When an event you’ve purchased tickets for gets postponed or rescheduled, it can be disappointing. You’ve likely been looking forward to attending on a specific date. Understandably, you may be wondering if you can get a refund if the event date changes.
Can you get a refund when an event is postponed?
The short answer is – it depends. There are a few factors that determine whether or not you can get your money back if an event is postponed:
- The refund policy of the event organizer or ticket seller
- Local and state laws regarding event refunds
- The length of time between the original event date and the rescheduled date
- The reason for the postponement
Most reputable event organizers and ticket sellers will have a clearly stated refund policy. This will outline the conditions under which ticket buyers can obtain refunds if the event cannot take place as originally planned and scheduled.
For example, the policy may state that you can get a full refund if the event is postponed more than 12 months from the original date. Or it may offer credit toward a future event rather than a cash refund. Policies vary, so check carefully before purchasing tickets.
Event organizer refund policies
An event organizer’s refund policy will take precedence in determining whether you can get your money back after a postponement. Some common refund policy rules include:
- Full refunds if the event is postponed more than 6-12 months from original date
- Partial refund or credit if postponed less than 6 months from original date
- No refunds for postponements, only credits toward future events
- Refund time limits (must request within X days of postponement notice)
If the organizer’s policy states no refunds will be given for postponed or rescheduled events, it can be very difficult to get your money back unless local laws override the policy.
Ticket seller refund policies
If you purchased tickets from a ticket seller like Ticketmaster, StubHub, Vivid Seats, etc., their refund policy may also apply. Many ticket resellers offer refund guarantees or protections.
For example, some will refund the full ticket amount (including fees) if the event is postponed before it happens. Others might only offer a refund of the ticket face value, minus service fees. Be sure to review the ticket seller’s policy too before buying.
Local and state laws
Some areas have laws that require events postponed for certain reasons to offer full refunds to ticket buyers. Even if the organizer’s policy says no refunds, local law may override it in some cases.
For example, in New York state, events that are postponed due to government orders or public health concerns (like COVID-19) must refund tickets if rescheduled for a later date. Organizers cannot only offer credits.
Other states like California have similar laws requiring refunds to be offered if a postponement results from restrictions on large gatherings. Check your local area’s applicable laws regarding event postponements and ticket refunds.
Length of postponement
Typically, the longer an event is postponed from its original date, the more likely you are to get a refund if you want one. For short postponements of a few weeks or months, an organizer’s policy may only allow ticket credits versus a full cash refund.
But if an event is pushed back more than 6 months or longer, even a “no refund” policy may make exceptions to offer refunds to those who cannot attend on the new date. The longer the postponement, the more flexibility there may be for ticket buyers.
Reason for postponement
Why the event was postponed can also be a factor in whether refunds are allowed. As mentioned above, mandatory postponements due to health concerns or government restrictions typically require refunds to be offered.
Voluntary postponements because of production delays, artist tour changes, and other logistical issues are less likely to guarantee refunds. But if the reason is out of the organizer’s control, they may be more flexible on their refund rules.
How to request a refund for a postponed event
If you believe you are owed a refund based on the event organizer’s policy, local laws, or other factors, here is how to go about requesting one:
- Check the organizer’s official website and your email for notifications about refunds. There may be instructions on how to obtain a refund if you are eligible.
- Know the refund request deadlines. Policies often set limits on how many days after the postponement you can ask for a refund.
- Contact the seller’s customer service if you don’t see refund information. Explain why you think you are entitled to a refund based on their policy.
- Provide proof of purchase like your ticket reservation number or receipt. Print tickets may also need to be returned.
- Follow up if you don’t hear back in a reasonable timeframe. Allow at least 7-10 days for processing.
- Dispute the charges with your credit card if ultimately denied a refund you believe you are owed.
The event organizer or ticket seller should make the refund process clear and straightforward. If you meet the criteria but are still denied a refund, keep escalating your request to management or external parties like your credit card company.
Can you get a refund if you can’t attend the rescheduled event?
What if you can’t (or don’t want to) attend the event on the new rescheduled date? Can you still get your money back?
Again, the organizer’s refund policy will generally dictate here. Many policies make a distinction between a postponed event and a ticket holder’s personal inability to attend the rescheduled event.
In other words, just because you personally can’t make the new date doesn’t automatically entitle you to a refund. It has to be analyzed under the applicable refund rules.
That said, some organizers may be flexible if you explain that the new date genuinely prevents you from attending. For example, if you already have an important conflict like a wedding or trip planned. But there is no guarantee of a refund.
Alternatively, ticket resellers like StubHub may allow you to re-list and resell your ticket yourself on their marketplace if you can’t attend. You’d get whatever a new buyer is willing to pay.
Getting ticket insurance
One way to protect yourself when buying tickets for an event that may be subject to postponement is to purchase ticket insurance. This provides a refund guarantee in certain situations where the organizer or seller won’t give you your money back.
Many insurance policies cover events that are postponed before they happen. You’ll get your money back if you can’t make the new date or simply don’t want to. There are usually convenient online forms to submit refund claims if your event is postponed.
The cost of ticket insurance varies based on the ticket price, but is usually an affordable percentage. And you can shop around to compare plan options and pricing across insurance providers.
Key advantages of ticket insurance
- Peace of mind knowing you can get a refund if the event date changes
- Ability to recover your money even if the organizer has a no refund policy
- Flexibility to get a refund when you personally can’t attend the rescheduled event
- Quick and easy online claims process to get your refund
Ticket insurance may not be worth it for inexpensive events. But for expensive tickets, it can give you a high level of protection well worth the small insurance cost.
Alternatives to refunds for postponed events
Aside from refunds, there are some other possible outcomes when an event gets rescheduled that may satisfy you:
Ticket vouchers
Instead of returning your money, some organizers will issue a voucher or credit for future events if the original event is postponed. This allows you to attend a similar event put on by the same organizer later on.
Vouchers are typically valid for 1-2 years so you have ample time to redeem them. And they usually don’t have blackout dates or restrictions.
Donate tickets
Some event organizers partner with charities to allow ticket holders the option of donating the value of their tickets to a good cause if the event is postponed or canceled. It’s a way to make the most of an unfortunate situation.
Donors may be able to claim a tax deduction on the donated ticket amount. The charity benefits from gaining a new donor and the ticket value.
Resell or gift tickets
Rather than return tickets if you can’t make the new event date, consider selling or gifting them to family and friends who could attend instead. Popular ticket resale sites like StubHub make reselling easy.
You likely won’t recoup the full ticket value, but could recover some of the cost. And it saves the ticket from going to waste if someone else can experience the event.
Key takeaways on postponed event refunds
- Review the event organizer’s refund rules first when an event is postponed
- Local laws may also apply and override the organizer’s stated policy
- Longer postponements typically increase chances of getting a refund
- Ticket insurance provides a refund guarantee if policies don’t allow refunds
- Vouchers, donations, and resales are alternatives if refunds are denied
While you are never guaranteed a refund if an event date changes, being familiar with the policies, laws, and insurance options ahead of time puts you in the best position for a positive resolution. Protect yourself by researching before you buy tickets so there are no surprises later on.