Gifting e-tickets is a convenient way to give the gift of an experience or event to a loved one without needing a physical ticket. With e-tickets becoming more prevalent, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic, understanding how to buy and gift them has become important.
Can You Gift E-tickets?
Yes, you can absolutely gift e-tickets! Many ticket sellers and event platforms allow you to purchase tickets and send them to someone else’s email address or account. The process is quite simple.
When you purchase an e-ticket, there is typically an option during checkout to “Send tickets to recipient” or “Gift tickets”. You will enter the recipient’s email address and the tickets will be delivered to their email inbox. Some platforms also allow you to include a custom gift message.
Once you complete the purchase, the recipient will receive an email with a link to access their e-ticket account and see the tickets. They simply use the link to log into the ticketing platform and can view, download, or print the tickets.
So the process can be summarized as:
- Purchase event tickets online and select the “gift” option
- Enter the gift recipient’s email address
- Pay for the ticket order
- Recipient receives the tickets via email and can access them on the ticketing platform
As long as the event or ticketing platform allows it, gifting e-tickets is very straightforward. It’s a great way to send tickets for concerts, shows, conferences, classes and more.
Benefits of Gifting E-tickets
Here are some of the major benefits of gifting e-tickets rather than traditional paper tickets:
- Convenience – No need to ship physical tickets. Recipient gets them instantly via email.
- Costs – Avoid shipping fees and ticket processing fees of traditional tickets.
- Accessibility – Recipient can access and print/display tickets from anywhere.
- Organization – E-tickets are all in one place instead of hunting for paperwork.
- Environmental – No paper tickets to produce. E-tickets are green.
- Flexibility – Easy to transfer or re-send e-tickets if plans change.
The convenience and flexibility are the key advantages. It makes gifting event tickets quicker, simpler and more accessible for both the giver and recipient.
How to Gift E-tickets on Popular Platforms
The process of gifting e-tickets is quite similar across most major ticketing platforms. Here are specific instructions for some of the most popular platforms:
Ticketmaster
- Select “This is a gift” when purchasing tickets.
- Enter recipient’s email address and optional gift message.
- Ticketmaster emails gift notification and tickets to recipient.
Eventbrite
- Choose “Send to a friend” during checkout.
- Enter recipient email, gift message, and your info.
- Recipient gets email with tickets attached as PDF.
Fandango
- Pick movie tickets and select “Buy As Gift” option.
- Enter recipient name, email, gift message.
- Fandango emails tickets to recipient with gift details.
Southwest Airlines
- Purchase flight and choose “Gift Ticket” during checkout.
- Provide traveler’s name, email, optional message.
- Traveler receives email with link to download e-ticket.
No matter which site or service you use, the process is generally very straightforward. Select the gift option when you purchase, provide the recipient’s details, and the tickets get delivered to their email.
Can You Gift Already Purchased E-tickets?
Typically, e-tickets cannot be gifted after they have already been purchased. When you initially buy the tickets, that is the only time you can select the “gift” option and send them to someone else.
However, if plans change, there are couple options to gift tickets post-purchase:
- Some services let you initiate a ticket transfer to send to another email address.
- You can forward the ticket email confirmation to the recipient.
- Take a screenshot of the e-tickets and email the image file.
- Log into your account and change the ticket delivery address to gift them.
While you cannot directly gift already-bought e-tickets, there are workarounds to transfer tickets to another person after purchase. Refer to the ticketing platform’s policies for details.
Note that for airline e-tickets, name changes are typically not allowed due to security reasons. Transferring tickets to another traveler’s name post-purchase is difficult.
Can You Gift Expired or Used E-tickets?
No, expired or already used e-tickets cannot be gifted. E-tickets are only valid for one use – by the original purchaser or gift recipient.
Once an e-ticket link has been accessed or ticket “scanned” for entry, it is considered used and invalid for further use. Transferring used tickets is not allowed.
Likewise, if an unused ticket expires before being gifted or used, it is no longer valid. Double check e-ticket expiration dates and event dates before gifting tickets to make sure they can still be used.
How Does the Gift Recipient Use E-tickets?
For the person receiving gifted e-tickets, using them properly is important. Here is how gift recipients can use their e-tickets:
- Check the email – Tickets will be emailed to the address provided by the purchaser. Have them check their inbox.
- Follow instructions – Email will contain detailed instructions for accessing the tickets online.
- Create account – May need to create an account for the ticketing platform with the link.
- Access tickets – Log into the account to view, download or print the tickets.
- Bring to event – Display on phone or print tickets to bring to event entrance.
The key is accessing the ticketing site or app with the provided link/info and following the steps to get into their account. Tickets are then easily viewable and usable.
Summary of Gifting E-Tickets
Gifting e-tickets makes giving the gift of live events, flights, movies and more simpler than ever. To recap the key things to know:
- Select “gift ticket” option when purchasing online and enter recipient email.
