Ticketmaster offers companion seats for customers who need an attendant in order to attend an event. Companion seats allow the companion to sit next to the customer needing assistance at no additional charge. Here are some key things to know about how companion seats work with Ticketmaster:
What are companion seats?
Companion seats are tickets provided by Ticketmaster to allow a friend, family member, or caretaker to accompany a customer with a disability or other need for assistance. The companion can help the customer navigate the venue, assist with any needs during the event, and enjoy the event alongside them.
Why are companion seats offered?
Companion seats enable those who need help or assistance to still enjoy events with independence and dignity. Having a companion alongside can make an event accessible and enjoyable for someone who otherwise may not be able to attend due to disability, injury, or other circumstances.
Who is eligible for companion seats?
Companion seats are available to Ticketmaster customers who have a verified need for a companion. This may include:
- Customers who are blind or have low vision
- Customers who are deaf or hard of hearing
- Customers with mobility disabilities who require assistance
- Customers with cognitive disabilities who function better with a companion
- Any customer who cannot physically or safely attend the event alone
The specific disability or need does not need to be disclosed to Ticketmaster. The customer simply needs to verify that they require a companion.
How to request companion seats
Requesting a companion seat through Ticketmaster is easy. Here is the process:
- Purchase a ticket for yourself through Ticketmaster as usual.
- Call Ticketmaster Accessibility Services at 1-800-653-8000 (US) or an international toll free number.
- Explain that you need a companion seat due to a disability or medical need.
- Be prepared to provide the confirmation number for your ticket purchase.
- Ticketmaster will verify your need for a companion seat and request any necessary details.
- After approval, your companion seat will be issued and linked to your existing ticket purchase.
The companion seat provided is the same type of ticket you purchased for yourself. There is no additional charge for the companion seat.
Important notes
- Companion seats must be requested through the Ticketmaster Accessibility Services line. Companion seats cannot be issued online or at ticket booths.
- There is a limit of one companion seat per customer.
- Companion seats are only available for ticketed events, not private or exclusive events.
- To provide companion seats at no cost, verification of a disability or medical necessity is required.
Using your companion seat
Once issued, a companion seat will be linked to the original ticket purchase. The companion must enter the event with the customer and be seated next to them.
Picking up tickets
There are several options for accessing your tickets when using a companion seat:
- Mobile tickets – If you used Ticketmaster’s mobile ticketing option, the companion ticket barcode will appear in your Ticketmaster app along with your ticket. You can either show both mobile tickets at the gate or transfer the companion ticket to your companion’s mobile device if preferred.
- Printed tickets – If you opted for printed tickets, your companion ticket will be printed and mailed along with your ticket. Bring both printed tickets to be scanned at the event entrance.
- Box office pickup – You can choose to pick up both your ticket and the companion ticket at the event’s box office. Notify the box office that you have a companion seat issued when you arrive to pick up.
Entering the event
To enter the venue, the customer and companion must arrive together and be prepared to show both tickets. The venue staff will verify that the tickets are linked for the companion seat before allowing entry.
If the customer arrives without the companion, the companion seat is forfeited. The companion will not be able to enter alone on the companion ticket.
If the companion shows up without the customer, the companion will not be allowed entry. Both customer and companion must be present together.
Seating and restrictions
The companion must sit directly next to the customer in the seating row to be able to assist them. Seating staff will help direct the customer and companion to their seats if needed.
Standard ticket restrictions also apply to companion seats. For example, at a concert, companion seats would be similarly located in relation to the customer’s ticket, either on the main floor or balcony.
Summary
Companion seats allow increased accessibility and an improved event experience for Ticketmaster customers with disabilities or other needs. Key points to remember include:
- Eligible customers can receive one companion seat per ticket purchased
- Companion seats must be requested via the Ticketmaster Accessibility phone line
- Verification of a disability or medical necessity is required
- Companion seats have no additional charge
- The companion must enter and sit with the customer during the event
With just a quick phone call, companion seats enable customers to attend events with helpful assistance from a friend or family member. Contact Ticketmaster today to request companion seats and make live events accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for a companion seat?
Companion seats are available to any Ticketmaster customer who needs assistance to be able to fully participate in and enjoy an event. This often includes customers with impaired vision, hearing, or mobility, but can also include other disabilities or medical needs. Ticketmaster staff can help determine if a companion seat is appropriate on a case by case basis when customers call to request one.
Can I request a companion seat online?
No, unfortunately companion seats cannot be requested through Ticketmaster’s website. Customers must call the Ticketmaster Accessibility phone line and speak with a representative to request companion seats. This allows Ticketmaster staff to verify eligibility and collect any necessary information before issuing the companion ticket.
What if my companion can’t attend at the last minute?
If your companion has an emergency and can’t attend the event, call Ticketmaster Accessibility Services as soon as possible. They may be able to connect you with another companion seat holder at the event willing to swap companions. However, companion seat eligibility and issuance is based on the individual customer’s needs. If a replacement companion cannot be found, you may need to forfeit the companion ticket.
