Basic Question Concerning Codes!

[pearland1]

I am new; can someone please clarify something for me?...
I keep hearing about all the people waiting for codes. Is it common, that once codes are revealed...you could call in and they could have already booked the maximum amount of deals?
I mean...do you all usually get to use these codes once you hear about them, or have you often called in and they are already at their maximum allowance?
Thanks!

 

[TaraPA]

I am new; can someone please clarify something for me?...
I keep hearing about all the people waiting for codes. Is it common, that once codes are revealed...you could call in and they could have already booked the maximum amount of deals?
I mean...do you all usually get to use these codes once you hear about them, or have you often called in and they are already at their maximum allowance?
Thanks!

It's hit or miss - but generally if you call within a few days of the code being released you shouldn't have any problems. Each code promo is different - meaning they allow only so many "rooms" or "packages" for each resort, and that can even vary among the room types at any hotel. For example they may allow 100 discounts on Poolview rooms at AKL, but only 50 discounts on rooms in Savannah View. If there's a rhyme or reason on how they choose this, I don't know it. I've always booked room-only or package trips with codes - they really can save you a bundle if you've done your homework & know rack rates, seasons, room types, etc. It can get overwhelming when there's more than one code going on at the same time. A good CM at CRO will compare them all for you, but sometimes I've had to call back 3 or 4 times to find one willing to spend 30 minutes breaking it all down for me.

My biggest tip would be this: If you call & can't get a code for your dates ALWAYS call back - people (including me) that are still deciding on dates, airfare, etc. will often put 2 or 3 or more trips "on hold" - they are on courtesy hold for 14 days without having to pay the deposit. Once the 14 days run out the reservations will go back into the general pool, and back into the code promo if applicable. People often change their dates as well, which can put more rooms back into the code promo. I've personally never had a problem using a code & getting all the dates I wanted, but I've seen that for peak & holiday times this can be an issue. I've also seen that even if you book your whole trip with a code, some individual days may be "sold out" for the code promo, and then you just pay regular rack rates for those days.

I hope this helps, I feel like I'm rambling- I know what I'm trying to say but it's not coming out right! Dis-confusion I guess!

 

[pearland1]

Thanks so much for the advice!
Any more suggestions out there? I'm a newbie hoping to get a January 2007 code!