Getting around Ticketmaster’s protected queue system to purchase hot tickets can be tricky, but not impossible. Ticketmaster utilizes various methods such as Ticketmaster Verified Fan and dynamic pricing to prevent bots and scalpers from buying up all the tickets and inflating prices. However, for the average fan trying to score seats for a popular event, these protective measures can make obtaining tickets difficult. Thankfully, there are some tips and tricks savvy buyers can use to improve their chances of beating the Ticketmaster queue and protected pre-sales.
Understand How Ticketmaster’s Protected Queue Works
First and foremost, you need to understand the mechanics behind Ticketmaster’s protected queue system. Here’s a quick rundown of how it works:
- High demand events will often utilize some form of protected queue, like Ticketmaster Verified Fan. This requires pre-registering for a chance to get a code to access the presale.
- On the presale date, all verified fans are placed in a virtual queue. You will be assigned a random spot in line.
- As tickets go on sale, you must wait for your spot in the queue to come up to access ticket inventory and make purchases.
- The queue supposedly prevents scalpers from rushing in and gobbling up all the tickets, providing regular fans an equal shot at seats.
So in essence, the protected queue system aims to level the playing field by limiting how quickly anyone can purchase event tickets when they first go on sale. But this queue can be extremely long for hot shows or games, with wait times of 30 minutes or more.
The Downsides of the Protected Queue
While Ticketmaster’s intent is noble here, trying to lock out scalpers and bots, the protected queue system has received its fair share of criticisms from consumers, including:
- Extremely long wait times with no guarantee you’ll get tickets
- Difficulty obtaining pre-sale codes for Verified Fan
- Lack of clarity on how queue placement is determined
- Higher ticket prices and fees once you finally access inventory
For the eager fan, these downsides can make obtaining tickets through Ticketmaster’s site rather frustrating. But there are ways around it.
Tips for Beating the Ticketmaster Queue
Here are some tips and tricks for skipping past the protected queue on Ticketmaster and gaining early access to tickets:
1. Take Advantage of Presales
Look for artist or event-specific presales happening before the general public on-sale date. Presales offer tickets for registered users ahead of the main sale. There are a few options here:
- Fan Club Presales – Many artists have official fan clubs that offer presale ticket access. Join the club in advance.
- VIP Package Presales – If you buy a VIP ticket package, you may get presale access.
- Payment Presales – Certain credit cards or banks offer special presales.
- Promoter Presales – Sign up for presales from the event promoter or venue.
Presales frequently have smaller queues or reserved ticket allotments. Buy during the presale to skip the masses on general on-sale.
2. Beat the Queue with Verified Fan
If you don’t score presale tickets, double check for Ticketmaster Verified Fan opportunities. Verified Fan requires pre-registering with your Ticketmaster account for a chance to get special codes or queue access. Here are some tips to get Verified Fan status:
- Register as early as possible, once the Verified Fan registration is live.
- Use a Ticketmaster account with previous purchase history and enough personal info.
- Only register once with one Ticketmaster account.
- Check social media and fan forums for presale codes.
- Use the Ticketmaster app, not the website, when purchasing.
Once verified, you still have to wait in line. But the Verified Fan queue should move faster than the general on-sale queue.
3. Leverage Platinum Seats
Ticketmaster’s “Platinum Seats” are not subject to long virtual queues. These are premium seats sold at flexible market value pricing. The cost varies based on demand. Here’s how to use Platinum Seats to skip the line:
- Find Platinum labeled seats on the Ticketmaster event page and price them out.
- Before the general on-sale, purchase Platinum Seats to gain immediate access.
- Platinum Seats get you straight into checkout with no queue.
- Once in, you can hunt for other seats if Platinum are too high.
Just be aware Platinum Seats are expensive. Use them to skip the queue, then look for cheaper seats if possible.
4. Use Ticketmaster Tools
Ticketmaster offers some tools to make purchasing easier. Use these to gain an advantage:
- Ticketmaster App – Try buying via the app instead of the website to avoid queues.
- Ticketmaster Assistant – This AI bot can purchase tickets for you right at on-sale.
- Pre-Save Event – Pre-save an event in your Ticketmaster account for faster checkout.
Download the app early and pre-save relevant events. The app and assistant may work better than the website queue.
5. Try Fan-to-Fan Ticket Exchanges
Ticketmaster owns two ticket resale exchanges: NFL Ticket Exchange and Ticketmaster Ticket Exchange.
These fan-driven exchanges allow season ticket holders to post and sell tickets at market value pricing.
While fees are still involved, there is no virtual queue here. Prices may be elevated, but you can often find last minute seats this route.
Other Ways Around Ticketmaster Queues
In addition to the tips above, here are a few other creative strategies for skipping Ticketmaster queues and scoring seats:
- Buy tickets at the physical box office to avoid online queues.
- Find tickets on Craigslist or Reddit when queues are long.
- Use a ticket broker or reseller like StubHub that buys tickets in bulk.
- Wait until after the on-sale once queues die down and swoop in for leftover seats.
- Attend less popular events to avoid queues altogether.
Getting tickets directly from the source is ideal, but when Queue-It queues are insane, you may need to explore alternative routes as well.
Beware of Scams and Restrictions
When trying to beat Ticketmaster queues and find tickets, beware of potential scams or ticket transfer restrictions:
- Fake sellers – Only buy from trusted vendors and exchanges.
- Duplicate tickets – Avoid potentially duplicated physical tickets.
- Ticket limits – Many presales have ticket maximums.
- Non-transferrable tickets – Some tickets can only be used by original purchaser.
Read all policies carefully and double check seats before purchasing. Use trusted exchanges like StubHub when going a secondary route.
Is it Possible to Completely Avoid Queues?
For extremely high demand events, it may be impossible to avoid Ticketmaster queues completely. But the tips in this article will still give you an advantage over the general public. Here is an overview of the best ways to skip, shorten, or sidestep Ticketmaster’s protected queues:
- Gain presale access through VIP packages, fan clubs, promos
- Register early for Verified Fan and use codes properly
- Buy Platinum Seats to bypass the line, then try for cheaper seats
- Use the Ticketmaster Assistant bot or mobile app
- Purchase via fan ticket exchanges and resale marketplaces
- Arrive early at venue box office to buy on-site
Following some of these methods, particularly gaining access to presales, gives you the best shot at skipping past the bulk of the queue. With persistence and smart strategies, beating Ticketmaster queues is possible.
Conclusion
Ticketmaster’s protected queues aim to provide fair access to high demand tickets, but often result in challenges for fans vying for seats. By taking advantage of presales, verified fan opportunities, specialty seats and tools, you can improve your chances of beating Ticketmaster queues. Just be patient, use smart strategies, and act early. While not always perfect, these tips will help you conquer Ticketmaster’s walled queue system and score the seats you want.