Are you a waitlisted Builder? Read this post to learn all about how the HXP waitlist queue!
How does the waitlist queue work?
Every morning before our general lottery, we’ll run through our waitlist lottery. The lottery runs through waitlisted Builders based on the date they were booked on the waitlist. It will go through each Builder’s ranked preferences. If there is an opening on one of your preferences, you’ll be placed on that trip.
Can I be on the waitlist for a specific trip?
At HXP, we don’t have waitlists for specific trips. Our waitlist is a general queue designed with an emphasis of getting a Builder on a trip rather than remaining on a short list for a certain location. Builders don’t have a “spot” on the list for a certain trip the waitlist is queue.
Can I be booked on a trip and on the waitlist for another trip at the same time?
Our policy is that Builders cannot be booked on a trip and on the waitlist at the same time. We want to make sure everyone has a fair chance of getting on a trip, and allowing Builders to be booked on a trip and on the waitlist lowers the chances for other Builders to get on trips.
How can I increase my chances of getting on a trip?
Here are a few tips for getting on a trip!
- Take another stab at your preference list. You can still rearrange your preferences (make sure to click “Finish Registering” again once you’ve done so so they’re saved in our system). This time, try to specifically find trips that still have availability. Psst—some of our very best areas have multiple locations (i.e. more spots) or are just not as well known. Don’t sleep on trips just because there are still spots left. Log into your Builder Portal and filter by availability to see the trips where you’ve got the best shot. Who knows? Maybe the place you’re meant to be in is nowhere near where you thought you’d go.
- Bring a Parent Builder. One of our best-kept secrets is if you go with a parent you get first dibs on trips in each lottery. Some locations may not have availability for Youth Builders anymore but may have a Parent Builder spot! Look for those openings, snag a parent and your chances are much higher. (Heads up, if your parent cancels later, it also cancels you. So don’t try it unless they are all in.)
- Dig deep. If you need some added inspiration, try checking out our blog post, How To Pick A Trip
- Be brave. If you’re trying hard to link up with a friend or cousin, consider letting that go. Without fail, the Builders who go on their own have a better time and discover a whole new version of themselves in the process.
Can I switch directly onto a trip with an opening?
If there is a trip with an open spot, you’re welcome to bypass the waitlist queue and switch directly onto that trip. You can do this up until January 11th. Click here for a tutorial video on how to switch trips.
If I've already been booked on a trip, can I move to the waitlist for a different trip?
If you’ve already been booked on a trip but would like to move to the waitlist queue, you’re welcome to do so. However, keep in mind that as per our refund policy, if you choose this option, the $500 is non-refundable after January 12th even if you remain on the waiting list.
What is the waitlist refund/payment policy?
As per our refund policy, as long as you remain on the waitlist you can request a refund of the $500 deposit up until August 31, 2024. After August 31, 2024, the deposit becomes non-refundable.
If you get booked on a trip from the waitlist, HXP will deliver an email notification (“Booking”), after which you have 48 hours to cancel your spot and receive a refund of the $500 deposit, after which time, the deposit becomes non-refundable.
Once booked on a trip you will follow the payment schedule:
$1,500 for international experiences & $500 for domestic experiences are due January 19, 2024.
The remaining balance is due March 1, 2024. Each additional payment becomes non-refundable on the payment due date.
If you are booked on a trip after March 1, 2024, you have three days to complete the final payment.
If you were previously booked on a 2024 trip and elect to move to the waitlist, the $500 is non-refundable even if you remain on the waiting list.