The Short Answer
Yes, you can screenshot tickets like flight tickets, concert tickets, movie tickets etc. and send the screenshots to someone else. However, there are some caveats to keep in mind when doing this. Screenshots may not always be accepted as valid tickets, and sharing screenshots could violate terms of use or enable ticket fraud in some cases. Proceed with caution and check the specific event/vendor policies before screenshotting or sharing any ticket images electronically.
Examining the Question in Depth
The act of taking a screenshot of a ticket and sending it to another person seems straightforward on the surface. With most people having smartphones capable of capturing high quality screen grabs, it’s a simple process to save an image of a ticket you purchased and text or email that photo to a friend or family member. However, there are a few important factors to consider before taking and sharing screenshots of event tickets:
Copyright and Terms of Use
Most tickets are copyrighted material belonging to the issuing vendor or event host. Screenshotting and distributing the images may technically violate copyright law in some cases. Even if it’s not outright illegal, it is important to check the fine print terms of use for any ticket purchased. Many specifically prohibit duplications or transfers of any kind, which would include sharing screenshots. Violating terms can get both accounts blocked or banned.
Validity of Screenshots as Tickets
Some venues or event organizers will not accept ticket screenshots at the door, and require presentation of the original ticket, either printed or on mobile device. This is because screenshots can be easily edited, forged, and duplicated. Without a scannable barcode or other verification method, staff have no way to confirm a screenshot is legitimate. Requiring valid tickets discourages fraud and scalping activities.
Facilitating Scalping or Ticket Fraud
When recipients of ticket screenshots attempt to use the images to actually enter an event, it enables and facilitates unethical scalping and black market ticket sales. It also increases instances of attempted fraud at venue doors. Some strict anti-scalping policies will outright prohibit any transfers, screenshots, or forwarding of ticket links for this reason. Event organizers want to discourage profiting from or multiplying pricey secondary market sales.
Loss of Ticket Holder Accountability
Most ticket marketplaces and vendors maintain records of who purchased each ticket for a given event. This is incredibly useful when disputes arise or any issues with fraudulent purchases occur. It also serves as an event log if contact tracing becomes necessary for public health reasons.
If tickets are screenshotted and shared widely by initial purchasers, the issuing vendor has no way to track who ultimately attended using each ticket. This lack of accountability is undesirable for both event hosts and ticket marketplaces.
Examples of Events or Providers that Prohibit Screenshots
While practices vary widely, here are some examples of major events or ticket providers that generally prohibit taking and sharing screenshots of tickets:
Sporting Events
The NFL and many other professional sports leagues don’t allow ticket screenshots as valid event entry. Some teams like the Seattle Seahawks even prohibit posting ticket images publicly on social media or secondary sales sites.
Music Festivals
Coachella, Lollapalooza, and other major music festivals typically forbid ticket screenshots to combat counterfeits and black market sales. Their terms strictly prohibit sharing any ticket media under penalty of revocation.
Concert Tours
Beyonce, Taylor Swift, and other big concert tours often ban electronic ticket transfers to limit scalping. Their terms state screenshots are invalid for entry and sharing them may terminate your account.
Live Nation & Ticketmaster
Two of the largest ticket vendors, Live Nation and Ticketmaster, don’t allow ticket screenshots as official admission to events. Their terms prohibit duplications and transfers as well.
Airlines
Most airlines prohibit customers from taking screenshots of mobile boarding passes. They encourage using only the live updated passes within their official apps at airports for security.
How Venues or Event Hosts Can Address Shared Screenshots
If an event host or venue does not allow ticket screenshots, how can they enforce their policy if shared images are prevalent? Here are some strategies they can implement:
Scan Original Tickets Only
Staff at entry points can insist on viewing and scanning only original tickets on devices or printed paper tickets. This blocks any screenshots from being accepted.
Require ID Matching Ticket Holder
Many ticket issuers require ID verification along with ticket scans. This checks that the ticket holder name matches the person entering, preventing screenshots from being usable by a 3rd party.
Limit Duplicate Views or Scans
Back-end software can detect and prohibit the same ticket barcode from being displayed or scanned more than once. This prevents screenshots from being usable by multiple people.
Ban Screenshot Sharing on Social Media
Broad social media bans prohibiting publicly sharing any ticket media can reduce spread of screenshots. Violators can have their tickets revoked.
Void Accounts That Share Screenshots
If a ticket purchaser violates terms by sharing a screenshot, their ticket vendor account can be terminated and all associated ticket barcodes voided as invalid.
Require Ticket Transfers to Show ID
Where ticket transfers are allowed, requiring both parties to confirm ID ensures original purchaser is authorizing the transfer. This prevents unapproved screenshot sharing.
Are There Any Cases Where Screenshots Are Allowed?
While most major events and ticketing platforms prohibit free sharing of ticket screenshots, there are some exceptions. Here are some potential cases where screenshots may be allowed:
Small Local Events
Small venues and organizers that sell printed tickets or use simple email receipts may allow screenshots as valid entry. They have fewer anti-fraud concerns.
Informal Ticket Transfers
Screenshots can be used when the ticket issuer provides a way to formally transfer or sell a ticket from original buyer to a new guest.
When explicitly permitted
Rarely, some event terms of service may explicitly permit limited sharing of ticket images electronically. But this is uncommon.
As supplemental reference
Screenshots may be allowed alongside valid tickets to help provide details like seat numbers that aren’t visible on a scanned pass. But they can’t replace the valid ticket.
When tickets are personalized
If every ticket has the specific attendee’s name printed on it, showing ID usually suffices to prevent screenshots from being misused.
Best Practices for Sharing Tickets Securely
If you want to safely share ticket access in a way that venues accept, here are some best practices:
Use official transfer and resale features
Many major ticket vendors provide secure official resale marketplaces and transfer options to send tickets to a new guest. Use these whenever possible.
Only send tickets electronically to trusted known guests
Avoid publicly posting or widely sharing ticket files and screenshots which can be misused. Only transfer to specific individuals you trust.
Always check event policies first
Before sharing any ticket or screenshot, verify the event or venue terms of use allow it. Many prohibit unauthorized transfers.
Delete once received and don’t further share
Any recipient of a shared valid ticket should delete the file after receiving it and avoid passing it along further.
Beware of scams
Never send payment or tickets to strangers online who resell or solicit tickets without verifying legitimacy first. Fake ticket scams are common.
Conclusion
Ticket screenshots can seem like convenient digital copies to text or email to friends and family. However, most events strictly prohibit this kind of unauthorized transfer and duplication. Screenshot tickets often won’t be accepted for entry due to anti-fraud policies. Some limited exceptions apply where screenshots may be allowed, but it’s always best to check the specific event or ticket issuer terms of use before capturing and sharing images of tickets online or via apps. Authorized ticket transfers using official resale marketplaces are the most secure way to safely share access to events electronically. With the right precautions, you can avoid ticket screenshot troubles that could spoil your fun.