While there might be some circumstances where I would be okay confirming a sit without firm dates, for the most part this would not work for me. As a full-time sitter, not having set dates would make it very difficult to plan my schedule.
Some sitters might be more flexible with their schedules for a variety of reasons and this wouldn’t be a big deal. But for many sitters, this would not be feasible, and it is perfectly reasonable to let hosts know they can only confirm a sit if the hosts have set a firm date for their departure and return back home. It sounds like you are in the second camp, at least for the time period of this sit.
Travel over the holidays is expensive and prices just go up the closer the time gets. I would be concerned that not having bought tickets yet for such a pricey time of year suggests they may not be serious about taking the trip and they will end up cancelling.
It sounds like you need firm dates very soon because of your other commitments. You will need to talk to them and let them know that unless they give you this information by whatever deadline you feel you need, you will have to cancel.
And if you choose not to do so because you feel uncomfortable broaching the subject, the only thing you can do is take them at their word they are definitely taking the trip and wait on them to give you the dates.
You worry about letting them down but they are not remotely worried about you. It’s a red flag. I am in the same boat. Sit confirmed for months yet no flights booked as they are still not certain what dates they want to fly. It’s a good indicator of how this sit might go…. When people show you who they are, believe them. I am asking them to unconfirm now and you should do the same. You’ll get a much better sit with organized, considerate hosts.
“a sit must only be cancelled if both you and the other member agree, or if there are any extraordinary circumstances. If this is not the case and you cancel outside of these terms, an investigation may take place that could result in disciplinary action against your membership.”
Unfortunately, there is no way for sitters to cancel a sit on their own without the PP’s help or help from THS Customer Service. To reach THS Customer Service go to Frankie the chat bot and type you “want to speak to a human”. You may have to type this twice before you are connected to a person. Since THS is based in the United Kingdom you will most likely reach a person during daylight hours in the UK.
Was confirmed in a thread by a community manager after checking with MS.
I will say that, regardless of when a cancellation happens, it’s perhaps worth noting that the term “extraordinary reasons” is vague and completely up to interpretation. Probably intentional, cause if THS specified exact scenarios, it could imply they actually had legal grounds and authority to request sensitive personal documents from members in the event of an “investigation” due to cancellations (for example, in the case of a medical condition).
So, the term has intentional value, but likely carries little to no legal weight in practice.
It was and then it changed to something along the lines of the 14 days applied to the cancellation insurance being valid and that it was still only for “extraordinary circumstances” for sit cancellations whenever they occurred. MS gave out incorrect info. The two things weren’t connected and there was confusion. Would have to find the thread to be sure but maybe @Jenny can confirm? #extraodinaryinfo
I found the thread @Cuttlefish but don’t know how to attach it! It was titled “Sitter Cancelled - No Emergency” and it was in July. You are correct that MS got confused between Sitter Cancellation Insurance requirements which differ from the T & C and Code of Conduct. @Jenny did publish the correction message from MS.
Love your hashtags yes that sounds like extraordinary info from MS They are not entirely incorrect though. Given that there’s no legal obligation for members to provide supporting documentation for “extraordinary reasons,”. So, they probably just forgot to mention that the 14-day rule, in practice, applies only in relation to reimbursements under the cancellation plan.
Not to suggest that members who repeatedly cancel can’t get a slap on the wrist; however, if THS lacks the legal authority to request documentation from those members, they similarly lack lawful grounds to terminate membership solely on such bases.
Just to support all who have said it is unreasonable to not have firm plans at this point, @LancashireLass
That would go anytime of the year as that is showing respect and consideration towards others in general, but especially Christmas where everybody both want and need to know the “when and where”. Even if you are not travelling as such, you would need to plan - everything from packing, grocery shopping, contact with friends or family etc., maybe picking up or sending a parcel.
Also because Christmas is really competitive and they are lucky to have you, I would say.
I usually travel long distance and wouldn’t confirm a sit without actual dates and times, as I need those not only to book, but to know flight times/prices and if I am interested.
…that is the intention, yes. You can’t force another member not to cancel if that’s what they wish to do.
If that were actually the case, THS would have to overhaul its entire concept, staffing levels and operations; be legally obliged to spell out specific grounds - the ‘extraordinary reasons’ - for cancellation; and, in practice, be legally authorized to request and investigate sensitive documentation for such cases.
Consequences in those situations would therefore ultimately depend on all of that being in place.
Until then, well…any reason is valid and ‘extraordinary’.
yes that sounds like extraordinary info from MS 
They are not entirely incorrect though. Given that there’s no legal obligation for members to provide supporting documentation for “extraordinary reasons,”. So, they probably just forgot to mention that the 14-day rule, in practice, applies only in relation to reimbursements under the cancellation plan.