Ticketmaster is one of the largest ticket sales and distribution companies in the world. They sell tickets for a wide variety of events including sporting events, concerts, theater shows, and more. With so many events being held outdoors, one common question Ticketmaster customers have is whether they provide refunds if an event is cancelled or rescheduled due to bad weather.
Does Ticketmaster Have an Inclement Weather Refund Policy?
Ticketmaster does not have one singular inclement weather refund policy that applies to all events. Their refund policy depends on the specific event organizer or team’s own refund policy. Some venues, teams, or artists may provide full refunds if an event is cancelled due to weather, while others may only offer partial refunds or ticket vouchers.
When buying tickets on Ticketmaster, you agree to the refund policy outlined for that particular event. Ticketmaster’s role is to process refunds according to the event organizer’s policies, not determine the policy itself.
Factors That Impact Inclement Weather Refunds
Several key factors come into play that determine if tickets will be refunded by Ticketmaster due to inclement weather:
If the Event is Cancelled Entirely vs. Postponed
If an outdoor event is completely cancelled due to weather issues before it begins, refunds are much more likely to be issued. Fans never got to use the tickets at all if a cancellation occurs before an event starts.
However, if an event just gets temporarily delayed or postponed due to weather, refunds are less likely. Even if the event is rescheduled for a later date, the tickets still held value for admission.
Timing of Cancellation
If the weather forces an event to be cancelled or delayed hours or days ahead of time, refunds are more likely. That gives Ticketmaster and the event organizers more time to process refunds through their system.
Last minute cancellations due to weather may still result in refunds, but take longer to process and distribute funds back to ticket buyers. Don’t expect instant refunds if a cancellation occurs right before an event.
Type of Event
Outdoor concerts, festivals, and sporting events are the most vulnerable to weather-related cancellations and delays. Indoor arena concerts or competitions are less likely to be impacted by weather.
Event organizers will be most willing to offer refunds for events that were going to be held outdoors. Events in climate-controlled indoor venues are unlikely to be refunded for weather.
Severity of Weather
The type of weather conditions factors into the likelihood of refunds being issued. Severe storms, lightning, flooding, or other dangerous weather will be more likely to result in refunds compared to light rain or cold temperatures.
However, even minor inclement weather may result in refunds depending on the event. If the weather is still unsafe for event participants, like athletes competing outdoors, refunds could still occur.
Common Ticketmaster Refund Policies for Inclement Weather
While each event will differ, here are some of the most common inclement weather refund policies that Ticketmaster handles for outdoor events:
Full Refunds for Complete Cancellations
If an outdoor sporting event, concert, festival, or similar event is completely cancelled before it begins, full refunds are typically issued. This includes severe weather that makes staging the event safely impossible. Refunds are generally processed back to the original form of payment.
No Refunds for Postponements or Delays
If an event is simply delayed or rescheduled due to weather, refunds are less common. Even if an event gets moved to a new date, tickets still retain their value. Policy details differ – some may allow exchanges for the new date.
Partial Refunds for Shortened Events
In some cases when an outdoor event needs to be cut short midway due to weather, partial refunds may be offered. This prorated refund accounts for the unused portion of the tickets.
Voucher Credits for Future Events
If an event is rained out before it happens, refunds may not be offered. But event organizers may provide voucher credits usable for future events at that same venue or by that performer.
Exchanges, But Not Refunds
Instead of refunds, some event organizers only offer exchanges. Ticket holders can’t get their money back, but can exchange tickets for a rescheduled event date.
How to Get a Weather Refund on Ticketmaster
If you purchased tickets to an outdoor event that ended up being completely cancelled due to weather through Ticketmaster, here are the steps to request a refund:
1. Check the Event Website for Refund Announcements
First, check the official website for the event. Look for announcements about the cancellation and any instructions on the refund process. This is where any weather-related refund policies specific to that event will be outlined.
2. Contact Ticketmaster Customer Service
If refund details are not posted on the event website, reach out to Ticketmaster directly. Contact their fan support phone line or online chat support. Ask about refund availability due to inclement weather cancellations.
3. Provide Order Details
Have your Ticketmaster order number, ticket info, event details and payment method used ready. Customer service will use these details to process any eligible refunds.
4. Allow Time for Processing
It takes time for weather-related event cancellation refunds to get processed and returned to your account. Allow several weeks for the refund to show up depending on volume.
Key Takeaways
– Ticketmaster does not have one universal inclement weather refund policy. Each event has its own.
– Complete event cancellations are more likely to get refunded than delays/postponements.
– Contact Ticketmaster customer service if an outdoor event you bought tickets for gets cancelled due to weather.
– Refunds can take several weeks to process if an event cancellation occurs close to the event date.
Conclusion
Ticketmaster refunds for inclement weather are handled on an event-by-event basis. If an outdoor concert, festival, or sporting event you bought tickets for is completely rained out or cancelled due to weather before it happens, you can request a refund through Ticketmaster’s customer service. But keep in mind that partial refunds, vouchers, or exchanges are more common than full refunds in many cases. Contact Ticketmaster with your order details if an outdoor event you planned to attend is impacted by severe or dangerous weather conditions.