Severe weather can put a damper on plans, especially when you’ve purchased tickets for an outdoor concert or sporting event. If bad weather strikes, you may be wondering if Ticketmaster provides refunds. Here’s what you need to know about Ticketmaster’s severe weather refund policy.
Does Ticketmaster refund for rain?
In most cases, Ticketmaster will not provide refunds simply because it is raining on the day of an event. Outdoor concerts and sporting events are planned with the knowledge that rain is a possibility. Unless the rain is extreme enough that the event is canceled or rescheduled, Ticketmaster will generally not issue refunds for light or moderate rain.
Does Ticketmaster refund for thunderstorms?
Like rain, isolated thunderstorms are not usually grounds for a refund from Ticketmaster. Thunderstorms are a common occurrence during the spring and summer months when many outdoor events take place. Unless the thunderstorms are severe enough to postpone the event, Ticketmaster will typically not refund tickets.
Does Ticketmaster refund for hurricanes?
Yes, Ticketmaster will issue refunds if an event is canceled due to a hurricane. Hurricanes are considered extreme weather events, so if an outdoor concert or sporting event cannot safely take place due to a hurricane in the area, Ticketmaster will refund tickets. This applies both for hurricanes directly hitting the event location and for storms forecasted to impact the area on the day of the event.
Does Ticketmaster refund for tornadoes?
Ticketmaster will refund tickets if an event is canceled, postponed, or rescheduled due to the threat of a tornado. Since tornadoes can form rapidly and cause immense damage, outdoor events are generally canceled if tornadoes are likely in the area. In these cases, Ticketmaster will issue refunds to all ticketholders out of safety concerns.
Does Ticketmaster refund for blizzards?
If an outdoor concert or sporting event is impacted by a major blizzard, Ticketmaster will provide refunds. Blizzards make it dangerous or impossible for fans and performers to reach the venue safely. If an event is postponed or canceled due to extreme winter weather, Ticketmaster will refund tickets. Keep in mind that light or moderate snowfall generally won’t prompt refunds.
Does Ticketmaster refund for heat waves?
In most cases, Ticketmaster will not refund tickets due to a heat wave alone. Outdoor events happen rain or shine, as well as in heat and humidity. However, if temperatures reach dangerously high levels and the event is canceled out of concern for attendees’ health, Ticketmaster will issue refunds.
Does Ticketmaster refund for smoke or poor air quality?
If smoke, smog, or poor air quality forces the cancellation or postponement of an outdoor event, Ticketmaster will provide refunds. Hazardous air quality makes it unsafe for attendees to be outside for extended periods. In recent years, wildfires have caused events in western states to be called off due to heavy smoke.
Can Ticketmaster refunds be requested due to illness?
Ticketmaster does not offer refunds simply because a ticket holder becomes ill and can no longer attend the event. The tickets are non-transferable and refunds are only issued if the event is canceled or rescheduled. If you fall ill before the event, you would need to resell the tickets yourself.
How are Ticketmaster severe weather refunds issued?
If an event is canceled due to severe weather, there are a few ways Ticketmaster may issue refunds:
- Refund to original payment method – The refund money will be returned to the same payment card or method used to purchase the tickets.
- Refund to Ticketmaster account – The refund will be credited back to the fan’s Ticketmaster account.
- Voucher – Ticketmaster may issue a voucher or credit valid for future Ticketmaster events in lieu of a cash refund.
How quickly are Ticketmaster severe weather refunds issued?
Ticketmaster aims to process refunds as quickly as possible after a cancellation, but timing depends on factors like:
- Number of refunds needing processing
- Payment method
- Holidays or weekends
In general, allow the following timeframes:
Payment Method | Refund Processing Time |
---|---|
Credit card | 5-7 business days |
Debit card | 7-10 business days |
PayPal | Within 48 hours |
Are there any fees for a weather-related Ticketmaster refund?
