Ticketmaster is one of the largest ticket sales and distribution companies in the world. They sell tickets online and through retail outlets for concerts, sporting events, theater shows and more. Ticketmaster utilizes barcodes on tickets to help control access to events and prevent issues like duplicate scans or fraudulent tickets. This leads many people to wonder – can you scan the same Ticketmaster ticket twice? The short answer is no, you cannot scan the same Ticketmaster ticket twice successfully thanks to their barcode system.
How Ticketmaster Barcodes Work
Ticketmaster prints a unique barcode on each ticket that contains details about that specific ticket. This includes things like the event, section, row, seat and unique ticket ID. When you go to enter an event, the barcode will be scanned to pull up those details and verify if it is valid for entry.
Once a Ticketmaster barcode is scanned, it is marked in their system as scanned. If someone tried to scan the same barcode again, it would be rejected since it was already scanned once before. This prevents someone from being able to duplicate a ticket and use it twice or sell the same ticket to multiple buyers.
Some key points about Ticketmaster barcodes:
- The barcode contains a unique ticket ID number and specific ticket details like section and seat.
- Barcodes can only be scanned once successfully, after the first scan it is marked as already scanned in their system.
- Scanning the same barcode twice would result in an error or rejection.
- This system prevents duplicating and reusing tickets.
Examples of Barcode Systems Preventing Reuse
Ticketmaster is not the only company that uses barcode systems to prevent reuse and duplication of tickets. Here are some other examples:
Airlines
Airlines use barcode boarding passes that allow one-time use. The barcode contains passenger details and once it is scanned at the gate, it cannot be scanned again. This prevents multiple people from using the same boarding pass.
Eventbrite
Eventbrite uses QR codes for their event tickets. The QR codes can only be scanned once, after the first scan the code will come up invalid if scanned again.
Theaters
Movie theaters and live theater venues will scan ticket barcodes or QR codes. After the first scan, the ticket is invalidated in their system to prevent reuse.
Sporting Events
Sporting events will utilize barcoded tickets that are scanned upon entry. The barcode can only be scanned one time successfully.
So across air travel, events, theaters and more, barcode and QR code systems are commonly used to void tickets after their initial scan.
Reasons Reusing Tickets is Prevented
There are a few key reasons why Ticketmaster and other venues do not allow tickets to be scanned multiple times:
Prevent Duplicate Sales
If tickets could be scanned repeatedly, it would enable people to duplicate and sell the same ticket over and over again. This would be fraudulent and make the tickets worthless. Preventing reuse stops duplicates and protects value.
Control Capacity
Allowing multiple scans of the same ticket would make capacity control impossible. More people could enter an event than there are seats if duplicates were possible. It maintains safety limits.
Guarantee Valid Tickets
Repeat scans would allow invalid or fraudulent tickets to be used. Requiring one-time valid barcodes ensures only legitimate ticket holders can enter.
Discourage Theft and Black Market
If tickets could be used multiple times, it would encourage theft and black market sales. Voiding tickets after scanning makes these practices pointless.
So the anti-duplication measures allow Ticketmaster and venues to maintain control over ticket sales and event entry for important business, safety and security reasons.
Ways People Try to Get Around the System
While safeguards are in place to prevent duplication of tickets, some people still attempt to find ways around the system. Some ways people try (and fail) to reuse tickets include:
Screenshotting or Photocopying Barcodes
Some people try taking a screenshot of the barcode or photocopying it thinking a replica of the code will work. However, once the system marks the ticket as scanned, any replicas of the barcode will also be rejected.
Forging Fake Barcodes
Creating a fake ticket with a made up barcode sounds like an easy workaround. But Ticketmaster verifies official barcodes, so any fakes will be instantly spotted and denied.
Adjusting Letters or Numbers
Slightly adjusting a few letters or numbers on an already scanned code in hopes of tricking the system will not work. Modifications are checked against valid ticket data.
Covering Up You Already Scanned It
Some people try pulling a fast one on entry staff by covering up the part of the ticket marked as already scanned. This will backfire quickly since the system has digital records of scans.
As you can see, any method people attempt to get around the barcode protections will ultimately fail. The systems are designed to catch duplicates no matter what.
Are There Any Situations Where Reuse is Allowed?
The only case where Ticketmaster may allow a ticket to be scanned more than once is if there is a legitimate issue where someone did not get entry after the first scan:
Technical Issues
In rare cases of equipment failure or technical issues where the initial scan did not properly register access, they can override to allow re-entry.
Denied Entry
If someone is wrongly rejected entry after the first scan, Ticketmaster can verify the situation and allow them to re-use the ticket.
Accidental Double Scan
If a ticket holder accidentally gets scanned twice trying to enter (like scanning separately for a child), they may allow the second entry.
In these limited situations where re-use is warranted, Ticketmaster staff can override on a case-by-case basis. But it requires proper verification – they will not override for someone simply claiming they didn’t enter after scanning.
How Ticketmaster Prevents Duplicates in Other Ways
In addition to the barcode system, Ticketmaster utilizes other methods to prevent duplicate tickets and reuse. Some other protections include:
Limited Ticket Sales
Ticketmaster limits the number of tickets that can be purchased per customer. This helps prevent bulk purchasing tickets to resell.
Cancellation and Transfers
They have strict cancellation and transfer policies. Tickets cannot be cancelled and resent or transferred to a new buyer after purchase except in special circumstances.
Digital Tickets
Many Ticketmaster tickets now utilize mobile entry which requires ID match along with the unique barcode. This further prevents duplication.
Purchase Verifications
Ticketmaster verifies identifying information on the purchaser and payment methods used to help track and validate ticket sales.
Account Restrictions
People found duplicating or reusing tickets may have their Ticketmaster accounts restricted from future purchases.
Tips to Avoid Problems Scanning Tickets
To have the smoothest experience using your Ticketmaster tickets, here are some tips:
Bring ID
Have your photo ID ready to verify your identity along with your ticket. This can help if any issues come up with scanning.
Check Barcodes
Look over your barcodes before arriving to ensure they are intact and legible. Blurred or damaged codes may not scan properly.
Arrive Early
Give yourself extra time in case of any problems with ticket scanning and verification at venue entry.
Use Mobile Tickets
Use mobile entry through the Ticketmaster app when possible for a more seamless scanning experience.
Hold Tickets Properly
Make sure you are holding paper tickets properly so staff can clearly scan the barcode without obstruction.
Ask for Help
If you run into any trouble scanning, ask entry staff for assistance right away to resolve it.
Following these tips will help make sure you get into the event smoothly and avoid any hiccups with the ticket scanning process.
Conclusion
In summary, it is not possible to successfully scan the same Ticketmaster ticket twice to gain entry thanks to the barcode system they utilize on tickets. The barcodes contain unique identifying data for each ticket that is recorded when scanned for the first time. Any subsequent attempts to scan will be rejected by Ticketmaster once that code is marked as previously scanned. While a few situations like technical problems may warrant a re-scan exception, in general reuse is prevented to maintain integrity and control over ticket access. With counterfeiting and other duplications impossible, fans can feel confident that Ticketmaster tickets will provide fair and reliable event entry.