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Big changes are coming to a favorite feature for those of us that use Interval International for exchanges. Starting February 1st 2024, Interval International is making changes to E-Plus. Unfortunately these changes are not positive for those of us who love the current benefits of this functionality.
What is E-Plus?
First, a quick reminder on what E-Plus functionality is. When confirming an exchange with Interval International, an owner can add an optional E-Plus feature, currently priced at $89, which allows to later on re-trade the exchange up to three times for another stay at no additional cost. Currently owners have five days after confirming an exchange to add the E-Plus feature and they can re-trade their existing exchange up to one day prior to check in.
What Are the Benefits of E-Plus?
Why is this feature so desirable? E-Plus allows flexibility for owners to change plans last minute without having to repay the exchange fee.
Without E-Plus, canceling and booking an exchange requires the payment of a new exchange fee. These fees range depending on the ownership, but they are generally a few hundred dollars. For those seeking to upgrade to a larger unit for their stay, it is not uncommon to find availability at very short notice, in which case a free re-trade can be performed using E-Plus.
Therefore E-Plus is a great feature that allows flexibility to cancel or change plans last minute, or to exchange the vacation for a larger unit or a nicer resort, should availability come up last minute. It is more cost efficient than canceling and rebooking an exchange. It essentially serves as an insurance in case plans need to change.
What is Changing?
Starting February 1st 2024, Interval International will be changing how E-Plus works. On a positive note, they are allowing up to 14 days after confirming an exchange to add the E-Plus feature. This is a more generous than the current five day allowance.
However – and here comes the big downside – the new E-Plus will only allow exchangers to re-trade a stay 14 or more days in advance of the check in date. This means that 14 days or less in advance, owners will no longer be able to re-trade their exchange for no additional cost. This is a big downside as a lot of cancellations and plan changes occur within that 14-day time window. Essentially owners will lose a good amount of flexibility and opportunity to upgrade their stay.
How Does This Change Impact Owners?
Owners will need to think twice whether they benefit from purchasing E-Plus for their confirmed exchange. With the loss of flexibility to re-exchange the stay two weeks in advance or less, this feature may not be as beneficial to purchase. Remember that owners will still have the option to cancel and rebook their stay within that two week period before the check in date, by simply repaying the full exchange fee.
