a number of years, but I did like to book on-line, but would call an RCI rep to see what unit I was getting (number and building), before actually hitting the submit button. This was mainly for exchanging back into my home resort.

 

[lmkucala]

Can you put in an ongoing request with RCI when using points?