Waitlist question inside of 30 days

[msabol01]

So it is very clear from this board that waitlists do work and happen. One of mine came through as well. The question I have is that it seems many of the waitlists come through at or near the 30 day mark. I am curious of the likely hood of a waitlist coming through between days 29 and 7? Are the chances less likely than 30 days and greater? Thanks!

[CarolMN]

When a member cancels at least 31 days prior to arrival, the points are returned to his/her account without penalty. If a member cancels 30 days or less prior to arrival, the points are returned, but go into "holding status". That is why waitlists often come through at the 30-31 day mark - members who aren't positive they will be able to make the trip, will cancel at that point to avoid the holding account.

The next "bogie" is arrival day - at that point all points are forfeited. So there really isn't much incentive to cancel between day 30 & day 7. You just need to do it before arrival day to avoid losing your points.

That said, cancellations do happen - so if you really want something (and have a back up plan), it doesn't hurt to keep trying.

[msabol01]

Thanks Carol, that's exactly what I figured. It's all good, I got my first waitlist which is a split stay starting at VWL and ending at SSR. I am still waitlisted for the second half at BCV, BWV, and AKL. Our trip starts 4/27, so we'll just wait and see. That being said, there's no downside as we are looking forward to SSR as well since we have not yet stayed there.