Transferring Ticketmaster tickets as a gift is absolutely possible for most events. However, there are some important factors to keep in mind when gifting event tickets to ensure a smooth transfer process. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about giving away your Ticketmaster tickets, from the transfer policies and fees to the step-by-step process for completing the ticket transfer.
Ticketmaster’s Ticket Transfer Policies
Before initiating a ticket transfer, it’s important to understand Ticketmaster’s policies around gifting tickets. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
- Most tickets can be transferred – The majority of tickets sold on Ticketmaster can be transferred to someone else. This includes standard tickets as well as VIP/premium tickets.
- Some restrictions may apply – In certain cases, artists or event organizers may choose to restrict ticket transfers to prevent scalping. Restricted tickets cannot be given away.
- There is a transfer deadline – Tickets can only be transferred up until a specific deadline, usually 48 hours prior to the event. Check your ticket listing for the exact cutoff time.
- A transfer fee applies – Ticketmaster charges a transfer fee to gift tickets, typically around $5-$10 per ticket transferred.
- Tickets can be transferred multiple times – Tickets are not limited to just one transfer. They can be transferred as many times as desired before the transfer deadline.
As long as your tickets do not have special transfer restrictions, you should be able to gift them without issue. Just be sure to complete the transfer before the cutoff date listed on your ticket.
Does Ticketmaster Charge Fees for Transferring Tickets?
Yes, Ticketmaster does charge a transfer fee any time you gift tickets to someone else. Here are some key details on Ticketmaster’s transfer fees:
- Fee amount – The fee is typically around $5-$10 per ticket transferred.
- One-time fee – The fee is only charged once for the initial transfer. There are no additional fees if the new ticket holder transfers it again to someone else.
- Fee varies by event – Some high-demand events may have higher transfer fees, while less popular events could have lower fees.
- Fee helps cover costs – The transfer fee helps Ticketmaster cover the operational costs of facilitating the ticket transfer.
- Tickets with large markups may incur additional fees – If you purchased a ticket far below face value and try to transfer it to someone else at a huge markup, Ticketmaster may charge the new recipient an additional “market-based” transfer fee.
While the transfer fee does add a bit to the ticket cost, it’s relatively small in the grand scheme of things. Paying a $10 transfer fee is worthwhile to be able to gift tickets hassle-free.
Step-by-Step Guide to Transferring Tickets on Ticketmaster
If you want to give away tickets to friends and family, here is a step-by-step walkthrough of how to transfer tickets on Ticketmaster:
- Log into your Ticketmaster account – Sign into your Ticketmaster account that originally purchased the tickets. Be sure you are on the desktop site, as transfers cannot be initiated via the mobile app.
- Find your event order – Go to “My Events” and locate the order for the event you want to transfer tickets from. Click “View Order Details.”
- Select transfer option – For each ticket you want to transfer, click the “Transfer” button. A pop-up will appear. Choose “Transfer to a friend.”
- Enter recipient details – Type in the first and last name and email address of the person you want to transfer the ticket to. Add a short transfer note if desired.
- Set transfer deadline – Pick a date that the recipient must accept the transfer by. This must be before the event.
- Review and confirm – Carefully review the transfer details and click “Submit Transfer.” Pay the transfer fee if prompted.
- Share transfer email – Let your ticket recipient know to look for the Ticketmaster transfer email and follow the instructions to accept it.
It’s that simple! As long as the recipient claims the tickets by the deadline, the transfer will be completed successfully. The tickets will be removed from your account and the new ticket holder will have their own ticket listing.
Can Transferred Tickets be Transferred Again?
Yes, tickets that have been transferred can be transferred again to a new recipient if needed. There is no limit on how many times a ticket can be transferred as long as it is before the transfer cutoff date.
For example, if you transfer a ticket to your friend but then their plans change and they can no longer attend, they could initiate another ticket transfer to gift it to someone else. The additional transfers would incur another transfer fee.
Can I Transfer Part of My Ticket Order?
Ticketmaster allows you to transfer tickets on a per-ticket basis, so you do not have to transfer your entire order. For example, if you purchased 4 tickets, you could choose to transfer just 2 of them to a friend while you keep the other 2.
On the order details page, simply select the specific seats you wish to transfer. You can pick and choose any tickets within your order. The tickets that are kept will remain in your My Events under your account.
This provides flexibility if you want to split up tickets between different people or only transfer a portion of your ticket pack. Just remember that each ticket transferred will incur a transfer fee.
