Using different points constitutes rebooking?

[Dancind]

Just making sure I didn't get an associate that was taking the easy way out. I have a reservation on Oct. 23, and realized I should have used the points from a different contract number (also in my name) to book it, since they expire sooner. I called to ask, and the CM told me that the points I am currently booked with would go into holding because I'm within 30 days. It's not a big deal, but that doesn't seem right since I'm not cancelling the reservation. Or am I thinking wrong?

 

[childsplay]

Yes MS has it correct...(I know it stinks for you) but technically what you are doing is cancelling an existing reservation and then booking a new one, which means that the points used for the cancelled reservation would go into a holding account because you are within 30 days of arrival. I would just keep the existing reservation if at all possible.

 

[RobDoc]

Some of the answer may be dependant on when the reservation was originally made and what points you want to substitute.

If the reservation was made 11 months ahead using Home Resort points and you now want to use points from another contract and resort, then it would be a cancellation and rebook the reservation with the original points going into Holding. If the substitute points are also from the same Home Resort, it may be worthwhile calling back and trying another MS representative. Regardless, it will involve a new reservation if the points are coming from a different contract.

The other issue here is the waitlist. If they are cancelling your original reservation and rebooking (in order to use points from another contract), it's possible that you will lose the reservation in the short time between cancelling the reservation and trying to rebook it - possibly resulting in the loss of the reservation completely.

I'd sure call again and ask, but I would worry that the possible loss of any accommodation at this late date is not worth the attempt.

Good luck!

 

[Dean]

Actually technically any change is a cancellation and rebooking. And it really doesn't matter when or what points you used originally if it's available when you call. At times DVC will just sub the points without canceling though they are not supposed to. In this case the CM are more likely to do so with like points than different home resorts or contracts.