- E-tickets get delivered to recipient’s email instantly.
- Benefits include convenience, flexibility, cost savings.
- Can’t gift already purchased or expired/used tickets.
- Recipient accesses account to view and use tickets.
With more events going digital, e-ticketing for gifts is sure to continue growing in popularity. Follow the steps for your ticket seller to easily provide tickets as gifts for any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an extra fee to gift e-tickets?
Typically there is no extra fee to gift e-tickets. The convenience fees and ticket prices are the same as if you purchased for yourself. Any gift messaging option is free as well.
When should I gift the e-tickets to ensure the recipient can use them?
It’s best to gift e-tickets as far in advance of the event date as possible. This ensures the recipient has time to access, print or transfer them if needed. Ideally gift at least 1-2 weeks before the event.
Can I gift just a portion of my e-ticket order?
Unfortunately, most platforms require you to gift an entire e-ticket order. You cannot gift just 2 out of 4 tickets you purchased. All or nothing. Read policies carefully before purchasing.
What if my gift recipient can’t attend the event anymore?
Have the recipient try to sell or transfer the tickets to someone else. Refer to the ticket platform policies – some forbid transfers or only allow them in certain scenarios. Selling them is ideal to recoup costs.
What if I never receive the e-tickets from a gift?
First, check spam folders for the email with the tickets. If not there, contact the gift giver and have them reach out to the ticket seller to resend the ticket delivery email. They have the order details needed.
How to Gift E-tickets on Specific Sites
StubHub
- Purchase tickets and select “Gift This Order”
- Enter gift recipient’s email address and optional message
- StubHub emails e-ticket link and gift details to recipient
SeatGeek
- Choose “This is a gift” during the checkout process
- Provide recipient name, email, gift message
- SeatGeek sends ticket delivery email to the gift recipient
VividSeats
- Click “Gift This Order” when purchasing event tickets
- Enter recipient’s email address and gift details
- VividSeats emails tickets to the recipient’s address
Meetup
- RSVP to event and select “Purchase for a friend” option
- Enter your friend’s name and email address
- They will receive RSVP confirmation email from Meetup
Theater/Playhouse Sites
- Buy tickets and choose “Send as Gift” or “Ship to Friend” option
- Provide recipient name, email, gift message
- Theater emails ticket delivery email to recipient
Sports Team Sites
- Select “Send as Gift” when purchasing tickets
- Input recipient email address and gift message
- Team site emails ticket delivery email to gift recipient
The process is quite uniform. Purchase event tickets, choose gift option, enter details, and recipient gets ticket delivery email. Easy!
Creative Ways to Gift E-tickets
While e-tickets are digital, you can still make gifting them creative and fun. Here are ideas:
- Print a ceremonial ticket or invitation to give in person.
- Create a digital gift certificate for the experience.
- Make a personalized video explaining the gift.
- Send a thoughtful gift message with the tickets.
- Schedule ticket delivery date for special occasion.
- Pair tickets with related gift basket or items.
- Plan a surprise trip or experience around the tickets.
- Invite them to the event through a creative invitation.
Get creative with how you present the gift to make it more exciting and memorable. E-tickets allow flexibility in how you give them.
Common Events to Gift E-tickets For
E-tickets make great gifts for many different types of events and experiences. Here are some of the most common ones that e-tickets are gifted for:
- Concerts
- Plays, Musicals & Theater Performances
- Sporting Events
- Comedy Shows
- Festivals & Fairs
- Fan Conventions
- Classes & Workshops
- Conference & Seminars
- Movie Theaters
- Escape Rooms
- Museums
- Tours
- Amusement & Theme Parks
- Airline Tickets
Anything with an e-ticket option can make for a great gift. The convenience of e-tickets makes gifting event tickets easier than ever.
Troubleshooting E-ticket Gifting Issues
Issue | Solution |
---|---|
No gift option during checkout | Contact seller to request gifting after purchase |
Recipient cannot access tickets | Resend ticket email or contact seller |
Want to change recipient after purchase | Some allow resending, otherwise contact seller |
Tickets expire before event | Contact seller right away, may reissue |
Lost gift recipient email address | Contact original purchaser to resend tickets |
Always reach out to the original ticket seller or platform support if any issues with gifted tickets arise. They have access to the order and can assist.
Key Takeaways on Gifting E-Tickets
- Select “gift ticket” option when purchasing online and enter recipient email.
- E-tickets get delivered to recipient’s email instantly.
- Major benefits include convenience, flexibility, cost savings.
- Recipient accesses account to view and use gifted tickets.
- Get creative to make gifting e-tickets fun and memorable.
- Contact seller with any gifting or redemption issues.
With more events going digital, gifting e-tickets is an easy way to give memorable experiences. Follow the simple steps to send event tickets as gifts for birthdays, holidays or just because!