Digital tickets, also known as e-tickets, have become increasingly popular in recent years as a convenient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional paper tickets. E-tickets eliminate the need to print paper tickets and can easily be purchased, stored, and transferred online or on mobile devices.
What are digital tickets?
Digital tickets refer to tickets that exist purely in electronic form and are not printed on paper. E-tickets contain a unique barcode or QR code that can be scanned to verify the ticket’s authenticity and grant access to the event or travel service it was purchased for.
Some key features of digital tickets include:
- Purchased and stored online or on a mobile app
- Contain a unique barcode or QR code
- Can be displayed on a mobile screen for scanning
- Environmentally friendly – no printing required
- Convenient to purchase, manage and transfer
E-tickets are most commonly used for events like concerts, sports games, and festivals, as well as travel services including flights, trains, buses and subway passes. Museums, theme parks, and other attractions also frequently use digital ticketing.
How are e-tickets transferred?
When purchasing digital tickets, customers have the option to transfer tickets to friends, family, clients, or anyone else they choose. There are a few common ways e-tickets can be securely transferred:
Via the ticket seller’s website or app
Many ticket sellers like Ticketmaster or airline companies allow digital tickets to be transferred directly on their website or mobile app. Customers can log into their account, select the tickets they want to transfer, and input the email address or account details of the recipient. The recipient will then receive the tickets in their own account and have permanent access to them.
By email
E-tickets can usually be transferred via email as well. The ticket holder can forward the initial ticket purchase confirmation email to the email address of the ticket recipient. Some companies will allow access with just the emailed receipt, or they may issue a fresh new ticket in the recipient’s name.
Using mobile ticket transfer apps
There are specialized mobile apps like Ticketmaster’s Ticket Transfer or StubHub’s StubHub app that allow ticket holders to securely transfer event tickets directly to a recipient’s mobile device using the app. These apps ensure valid barcodes and QR codes are assigned to the new ticket holder.
Social media or text message
In some cases, primarily between friends and family, digital tickets may be transferred via social media or text message. The ticket barcode can be screenshotted and shared, which allows the recipient to display the image on their mobile phone for scanning at the event entrance. This is generally considered less secure than other methods.
Are there restrictions on transferring e-tickets?
In most cases, there are few restrictions on digitally transferring tickets. However, there are some potential limitations to be aware of:
- Time limit – Some tickets cannot be transferred within 24-48 hours of the event due to security restrictions.
- Re-selling – Many tickets cannot be resold above face value or through unauthorized resellers.
- Limit on transfers – Some tickets can only be transferred a certain number of times, often just once.
- Fees – A small transfer fee may be charged by the ticket issuer.
These restrictions are normally made clear during the initial ticket purchasing process. As long as transfers adhere to the stated terms and conditions, there are typically no problems.
Benefits of transferring digital tickets
There are a number of benefits that make transferring e-tickets preferable over paper tickets:
- Convenience – Tickets can be transferred instantly online without having to physically deliver paper tickets.
- Cost – Avoid fees and postage costs associated with express mailing paper tickets.
- Accessibility – Recipients immediately gain access to tickets on their own devices.
- Environment – Eliminates waste from printing paper tickets or overnight deliveries.
- Reliability – Digital tickets cannot be lost or damaged like physical tickets.
Digital tickets also give the ticket holder more control. Unlike paper tickets, e-tickets on a mobile device can’t accidentally be left at home and are less likely to be stolen or misplaced.
Are digitally transferred tickets safe and secure?
Yes, transferred digital tickets are generally just as safe and secure as non-transferred e-tickets provided proper protocols are followed. Safety features include:
- Encrypted barcodes and QR codes that can only be scanned once.
- Tickets linked to the buyer’s account or app.
- ID checks required along with tickets at event entry.
- Restrictions preventing recipients from re-transferring tickets.
As long as the e-ticket transfer follows the procedures set forth by the ticket issuer, there should be no increased security risks. The recipient’s ticket will have the same protections and guarantees as the original buyer.
Potential problems with digital ticket transfers
While problems are rare when digital ticket transfers are done properly through official channels, there are some potential issues to keep in mind:
- Fake or duplicated barcode – Scammers could duplicate a barcode and send it to multiple recipients.
- Unauthorized re-selling – Tickets could be resold at inflated prices in violation of company policies.
- Re-transferred tickets – Recipients could re-transfer tickets, breaching ticket limits.
- Outdated platform – Attempting transfers via old apps or links could cause errors.
- Wrong recipient details – Entering an incorrect email or account when transferring.
These issues reinforce the importance of only transferring tickets through official company channels and avoiding unauthorized re-selling or transfers.
Troubleshooting digital ticket transfers
If any problems come up in the digital ticket transfer process, here are some steps to try troubleshooting:
- Confirm the correct email/account details were entered for the recipient.
- Check for typos or errors in recipient details.
- Verify the transfer was completed and confirm the recipient can see the tickets.
- Check whether the transfer email ended up in the recipient’s spam folder.
- Make sure the recipient’s device and app are compatible with the ticket platform.
- Try resending the transfer email or completing the transfer process again.
- Contact the ticket seller’s customer service for assistance.
With digital tickets, any transfer issues can usually be quickly resolved as long as the transfer is processed properly in the first place. Customer service agents can assist with investigating and remedying any problems.
How to accept and access transferred e-tickets
For recipients, accepting and accessing your transferred digital tickets is easy. Here are the basic steps:
- Watch for the ticket transfer email and confirm the sender is legitimate.
- Click acceptance links within the email to have the tickets assigned to your account.
- Download the associated ticket seller’s app (if available).
- Log into the app and look for the tickets now in your account.
- Save the tickets to your mobile wallet for access even without an internet connection.
- Store the ticket barcode/QR code in your photo gallery as a backup.
Once accepted, transferred tickets function just like any other e-tickets you would purchase yourself. Always be sure to fully complete any acceptance steps though to ensure seamless entry to the event.
Conclusion
Digital tickets offer a flexible, convenient way for people to easily transfer access to events and services. As long as proper security protocols are followed, e-tickets can be securely sent to recipients in a matter of seconds.
While transferring paper tickets was slow, inefficient, and prone to problems, digital ticketing systems have made sharing tickets quick, easy, and reliable through official transfer platforms and mobile apps.
Digital ticket transfers open up more possibilities for distributing tickets last-minute, bringing spontaneity back to events. As adoption increases, e-tickets and seamless transfers will only become more ubiquitous and streamlined.