Interval International offers an incredibly versatile exchange platform for timeshare owners, enabling them to trade their weeks for vacations at other high-quality resorts around the globe. One lesser-known feature is the ability to upgrade your exchange and secure a larger unit than the one you originally own. This guide explains how the process works, discusses associated costs, and explores ways to maximize its benefits for timeshare owners.
Understanding the Basics of Upgrading
What Does Upgrading Mean in Interval International?
When you exchange your timeshare week through Interval International, you are not limited to a unit that matches the exact unit size of your ownership. You can often trade into larger accommodations by paying an upgrade fee. For instance, an owner might deposit a week in a studio, but be able to secure an exchange for a two-bedroom unit by paying upgrade fees. This ultimately means extra space to enjoy, and higher occupancy limits for large travel parties.
Why Consider an Upgrade?
Upgrading can benefit you in several ways, from accommodating additional guests to enjoying extra amenities, like an additional bathroom or larger living spaces. This flexibility makes it easier to plan trips with family or friends, even if your original timeshare unit size isn’t sufficient.
How Does the Upgrade Process Work?
The Role of Availability
Interval International operates on a system where deposited timeshare weeks are offered as exchange options. Occasionally, larger units become part of available inventory due to the dynamics of supply and demand. This provides an opportunity for owners with smaller units to upgrade.
Paying the Upgrade Fee
To secure a larger unit, you will be required to pay an upgrade fee. The fee depends on the number of levels you are upgrading. For example:
- Studio
- to One Bedroom – $99 (One step up)
- to Two Bedroom – $198 (Two steps up)
- to Three Bedroom – $297 (Three steps up)
- to Four Bedroom – $396 (Four steps up)
- One Bedroom
- to Two Bedroom – $99 (One Step Up)
- to Three Bedroom – $198 (Two steps up)
- to Four Bedroom – $297 (Three steps up)
- Two Bedroom
- to Three Bedroom – $99 (One Step Up)
- to Four Bedroom – $198 (Two steps up)
- Three Bedroom
- to Four Bedroom – $99 (One Step Up)
These fees ensure that you only pay for the increased space if desired. When considering these fees compared to the additional maintenance costs of owning a larger unit, it’s generally a great value for those who do not need a larger unit each year.
Trade Power Considerations
Exchanges on the platform are influenced by a proprietary “trade power” algorithm. If a larger unit is visible in your search results, you have enough trade power to exchange into it. This makes the upgrade process straightforward, as you’re only required to pay the corresponding fee if you opt for the larger unit.
We’ll talk about maximizing your trading power later in the article and offer practical tips to ensure you’re able to view the largest amount of inventory for your trades.
Membership Perks and Saving on Fees
Benefits of Gold and Platinum Memberships
Interval International offers tiered membership levels that can reduce the cost of upgrading. These include:
- Gold Membership: Provides a $20 discount per step-up.
- Platinum Membership: Offers a $40 discount per step-up.
For instance, with Platinum status, you can upgrade from a studio to a one-bedroom for $59 instead of $99.
If you’d like to learn the details of all Interval International fees, including the costs for Gold and Platinum memberships, check out our guide and learn how to manage & optimize costs when trading: Interval International Fees: A Comprehensive Guide For Timeshare Owners.
Leverage Promotions to Save More
Occasionally, Interval International runs special promotions, such as waived upgrade fees or discounts during specified periods. Staying updated on these promotions can help you save significantly on your future exchanges.
Key Scenarios to Consider
Ongoing Search Requests and Upgrades
If you are planning a future trip and submit an ongoing search request, you can include an option to upgrade to a larger unit if available. However, keep in mind this may narrow your search results, as fewer units may meet the criteria.
Point-Based Ownership Exceptions
If your timeshare ownership operates on a points-based system, upgrade fees are not applicable. The size of the unit you reserve will depend on the points you allocate for your exchange. Upgrade fees only apply to weeks-based ownerships.
Downgrades Don’t Pay!
While upgrading incurs costs, downgrading to a smaller unit does not provide any financial benefit. Regardless of unit size, Interval International maintains its policy of not compensating owners who choose a smaller accommodation. If you’re fine with downgrading for availability purposes, it can be a useful tool for securing the right resort or travel dates, but it’s best to avoid it if at all possible.
Flexibility Simply Costs Less
Flexchange Program Opportunities
By booking exchanges within the Flexchange window, which includes check-in dates 59 days or fewer from your search date, you can avoid upgrade fees entirely. This option is particularly useful for owners who have flexible travel dates and are comfortable planning trips on shorter notice.
Maximizing Value Through Timing
If flexibility suits your travel needs, monitoring availability within the Flexchange period can often grant access to larger units without added costs. It’s an effective way to enjoy an upgrade without extra expense.
Tips for Marriott Timeshare Owners
Marriott Vacation Club owners using Interval International for exchanges can make the most of their membership by understanding the following concepts:
- Checking availability patterns and the travel demand index to know what weeks are highly desirable
- Being aware of Marriott’s Priority Exchange to gain access to other Marriott properties earlier than other owners
- Understanding how to deposit your week effectively to have the highest trading power possible
Keeping these key elements in mind will help ensure you get the best possible exchanges from your Interval International deposits.
Wrapping Up
Interval International can provide a huge benefit for timeshare owners by allowing upgrades to larger units when available. Whether you’re planning a family vacation or seeking extra space for comfort, understanding upgrade options, associated fees, and membership perks can make the process seamless.
By staying flexible and informed, especially regarding promotions or the Flexchange window, Marriott timeshare owners can enjoy better accommodations and enhanced vacation experiences while maximizing the value of their ownerships.
