Transferring an event ticket to someone else is a common practice – you buy a ticket but end up not being able to attend, so you transfer the ticket to a friend or family member. But what if you change your mind and want the ticket back? Is it possible to undo a ticket transfer?
The short answer
In most cases, once a ticket has been transferred, the original purchaser no longer has ownership or rights to that ticket. Trying to get back a transferred ticket can be difficult or impossible depending on the event policies and ticketing platform used.
Examining ticket transfer policies
The ability to get back a transferred ticket depends largely on the official transfer policy of the event or ticketing platform used. This should always be checked before initiating a transfer.
Event-level policies
Many major events like concerts, festivals, and sports have their own specific rules around ticket transfers. This is usually made clear during the initial ticket purchase process and terms of use. Most will outright prohibit undoing a transfer, stating that all transfers are final and ownership permanently changes hands. This is done to prevent unauthorized re-selling or scalping of tickets. If the event policy does not allow for transfers to be canceled, there is little recourse for getting back a ticket already transferred away.
Platform-level policies
The ticketing platform used to facilitate the transfer may also impact the ability to get back a ticket. Major ticket vendors like Ticketmaster or AXS have their own transfer policies in place. Some explicitly state that transfers are non-reversible while others make no mention of getting back a transferred ticket. Reading through the platform’s policy is important before relying on a transfer through them.
For example, Ticketmaster’s transfer policy states:
Once tickets have been transferred the original ticket holder no longer has any rights to the ticket. Tickets cannot be transferred back to the original ticket holder. The new ticket holder becomes the sole owner of the ticket.
This makes it clear that Ticketmaster does not allow undoing ticket transfers on their platform.
Secondary marketplaces
If a ticket was transferred or resold through a secondary marketplace like StubHub, Vivid Seats, or SeatGeek, their policies also come into play. Most do not allow reversing transactions once completed for anti-fraud reasons. However, some sites like StubHub do offer contingency plans in case the new ticket holder is unable to attend. This may present options like re-listing and re-selling the ticket on the platform, but the original seller still loses ownership either way.
Asking the recipient to transfer back
While official policies may prohibit it, there is nothing stopping the original ticket purchaser from asking the recipient to voluntarily transfer the ticket back. This relies on the new holder willingly giving the ticket back through the official channels. They would need to actively agree and initiate sending the ticket back through the same ticketing platform used originally.
This is really the only way to get back a transferred ticket – the new holder choosing to reverse the transaction. It requires them to comply and may not always be successful. But it does not hurt to ask politely, especially if it is a friend or family member. Note that any associated fees would need to be paid again for the reversal.
Contacting the ticketing company
Another option may be to directly contact the ticketing company or platform where the tickets were originally purchased. While their official policy may prohibit undoing transfers, a customer service agent may be able to make exceptions on a case-by-case basis. This is not guaranteed but may be worth a try as a last resort. Be very kind and emphasize that it was an accident or misunderstanding – companies are sometimes willing to work with customers on a one-off basis.
Canceling the transfer immediately
The best way to avoid losing a transferred ticket is to act quickly if you change your mind. Most ticketing platforms allow the original purchaser to cancel a pending transfer before the recipient completes it and claims the tickets. For example, Ticketmaster provides a short 30-minute window after initiating a transfer to cancel it. So if you accidentally sent the transfer or had second thoughts soon after, promptly canceling it on the platform’s site or app is the way to effectively undo it.
But this must be done soon after starting the transfer. Once the recipient has accepted and completed the transfer, it cannot be easily revoked.
Getting back tickets transferred through AXS
The AXS ticketing website and app provide robust transfer and resale options for events. Their policy states:
Once an AXS Official Resale ticket has been transferred, it can only be transferred again by the newest ticket holder. Tickets cannot be transferred back to the original ticket holder after transfer.
So according to AXS, there is no way to undo a completed transfer and get back the ticket as the original buyer. The only options are asking the new recipient to voluntarily transfer back or immediately canceling a pending transfer before it is accepted.
Getting back tickets transferred through Ticketmaster
As mentioned already, Ticketmaster does not allow transfers to be reversed according to their policy:
Tickets cannot be transferred back to the original ticket holder. The new ticket holder becomes the sole owner of the ticket.
After a completed transfer through Ticketmaster, the original buyer has no claim to the ticket. The options are asking the recipient to willingly send back or promptly canceling the transfer request before it is fulfilled.
Getting back tickets transferred through PayPal
PayPal offers a way to transfer tickets purchased on their platform. Their policy states:
When you transfer tickets to another PayPal account, you can no longer see details on those tickets in your PayPal account. If you change your mind, you will need to contact the recipient and ask them to transfer the tickets back to you.
So PayPal does not enable undoing a transfer either. The only recourse is contacting the recipient and hoping they will send back the tickets voluntarily.
Exceptions for illegal transfers
Most ticketing platforms prohibit re-selling or transferring tickets in ways that violate their terms of use. This includes selling above face value, using unauthorized brokers, or promoting illegal ticket scalping. If a transfer was found to break the ticketing terms, the platform may step in and cancel the transaction. This could result in tickets being returned to the original purchaser in some cases.