Ticketmaster does not charge any fees or penalties when issuing refunds for events canceled due to severe weather. The entire ticket amount will be refunded with no deductions.
Can you get a refund for weather delays but not cancellations?
Ticketmaster will not normally issue refunds if an event is merely delayed or interrupted due to weather but resumes on the same calendar day. Refunds are reserved for complete event cancellations and major postponements beyond the day of original event.
Will Ticketmaster refund other costs besides tickets?
If an event is fully canceled by severe weather, Ticketmaster will refund the base ticket price and associated fees. However, they will not refund ancillary costs like:
- Hotel or vacation rental costs
- Change or cancellation fees for flights/transportation
- Costs of food, merchandise, or other purchases
Fans must work directly with airlines, hotels, and other vendors to recoup these additional expenses.
Does travel insurance cover weather-related concert cancelations?
Purchasing travel insurance for a concert trip or music festival may help recoup some costs beyond the ticket price itself if the event is canceled by severe weather. Many policies cover cancellation costs for travel and accommodation, so read the fine print when purchasing insurance.
Can you resell tickets during severe weather instead of getting a refund?
If inclement weather is forecasted for an event but there is no cancellation yet, fans may opt to resell their tickets instead of risking the weather. Ticketmaster provides an online resale marketplace through its TicketExchange platform. Prices may be lower than original value.
Is a credit card refund better than a Ticketmaster voucher?
If Ticketmaster issues a voucher instead of a refund to your credit card, it may be advisable to request the credit card refund instead. A refund to your card locks in the money for use anywhere, while a Ticketmaster voucher ties you to future purchases through them.
Can you get a refund for leaving an event early due to weather?
Unfortunately Ticketmaster does not offer partial refunds for fans who choose to leave an outdoor event early due to rain, storms, or other weather issues. Since the event went on as scheduled, there are no grounds for a refund unless the entire event is eventually canceled.
Is a refund available if the event venue changes due to weather?
Sometimes major concerts or festivals will move indoor if the outdoor location becomes unsafe due to severe weather. In these cases, Ticketmaster will not refund tickets since the event still takes place on the same day. Venue changes are usually announced well in advance.
What if tickets were purchased from a reseller instead of Ticketmaster?
If you purchased tickets via a ticket resale marketplace instead of directly through Ticketmaster, you would need to request a weather-related refund directly from the reseller rather than Ticketmaster. Review the original seller’s refund policy.
Can you get a refund for a child’s ticket if the weather causes you to not attend?
If a child’s ticket was purchased along with adult tickets to an event that is ultimately canceled due to weather, the child’s ticket would be refunded. Ticketmaster’s severe weather policy applies equally to both adult and child tickets.
Does Ticketmaster refund fees along with the ticket price?
Yes, if an event is fully canceled due to severe weather conditions, Ticketmaster will refund the base ticket price as well as any associated fees. This includes delivery fees, service fees, or facility fees paid at time of purchase.
Are VIP tickets refunded differently than standard tickets in weather situations?
Ticketmaster does not distinguish between VIP, front row, or standard tickets when processing refunds after weather-related cancellations. All tickets purchased for the event are refunded in full, regardless of seat location or ticket type.
Can a refund be requested if forecasted weather improves?
If an outdoor event is preemptively canceled due to a poor weather forecast, but the weather ultimately clears in time, Ticketmaster will not issue refunds. Forecasts change frequently and organizers must make cautious decisions well in advance of event time based on predicted conditions.
Conclusion
Severe and dangerous weather conditions like hurricanes, tornadoes, and blizzards are about the only circumstances where Ticketmaster will provide full refunds for event tickets. Light rain and other moderate weather issues will not prompt refunds from Ticketmaster unless the event is ultimately canceled. Fans must purchase travel insurance or resell tickets proactively if concerned that weather may derail plans. While Ticketmaster aims to process refunds quickly after cancellations, timing depends on factors like payment method. Credit card refunds are generally quicker than vouchers.