What Happens if the Transfer is not Completed in Time?
If your ticket recipient does not accept and complete the transfer by the deadline you set, the transfer will expire. The tickets will be released back to you automatically.
At that point, you can try transferring them again to the same person or someone new. Keep in mind the closer it gets to event date, the sooner the transfer deadline will be. Leave enough time for the person to properly accept and claim the tickets to avoid having the transfer expire.
Can I Cancel a Ticket Transfer?
Yes, Ticketmaster allows you to cancel a pending ticket transfer as long as the recipient has not already claimed and accepted them. Here is how you cancel a transfer:
- Go to your Ticketmaster account and find the order details for the event.
- Locate the tickets with pending transfers. Click “Cancel Transfer.”
- Confirm that you want to cancel the transfer in the pop-up window.
- The tickets will be released from the pending transfer and go back to your account.
At that point, you could transfer the tickets to someone else or keep them yourself. You can cancel and initiate new transfers as many times as you want before the recipient accepts them.
Can Printed Tickets be Transferred?
Physical paper tickets cannot be transferred through Ticketmaster. The ticket transfer process is only for electronic tickets. However, you can still gift printed tickets by manually handing them off to someone.
Some things to keep in mind with physical tickets:
- There is more risk of lost, stolen, or duplicated tickets.
- The tickets cannot be reissued if lost.
- You cannot easily prevent the recipient from transferring the tickets to someone else.
Printed tickets have fewer security controls so it requires more trust between the ticket buyer and recipient. Make sure you only gift printed tickets to trusted friends or family members.
Tips for Gifting Tickets Successfully
Follow these tips when gifting away your tickets to help ensure a smooth and successful ticket transfer:
- Check transfer rules upfront – Before purchasing tickets, verify there are no special transfer restrictions on that event.
- Leave ample time – Initiate the ticket transfer as early as possible so your recipient has plenty of time to accept them before the cutoff.
- Communicate details – Let your recipient know to expect the Ticketmaster transfer email and accept the tickets promptly.
- Set email reminders – Help remind your recipient by setting a calendar reminder to follow up as the transfer deadline gets near.
- Review recipient’s info – Double check the recipient’s name, email address, and transfer deadline before submitting the transfer.
Gifting event tickets is meant to be a fun, exciting experience. Following these tips will help avoid any hiccups in the process so you and the ticket recipient can enjoy the event seamlessly.
Common Questions about Transferring Tickets on Ticketmaster
Is it safe to transfer tickets via Ticketmaster?
Yes, Ticketmaster provides a secure way to transfer tickets electronically. All recipient info remains private and transfers must be actively accepted. As long as you complete the steps properly, there is very little risk involved on the ticket buyer or recipient’s end.
Can I transfer mobile tickets?
Mobile tickets issued through Ticketmaster’s app cannot be directly transferred. However, you can easily transfer the mobile tickets to yourself (the ticket buyer), which invalidates the original mobile tickets. Then the recipient can get newly issued mobile tickets.
What if my ticket transfer expires before it’s claimed?
If the transfer expires before the recipient claims the tickets, they will automatically release back to your Ticketmaster account. You can then try transferring them again, either to the same person or someone new. Just be sure to adjust the transfer expiration date to allow enough time.
Can I change the transfer deadline after initiating a transfer?
Unfortunately no, once you submit the transfer you cannot alter the expiration date set. The recipient has until that original deadline to accept the tickets. If they need more time, you’d have to cancel the transfer and initiate a new one with a later deadline.
What info does the recipient need to claim transferred tickets?
The ticket recipient will need to create their own Ticketmaster account if they don’t already have one. They complete the transfer by following the link in the Ticketmaster transfer email and entering their account login credentials. No other information is required from the original ticket purchaser.
Can I transfer tickets bought from a third-party reseller?
Tickets purchased from unofficial third-party resellers often cannot be transferred. Only tickets bought directly through official Ticketmaster sales channels are eligible for Ticketmaster’s transfer service. Be very wary of transferability if buying from a third-party ticket reseller.
Conclusion
Transferring tickets as a gift can seem complicated, but Ticketmaster’s transfer process makes it fairly straightforward. As long as the event does not have special transfer restrictions, you can easily gift tickets to friends and family electronically and securely. Be sure to initiate the transfer as soon as possible, communicate details clearly with your recipient, and double check all the transfer information before submitting it. With a little planning and care, you’ll be able to successfully surprise someone special with tickets to a great event and create a wonderful shared memory.