For example, if a ticket was transferred through StubHub for above market price in violation of anti-scalping rules, StubHub could reverse the sale. But in a standard legal transfer, the platforms will usually uphold the permanent change of ownership.
When transfers may be reversed
There are some special cases where a transferred ticket could be returned to the original buyer outside of their control:
- The event is postponed or canceled – platforms will typically void all tickets and issue refunds as appropriate.
- The transfer recipient decides to return the tickets for a refund.
- There is suspicion of fraud, in which case the platform may investigate and potentially reverse suspicious transactions.
But barring exceptional circumstances, once a ticket transfer is completed, it is considered final and irreversible.
Protecting yourself when transferring tickets
To avoid losing a ticket you may want back, be very cautious when transferring. Here are some tips:
- Thoroughly read the transfer policy before initiating a transfer.
- Double check the recipient’s information before completing the transfer.
- Transfer only to someone you trust in case you need the ticket back.
- Cancel the transfer immediately if you have second thoughts.
- Consider selling the ticket instead which offers more protection.
- Only transfer directly through the official ticketing platform.
Purchasing transferred tickets
If you are on the receiving end, it can be risky to accept a transferred ticket that someone may want back later. Be sure you are comfortable with the permanence of the transfer if you choose to accept. Some tips include:
- Review the transfer policy so you understand your rights.
- Accept quickly before the sender can cancel.
- Politely decline if you suspect the sender may change their mind.
- Don’t pay anything above face value as that could invalidate the transfer.
Alternatives to transferring tickets
To avoid the issues around reversibility, you may want to consider safer alternatives to giving away your ticket, such as:
- Reselling – Most platforms let you legally resell at face value and transfer proceeds.
- Gifting – Some platforms let you gift tickets to someone else directly.
- Donating – Donate unused tickets to charity for a tax deduction.
- Selling privately – Directly sell to someone you know and trust.
These options may provide more protection in case you later decide you want the ticket back.
Key takeaways
- Transferred tickets usually cannot be taken back once the transfer is complete.
- Read the event and platform policies carefully before transferring tickets.
- Act quickly to cancel if you immediately change your mind.
- Ask the recipient politely to transfer back voluntarily.
- Contact customer service to check for possible exceptions.
- Consider safer alternatives to transfers like reselling or gifting.
The bottom line
Undoing a ticket transfer is very difficult and unlikely once completed. Official policies prohibit reversing transactions, so original purchasers lose all rights. The only real options are asking for a voluntary return, canceling immediately, or considering safer alternatives like reselling on official exchange platforms.
Ticketing Platform | Transfer Policy | Options for Getting Ticket Back |
---|---|---|
Ticketmaster | Transfers are permanent and irreversible | Ask recipient to transfer back voluntarily, cancel transfer immediately |
AXS | Tickets cannot be transferred back to original purchaser | Request recipient return voluntarily, cancel pending transfer |
StubHub | Sales and transfers are final after completion | Recipient can relist and resell if unable to attend |
PayPal | Contact recipient to arrange transfer back | Communicate with recipient to send tickets back |
This summarizes the key platforms and their policies around reversing ticket transfers. In most cases, transfers are designed to be permanent and irreversible.
Questions and answers
Here are some common questions about undoing ticket transfers:
Can you cancel a ticket transfer on Ticketmaster?
Ticketmaster only allows canceling a transfer within 30 minutes of initiating it, before the recipient accepts and completes the transfer. Once completed, Ticketmaster does not allow transfers to be reversed or canceled.
Can you get a transferred ticket back on StubHub?
According to StubHub’s policy, all transactions are final once completed, so transferred tickets cannot be directly returned or reversed. However, StubHub does offer options for the recipient to relist and resell the ticket if they are unable to attend the event.
Can the original purchaser get a ticket back after transferring through AXS?
AXS does not permit tickets to be transferred back to the original purchaser after completing a transfer. The only option is to immediately cancel the transfer before the recipient claims the tickets.
How do you return transferred tickets on PayPal?
PayPal requires the original ticket purchaser to contact the transfer recipient and request they voluntarily transfer the tickets back through PayPal. PayPal does not enable undoing the transfer directly.
Can you reverse a ticket transfer on SeatGeek?
According to SeatGeek’s policy, once an order is confirmed either through sale or transfer, it cannot be canceled. There is no way to reverse a completed transfer – the tickets permanently change ownership.
What if I transferred tickets to the wrong person?
If you accidently sent a transfer to the wrong recipient, the only option is to contact them immediately and ask them to voluntarily send the tickets back before accepting the transfer. The platforms do not allow redirecting a transfer once initiated.
Summary
Ticket transfers are designed to permanently change ownership from the original buyer to a new recipient. Policies universally prohibit reversing completed transfers across major ticketing platforms and events. To effectively “undo” a transfer, the new ticket holder must voluntarily agree to transfer back. Alternatives like reselling tickets may offer more protection for changinf plans. Be very cautious when inititating ticket transfers to avoid losing ownership permanently.