kay_jay

I was in a opinion that gift certificate or gift cards don't expire. I have $600 worth of Hyatt check certificates which expired on 10/31/2013.
Without realizing, I was in a Hyatt last weekend trying to pay and front agent told that the certificate has expired already.

What should I do?
In the back of the certificate, it says Hyatt check certificates doesn't expire.
Need help.

TravelStar

Try calling Hyatt Incentive & Promotion Department at 312-780-5547.

kay_jay

Thanks.
This is exactly the terms & conditions (copied from hyatt.com):
Check Certificates Terms & Conditions
The Hyatt Check Certificate may only be accepted in increments equivalent to or in excess of the face value toward eligible purchases equivalent to, or in excess of the face value at participating Hyatt Hotels and Resorts. Multiple Hyatt Check Certificates will be accepted individually only in such increments in excess of their face value. Locations are subject to change without notice and acceptance varies by property. Not valid for Casino charges, concessions within the hotel not owned or operated by Hyatt, packages or rates that require advanced purchase or deposit, deposits, payments for meetings, catering, and group functions, negotiated volume rates (whether paid by the group or on an individual basis) for example, negotiated volume business, organization, meeting, convention, and crew rates. Negotiated volume rates are special rates that have been previously negotiated and agreed to in writing by a business, individual, organization or association in exchange for a “volume” or block of rooms. In the United States and Puerto Rico the total charged will be reduced by the face value of the Hyatt Check Certificate. Outside of the United States and Puerto Rico, the total charges will be reduced by converting the USD value of the Hyatt Check Certificate into local currency according to the daily exchange rate at the hotel. If a transaction exceeds the Hyatt Check Certificate’s face value, the user must pay the difference. The Hyatt Check Certificate must be presented at the time of purchase. No replications, facsimiles or other representation will be accepted. The Hyatt Check Certificate is not replaceable if lost, destroyed or stolen. Hyatt Check Certificate does not expire. Void if altered, photocopied, or reproduced. Terms are void where prohibited by law. The use of Hyatt Check Certificates at certain destinations shall be subject to respective government approvals, regulations, restrictions and applicable taxes. Terms and Conditions of the Hyatt Check Certificates are governed by the laws of the state of Maryland, USA without regard to its choice of law provisions. Certificate is void if sold for cash or other consideration. Hyatt Hotels & Resorts™ encompasses hotels and resorts managed, franchised, or operated by subsidiaries and affiliates of Hyatt Hotels Corporation. HYATT™, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts™, Grand Hyatt™, Hyatt Regency™, Park Hyatt™, Hyatt Place™, Hyatt Summerfield Suites™, and Andaz™, names, designs and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Hotels Corporation. © 2011 Hyatt Fulfillment of Maryland, Inc. All rights reserved.

If you have received this Gift Check as a premium, as a part of a loyalty program, or other non-cash transaction, these additional terms and conditions shall apply:

Please see the front of the Gift Check for its expiration date.
No credit or change will be given on any unused portion of the certificate.
Certificate is void if sold for cash or other consideration.
For questions regarding use of Hyatt Check Certificates, applicable rates or more information, call (800) 555-0233 or contact your hotel of choice.

TravelStar

Is there an expiration date on the front of the certificate?

IncyWincy

Am I right that expiry dates do not apply in certain dates including Callifornia?

stargold

The presence of the expiration date at the front of the certificate suggests that "you have received this Gift Check as a premium, as a part of a loyalty program, or other non-cash transaction" - is that the case?

kay_jay

I just read this post: http://boardingarea.com/mommypoints/....TII89ssx.dpbs

Do I need to worry about my expired Hyatt check certificates too?

jetsfan92588

Depends how you got the certificate (at least in CA). For example, if you bought the certificate from Costco (when they had that $100 for $80 promo) in CA then it would not expire. However, if you had a bad stay or something and they gave you the certificate it could potentially expire. At least the amount you paid for it cannot expire in CA, I'm not sure if any additional amount would potentially expire (for example the $20 in the example above MAY expire, but that is beyond my knowledge).

mahasamatman

I believe that either requires the certificate to have been issued in California or by a California entity. However (according to that article), if it was issued after 22 August 2010 and is considered a gift certificate (which it should be), it cannot expire for five years from issuance. You should contact Citi and ask them about this.

philemer

Moving to a more appropriate forum.

kay_jay

I got it from citi Thankyou network. Now I don't have any card open to earn TY points. TY CSR told me that I should have used the GC before the expiration, but I seriously didn't pay attention.

kay_jay

this is a stupid policy of Hyatt and being such a big hotel chain they should never come up with such a bad decision against gift certificates.
I have $650 Hyatt certificates I got last year. Now it expired. Customer service didn't help either.

austin_modern

Sounds like the primary person who is responsible is the person who failed to notice the date of expiration.

On this note, I just mailed my local grocery store to replace some expired milk because I failed to pay attention to the date on the carton. Clearly they are responsible for not keeping tabs on my frigid. Will update when their CEO comes to my house with a new carton.

biosurfer1

Is the expiration date in capital letters, at at least 10 point font? Apparently that matters in California:

http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/l...des/s-11.shtml