Exchanging concert tickets for a different date is often possible, but the specific policies vary between venues, promoters, and ticket sellers. There are a few key factors that determine if and how tickets can be exchanged:
The refund/exchange policy
Most major concert venues, promoters like Live Nation or AEG, and ticket sellers like Ticketmaster have official refund and exchange policies listed on their websites or printed on the back of tickets. These policies lay out the specific conditions under which refunds or exchanges are allowed. Some key things the policies may specify include:
- How far in advance of the event you must request an exchange – often at least 48 hours.
- Any fees charged for exchanging tickets – which can be $5-$15 per ticket.
- What circumstances warrant an exchange – sometimes only illness, travel conflicts, or events being rescheduled.
- Limits on how many times you can exchange a ticket.
- Only exchanging for another event, not getting a refund.
So the first step is always checking the official policy for the specific event, promoter, or ticket seller.
How you purchased the tickets
If you purchased tickets through an authorized seller like Ticketmaster or AXS, then their official exchange and refund policy will apply. Reputable sellers will list their policies during the ticket buying process.
However, if you purchased through a secondary ticket resale site like StubHub, Vivid Seats, or Craigslist, then you need to consult the specific policies of that platform and seller. These sites often have guarantees in place in case a seller can’t provide the tickets, but they may or may not allow you to return or exchange tickets of your own accord. Read through the fine print closely.
Type of tickets
Some special types of tickets may have different or more restrictive exchange policies:
- Platinum/Dynamic Pricing: These tickets that fluctuate in pricing often cannot be refunded or exchanged.
- Resale Market: As mentioned above, resale sites like Stubhub have their own policies.
- VIP/Hospitality Packages: These premium tickets with perks like guaranteed seats often have no refunds or exchanges.
- Group Tickets: Special group sales may prohibit exchanges, or require the entire group to exchange.
So check your ticket details closely to see if any special policies apply.
Reason for exchange request
Most ticket refund and exchange policies only allow exchanges under specific circumstances like:
- Illness/medical reasons with documentation
- Conflict with a major life event like a graduation, wedding, or funeral
- Military deployment
- The event being postponed or rescheduled
- Severe weather events preventing travel
If you are simply wanting to change dates for personal preference, that is often not allowed under standard policies. But it depends on the specific policy.
Timing of the concert and request
Most policies have a firm cutoff deadline for when you can request an exchange, often 48 hours prior to the event. The closer it gets to concert day, the less likely an exchange will be approved.
Additionally, for very high demand concerts that are likely to sell out, like major artists or festivals, the window to get an exchange approved may close earlier than posted. Venues want to maximize sales, so they will be hesitant to accommodate exchanges when they can easily sell the tickets to someone else instead.
Fees involved
There are usually fees tied to exchanging tickets. Typical fees are in the range of $5-$15 per ticket exchanged, plus you will likely have to pay the difference if the new tickets you select are higher price.
Some ticket resale sites may charge even higher exchange fees of up to 20% of the ticket cost.
There can also be delivery fees if you need new printed tickets sent to you.
Limits to exchanges
To prevent abuse of their exchange policies, most vendors put hard limits in place, like:
- Only allowing each ticket to be exchanged once
- Only exchanges up to 14 days before the event
- No exchanges allowed within 7 days of show
If you already exchanged a ticket once, or are past the exchange deadline, you will likely be out of luck.
Approval process
Depending on who you purchased from and their policies, the process to request an exchange may include:
- Calling or emailing their customer service department
- Going in person to the venue box office
- Filling out an online exchange request form
You will then have to provide any details or documentation required, and wait for approval confirmation. This can take 48 hours or more in some cases. Exchanges are not guaranteed approval in most cases.
Alternatives to exchanging
If you are past the exchange deadline or were denied an exchange request, there are still some other options to consider:
- Sell or gift the tickets: You can sell tickets through resale sites or gift to friends and try to recoup some of your costs.
- Wait for refund if show is postponed: If the concert gets postponed due to artist illness or other factors, refunds may be issued then.
- Still attend original show: You can still try attending the original show you purchased tickets for, even if now less desirable.
Key factors in summary
To recap, here are the key factors determining if you can exchange concert tickets:
Factor | Description |
---|---|
Official policy | Consult the refund/exchange policy from the venue, promoter, or seller you bought from. |
Purchase source | Policies vary if bought directly, resale market, etc. |
Ticket type | Special tickets may have different policies. |
Reason | Personal preference often not accepted. |
Timing | Cutoffs exist, often 48 hours before event. |
Fees | Per ticket fees typically apply. |
Limits | Policies restrict frequency of exchanges. |
Approval | Must submit request and be approved. |
Concert exchange tips
If you want the best chance of a successful exchange, keep these tips in mind:
- Read all policies closely when purchasing tickets so you understand the terms.
- Don’t buy from unofficial resale sites with no guarantees.
- Request the exchange as early as possible, don’t wait until the last minute.
- Have an acceptable reason like illness or major conflict.
- Be willing to pay fees, likely around $10-$15 per ticket.
- Follow up diligently if you don’t hear back on approval.
- Be ready to accept denial if policies aren’t on your side.
Conclusion
Exchanging concert tickets is certainly possible in many cases, but far from guaranteed. Every venue, promoter, and seller has their own policies in place to limit exchanges, prevent abuse, and maximize sales. Your specific situation must line up with their rules and restrictions in order to successfully exchange. Know the policies inside and out, make your request early with proper reasoning, provide necessary documentation, pay any fees, and have backups in mind if denied. Concert tickets are a big purchase, so understand the exchange rules upfront to avoid disappointment down the road.