Can I request companion seats for multiple events at once?
Usually companion seats need to be requested on a per-event basis. However, if you purchase tickets for multiple events at the same time, you may be able to request companion seats for all of them in one call. A Ticketmaster representative can confirm what companion seat requests they can handle at once when you call to arrange them.
What seating limitations apply to companion seats?
Companion seats are typically located adjacent to the customer’s seat to allow the companion to directly assist them. For events with tiered seating like concerts, sports, and theaters, the companion will be seated in the same seating tier or section as the customer. For example, if the customer is in the balcony, the companion will also be in the balcony. If seating near the customer is not available due to selling out, an exception may be made to allow the companion to sit with the customer as needed.
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Who qualifies for a companion seat? | Customers with disabilities or medical needs who require assistance to attend an event. |
Can I request a seat online? | No, you must call the Accessibility phone line. |
What if my companion can’t attend? | Call Ticketmaster to try to find a replacement. You may forfeit the ticket if none is available. |
Can I get multiple companion seats at once? | Sometimes, if you purchased multiple event tickets in one order. |
Are there seating limitations? | Yes, the companion generally sits adjacent to the customer in the same seating tier/section. |
Requesting Companion Seats Step-by-Step
Here is a step-by-step overview of how to request companion seats through Ticketmaster:
Step 1: Purchase Your Event Ticket
Buy a ticket to the desired event through Ticketmaster online, by phone, or at a Ticketmaster outlet. Be sure to take note of your ticket order confirmation number.
Step 2: Contact Accessibility Services
Call Ticketmaster’s Accessibility Services line at 1-800-653-8000 (US) or an international toll free number. Explain that you need a companion seat due to a disability or medical necessity.
Step 3: Provide Your Ticket Details
Give the representative your ticket order confirmation number and any details about your purchased ticket type and location. They will link this to your companion seat request.
Step 4: Verify Your Eligibility
The representative may ask some additional questions to understand your need for a companion and verify your eligibility. Details of your specific diagnosis or disability generally do not need to be disclosed.
Step 5: Confirm Your Request
Ticketmaster will process and approve your companion seat request. The representative can confirm next steps for accessing your ticket and companion ticket if approved.
Step 6: Pick Up Tickets
Your companion ticket will be linked to your purchase. Pick up both tickets together via your chosen method – mobile transfer, printing at home, or box office pickup.
Step 7: Attend the Event
Arrive at the event together with your companion. Be ready to show both tickets to enter and sit together to enjoy the show!
Getting the Most from Companion Seats
Follow these tips and tricks for the best experience using companion seats from Ticketmaster:
Request Early
Call to request your companion seat as soon as you purchase your ticket. This ensures your companion will be guaranteed a seat before the event sells out.
Confirm Pick Up Method
Decide how you will access both tickets – digitally, printed, or box office pickup. Communicate this to Ticketmaster so your companion ticket is issued accordingly.
Arrive Together
Make sure to arrive at the event venue at the same time as your companion. You both must be present together to use the companion ticket.
Provide Notification
Consider requesting a sign language interpreter, audio services, or other accommodations in advance through the venue’s accessibility coordinator.
Ask for Help If Needed
If you require any assistance navigating the venue or finding your seats, don’t hesitate to ask event staff for help.
Have Fun!
Most importantly, relax and enjoy the event knowing your companion is there if any needs arise.
Companion Seat Policies
Ticketmaster has developed the following policies for issuing and using companion seats. Customers should understand these policies when requesting companion tickets:
Verification Requirements
To provide companion seats at no additional cost, Ticketmaster verifies customers have a disability or medical necessity for a companion’s assistance. Specific details of the disability do not need to be disclosed.
One Companion Per Customer
Each eligible customer can receive one companion seat per ticket purchased. Multiple companion seats cannot be issued per person.
Limited Transferability
Companion seats are non-transferable and have no cash value. They can only be used by the designated companion entering with the original ticket holder.
Refunds and Exchanges
If the original event ticket is refunded or exchanged, the companion ticket is voided. Customers must call to re-request a companion seat for any new event tickets.
Revocable at Any Time
Ticketmaster reserves the right to revoke any companion seat at any time if there is indication of misuse or fraud related to the companion ticket.
Seating Locations
Companion seating will be located adjacent to the customer’s seat in the same seating tier or section when possible. Comparable locations will be provided.
Arrive Together
The companion ticket is only valid when entering the event simultaneously with the original ticket holder.
Assistance Must Be Provided
By accepting a companion seat, the companion agrees to provide assistance and accommodate the ticket holder’s needs during the event as required.
Conclusion
Ticketmaster’s companion seating program allows live events to be more accessible and enjoyable for customers with disabilities. The process is straightforward – simply call Ticketmaster Accessibility Services after buying a ticket to verify eligibility and have a companion seat issued. With a knowledgeable companion along, customers can participate in the event with increased confidence, independence, and peace of mind. Companion seating is just one of the many ways Ticketmaster works to make events inclusive for all fans.