Randymon – Changing Dates Question

[Wally]

We usually go to Couples in January when we know my wife can get the time off work. We would rather go the end of February or beginning of March, but she can’t get vacation approved more than 6 months out. If we were to book now for March 2013, using the Early Escapes rates and resort credit and then have to change our dates (probably in September) to the beginning of January, would we have to cancel our original booking and re-book with the current rates, or could we just change the dates with no additional charge? Since the rates are the same for January and March, we would hope we could just change the dates, assuming our room type is still available in January.

[Stephanie & Mark]

We have the same problem. Was thinking about booking for 2013 but husband has only two vacations a year one from Jan - Jun which he finds out in Dec which week he gets and the other is July - Dec which he finds out in June when he gets off then. Usually he will get his first choice but it goes by seniority which week he gets. If we book for 2013 and we need to change weeks will we get to keep the great early booking price and all the resort credits that apply for the week we change to. Please help us out Randymon!!!! Heading to CTI for first couples trip in 48 days can't wait.

[Wally]

Randymon,

I was hopping for an official response on Couples policy in this situation.

Thanks, Wally

[Bettie]

I was also wondering about this. Can anyone help out? Also, are travel agents able to do this?

[Nowa]

Book both dates and cancel the 1 you don't use!

[Wally]

Book both dates and cancel the 1 you don't use!

Excellent!!! Why didn't I think of that?

[Fluffin]

I would do what NOWA suggests. That way you are GUARANTEED to have what you want. You are not wasting money since you wold just take the deposit for the canceled on and place on the one you are keeping.

[Captain Jim]

And if everyone books multiple dates ??? Why stop at two? Book every week that you might possibly go....this is why the airlines had to go to NON-refundable tickets. People used to do just what you are suggesting & planes would go out 1/2 empty. If this were to become a big trend then Couples would have to make our deposits non-refundable & we all suffer.
There has to be a better way.

[randymon]

Greetings:

Our policy regarding date changes is as follow:

First, if you book through another source, we have no control on what their change/Cancellation policies may be.

IF, you have booked directly, then...

Date changes may be made without penalty provided
1. It is done outside 45 days prior to arrival AND
2. The new dates fall within the same rate period.

In this scenario, value added benefit such as resort credits will be protected.

If you change dates for arrival in another rate period,
1. You will be charged the current rates at the time of the change AND
2. You will lose any added benefits IF those benefits are no longer being offered.

Adding extra nights?
1. Rates for the extra nights will be at whatever the current rates are at the time of the addition
2. Added Benefits will be protected.

[smroot]

Pretty straight forward randymon, but I am sure someone will not be happy and complain or think those rules should apply to everyone but them. You are a brave man.

[Fluffin]

I really hate asking this question but I just happen to be in this situation.

We are going to be booking for August 2013. Our Arrival Date is 8/18 which will be the END of one pricing period by one day and the rest of the trip will be in another pricing period for the remaining 6 days.

Say we would have to push it up a week or back a week what would happen?

[Wally]

Thanks, Randy!

[Bettie]

Thanks for clarifying this Randy. I had plans to book directly through couples because on this board that was what most people were saying, however, when I call to book I asked just to make sure and the guy that I spoke to said they no longer do this. So, I went through a travel agent. I hope I have no reason to move my dates, but I liked having the back up plan if needed. I am a bit disappointed, but I am still going so I am very stoked about that.