Extension to Use 2018 points for travel.

[9969hi]

On August 24th I received a letter from Diamond saying that I could use 2018 points for travel until December 31, 2018. I called their travel dept which happens to be in Mexico City and made 3 plane reservations to Hawaii with a 30% discount using points for the discount. Everything seemed to go as planned till I noticed the points where taken out of my 2019 points. Calling the reservation dept got me nowhere, they kept saying the dateline was June 30th. Has anyone else that the letter and tried to use the benefit for 2018 points for travel after June 30th.

 

[youppi]

I didn't receive a letter

 

[nuwermj]

Yes, the letter is valid. Others (Gold and Platinum only) have received the letter. I haven't tried using it. Diamond is a very poorly managed company. I read some of the online employment web sites and many current and former Diamond employees complain about the poor management, poor communication, and non-existent training. So I'm not surprised that a new policy has been introduced and announced, but the staff has no idea about it. All I can suggest is keep trying to find somebody that can help. Maybe an email to the CEO (ceo@diamondresorts.com). He will not address the problem himself, but he will forward it to someone he thinks can address it.

Here is the letter others have received.

And allow me to ask: Why is this company "pleased to announce" a reduction of benefits (100% reimbursement reduced to only 30%)? Are they hoping no one notices? It's too Orwellian from me.

====================
We want to thank you for your Gold membership and loyalty, and are pleased to announce a few changes to your benefits.

Effective immediately, your benefits include:

~ The ability to redeem points for Travel Services all year long.

~ A maximum redemption rate of 30% of the total cost of eligible hotel, cruise, and air purchases. [note this is a reduction from 100%--nuwermj]

~ An instant rebate of your 30% cap at the time of booking, so you no longer have to wait for a reimbursement check.

~ An extended redemption window for 2018! You can now redeem points at a 30% maximum rate through December 31, 2018.

 

[9969hi]

I think I understand that a 100% of the tickets could not be used after June 30th,unless you paid your 2019 fees and borrowed. I believe the letter is quite clear that 30% of the tickets could be paid for with points until Dec. 31st of the current year. I am writing Maria C Kalber, the author of the letter a letter and forwarding that letter to the current head of Diamond, and to Apollo so they they can see why their investment has problems.