Whether Ticketmaster tickets can be exchanged often depends on the event and ticket type purchased. There are some general guidelines around exchanging Ticketmaster tickets that can provide clarity on what options may be available.
Can Ticketmaster tickets be exchanged in general?
In general, most Ticketmaster tickets cannot be exchanged. When purchasing tickets on Ticketmaster, the tickets are valid only for the specific event date, time, and seat locations selected. However, there are some exceptions where exchanges may be allowed.
Paperless Tickets
Paperless tickets, also known as mobile tickets, cannot be exchanged under any circumstance. With paperless tickets, the barcode is tied specifically to the purchaser’s account and cannot be transferred. If an event is missed with a paperless ticket, a refund or credit will not be issued.
Traditional Hard Stock Tickets
For traditional printed tickets, exchange policies are determined by the event organizer or venue. Some may allow exchanges for the same event for a different date, while others do not allow any exchanges regardless of circumstance. Any exchange fees or price differences would also be set by the event policies.
Platinum Tickets
Platinum level tickets sold through Ticketmaster cannot be exchanged or refunded under any circumstance, as stated in the Ticketmaster purchase terms for these premium tickets.
Are there any scenarios where Ticketmaster tickets can be exchanged?
While most Ticketmaster tickets cannot be exchanged, there are some specific scenarios where ticket exchanges may be allowed:
Postponements
If an event is rescheduled or postponed by the organizer, Ticketmaster tickets are usually valid for the new event date. Exchanges can often be processed for no fee in these cases. Ticket holders may also have the option to request a refund if the new date does not work.
Cancellations
If an event is completely cancelled with no rescheduling, Ticketmaster will normally allow ticket holders to receive a full refund of the ticket price and fees. An exchange would not apply in this case since the event is not being rescheduled.
Accessible Seating
For accessible seating requests, Ticketmaster does allow ticket exchanges to different accessible seat locations if needed. Depending on venue policies, fees may apply for accessible seat exchanges.
Venue or Organizer Policies
Some venues or event organizers may outline exchange policies that differ from standard Ticketmaster policies. If exchanges are permitted through their specific policies, customers can typically process an exchange by contacting Ticketmaster Fan Support.
What are the steps to exchange Ticketmaster tickets?
If an event allows ticket exchanges, here are the typical steps to process an exchange:
- Contact Ticketmaster Fan Support by phone or online chat. Exchanges cannot be processed directly on the Ticketmaster website.
- Provide order details (order number, original event details, etc.) and explain the reason for the exchange request.
- If the event allows exchanges, the representative can search new event dates and seat options.
- New tickets can be purchased over the phone for the alternate event date/seats.
- There is typically an exchange fee charged for this service.
- Once new ticket purchase is complete, the original ticket barcode is automatically cancelled.
Important Notes
- Exchanges must be processed before the original event occurs. Tickets cannot be exchanged retroactively after an event date has passed.
- Any price difference between original tickets and new tickets must be covered by the ticket buyer requesting the exchange.
- New tickets are often subject to current market ticket prices, which may differ from original purchase price.
What are the fees to exchange Ticketmaster tickets?
Ticketmaster exchanges are subject to fees, which may include:
Exchange Fee
- Typically $20-$50+ per ticket exchanged
Price Difference
- If new tickets cost more, buyer covers the price difference
New Ticket Fees
- All new ticket fees apply, including service fees and order processing fees
Can electronic or mobile tickets be exchanged?
Electronic tickets and mobile tickets cannot be exchanged under any circumstance, even if the event allows exchanging traditional paper tickets. Electronic tickets include:
- Paperless tickets
- Print at home tickets
- Mobile tickets
The barcodes for these ticket delivery formats are non-transferrable and exclusively for the original purchaser’s use. The tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
Reasons exchanges may be allowed for Ticketmaster tickets
While most Ticketmaster tickets cannot be exchanged, here are some specific reasons that may allow exchanges or upgrades in limited scenarios:
Reason | Exchange/Upgrade Allowed |
---|---|
Event is rescheduled or postponed | Yes, for new event date |
Event is permanently cancelled (no rescheduling) | No, only refund allowed |
Need accessible or wheelchair seating | Yes, if venue allows |
Changed number of tickets needed (less or more needed) | No |
Better tickets available buyer wants to upgrade | No |
Buyer made a mistake and picked wrong event date | No |
Buyer cannot attend due to schedule conflict | No |
Buyer wants to change ticket delivery method | No |
Outside of the limited scenarios above, Ticketmaster tickets are generally not exchangeable under normal circumstances based on standard policies. Buyers should be sure to purchase tickets for the correct event dates.
Upgrading Ticketmaster tickets
Upgrading Ticketmaster tickets is only allowed in very rare circumstances. Some key things to know about Ticketmaster ticket upgrades:
- Can only be processed by contacting Ticketmaster Fan Support
- Only permitted if specifically stated in event or venue policies
- Will require paying difference in ticket prices plus upgrade fees
- Original tickets must be surrendered/cancelled
- Paperless tickets can never be upgraded
Buyers should not count on being able to upgrade regular Ticketmaster tickets. It is highly recommended to purchase the desired ticket type and seating level initially.
Exchanging tickets through third-parties
Purchasing ticket resales through unofficial third-party vendors is not recommended when looking to exchange tickets. Some risks include:
- No guarantee tickets are authentic/valid
- Scam risk buying from unknown seller
- No recourse if tickets end up invalid or unusable
- No exchange options as Ticketmaster has no record of sale
Buying Ticketmaster tickets directly always gives the buyer the most protections and lowest risk. There is no advantage to using third-parties for exchanges.
Best practices when exchanging Ticketmaster tickets
If you need to exchange legitimate Ticketmaster tickets that are exchangeable, some best practices include:
- Contacting Ticketmaster immediately to process exchange
- Being flexible on new ticket options if limited availability
- Working with original payment method or account used to purchase
- Not waiting until the last minute as fees often increase closer to event date
Understanding the exchange policies upfront for the specific event can help avoid surprises. Ticketmaster can advise on next steps to complete an exchange smoothly if permitted.
Alternatives to ticket exchanges
If Ticketmaster tickets cannot be exchanged for an event, here are some alternative options buyers can consider:
Sell tickets through Ticketmaster
Ticketmaster provides an official resale marketplace to safely resell event tickets. This allows sellers to recoup some of the cost of a ticket if unable to attend an event.
Gift tickets to someone else
Traditional paper tickets can be gifted or transferred to someone else. The new ticket holder can then attend using the original ticket.
Donate tickets
Donating unused tickets to charity may offer some tax benefits. Organizations like TicketForward facilitate ticket donations.
Key takeaways on exchanging Ticketmaster tickets
- Most Ticketmaster tickets are completely non-exchangeable
- Paperless mobile tickets cannot be exchanged under any circumstance
- Exchanges are only allowed if specifically stated in event policies
- Contact Ticketmaster Fan Support to initiate any exchanges
- Fees typically apply for exchanges
- Buyers should select tickets carefully the first time to avoid needing exchanges
Conclusion
Ticketmaster ticket exchange options are very limited in most cases. Unless an event has explicit exchange policies, tickets should be assumed as non-exchangeable. Carefully choosing event dates and ticket details is important before purchasing tickets through Ticketmaster. If an event allows exchanges, acting quickly and working directly with Ticketmaster for the exchange gives buyers the highest chance of success. Understanding the limitations around Ticketmaster ticket exchanges in advance prevents buyers from running into problems down the line.