When you purchase a ticket for an event, flight, or other service, the ticket will go through several statuses before it is finalized. One common status is “pending”, which can leave customers confused about what it means and when their purchase will be completed.
What is a pending ticket status?
A pending status means the ticket purchase has been initiated but is not yet complete or confirmed. The seller is essentially holding your place in line while they process payment and verify details. Some reasons a ticket may show up as pending include:
- The seller needs to confirm inventory availability
- Payment authorization is still processing
- Your order is awaiting review for accuracy and completion
- An external validity check is being performed (like checking your age or eligibility)
The pending period allows the vendor time to complete necessary steps to issue the ticket. It does not guarantee the final ticket, but rather shows the transaction is underway but still conditional.
How long can a ticket stay pending?
There is no set time limit for a pending ticket status. The length of time depends on the seller’s verification process and policies. Some general guidelines are:
- Online purchases: Up to 3-5 business days
- Box office purchases: 24-48 hours
- Paper ticket orders: 5-10 business days
More complex transactions like group orders or special processing may also take longer. Most sellers will notify you if there is an extended delay beyond their regular pending period.
Does pending mean I got the tickets?
No, a pending status does not guarantee ticket confirmation. The purchase is still conditional upon the seller completing all approval steps. Some reasons a pending ticket may ultimately be declined include:
- Invalid payment method
- Failed age/eligibility checks
- Lack of inventory
- Inaccurate personal details submitted
- Failure to meet ordering conditions
You will receive confirmation when the tickets are officially booked and no longer pending. Do not make non-refundable travel plans until you have ticket confirmation.
Can I cancel a pending ticket order?
You may be able to cancel a pending ticket, but policies vary between sellers. Some points about cancelling pending tickets:
- Online purchases can usually be cancelled online until confirmed
- Box office purchases may allow cancellations by phone or in person
- Refund eligibility depends on the seller’s policies
- Pending orders cannot be transferred or modified in most cases
If you need to cancel a pending order, contact the seller right away to understand your options. Last minute cancellations of confirmed tickets usually incur penalties.
Tips for handling pending tickets
Here are some useful tips for smoother handling of pending ticket orders:
- Wait the advised pending period before contacting the seller
- Keep an eye on the email used to purchase for status updates
- Mark your calendar for the event 1-2 weeks out as a reminder to check status
- Avoid changing personal details once order is placed
- Only make related bookings after ticket is confirmed
- Save confirmation details for fast problem resolution
- Act promptly if you need to cancel or modify the pending order
Common reasons for pending ticket status
While every seller will have their own process, some common reasons tickets can get stuck in pending status include:
Payment processing delays
If payment is still undergoing authorization with your bank, the order cannot complete. Changing payment details during this time cancels the transaction. Allow a few days for processing, then follow up with your bank.
Failed eligibility checks
Purchases like age-restricted events or local resident programs involve eligibility checks that can delay order completion. Fix any application errors as soon as possible and provide any requested verification documents.
High demand
Popular events sell out quickly. The remaining tickets may be released slowly as pending orders are filtered. Have patience and check back often for availability if your order remains pending.
Submission errors
An inaccurate name, invalid ID number, or incomplete application can stall the approval process. Double check for typos and that all fields were filled out correctly.
Fraud verification
Third party sellers need to guard against fraudulent purchases. Additional verification steps may be needed if the order seems suspicious. Provide legitimate identification when asked.
Inventory unavailability
Pending does not hold your tickets. If they sell out from under you, the order cannot complete. Have alternatives ready as a backup if availability disappears.
Is a pending ticket refundable?
Refunds are only issued if the pending ticket sale is cancelled before confirmation. Any payments made during the pending period should eventually be refunded if the order does not process. However, refund timing depends on the original payment form:
- Credit card – Refund is issued back to the card, usually within 7-10 business days
- Debit card – Refund back to bank, allow at least 2 billing cycles
- Cash – Original box office must issue a cash refund
- Gift card – Refund credited to your vendor gift card balance
Refunds are generally not available for confirmed tickets that are later cancelled. Reselling may help recoup costs if cancelling confirmed tickets. Pending tickets that expire unpaid are voided with no refund.
Helpful tips for pending ticket issues
Don’t panic if your ticket order gets stuck in pending status. Here are some tips to resolve issues:
- Contact the seller using the details on your order confirmation
- Have your order number, name, and email ready for reference
- Note any error messages shown to share with the agent
- Explain why you think the order is still pending based on policies
- Provide any additional details or verification requested
- Ask what the expected resolution timeline is
- Request to cancel if you no longer need the tickets
- Follow up if the issue persists beyond the advised timeframe
A bit of patience and good communication can usually get pending orders back on track or resolved. For complex cases, keep all documentation and correspondence as you work towards resolution.
Key takeaways on pending ticket status
Waiting in pending status can cause anxiety for eager customers. Remember these key points when your ticket order is still pending:
- Pending ≠ Confirmed – Do not make non-refundable plans until tickets are confirmed
- Be Patient – Allow reasonable processing time before chasing up the order
- Follow Advice – Provide any additional details the seller requests for verification
- Communicate Changes – If you need to cancel or modify the order, act immediately
- Understand Options – Know refund policies and availability guarantees in case the tickets fall through
With good communication, preparation, and patience, a pending ticket can still result in confirmed admission to the event you want to attend. Stay optimistic yet practical to smooth out the pending process.
Pending ticket FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about pending ticket statuses:
How long can I expect a ticket to stay pending?
There is no fixed pending period, but most tickets process within 72 hours. Allow 3-5 business days before following up on the status.
Do I have the tickets if status is pending?
No, pending status means the transaction is still conditional and may be cancelled if it fails to complete. Tickets are not guaranteed until confirmed.
Can I change ticket details or reorder if pending?
Generally, no changes can be made to pending orders until confirmed or cancelled. Contact the seller immediately if you need modifications.
What is the difference between pending and processing?
Processing means payment is authorized and tickets are confirmed, while pending means confirmation is still outstanding.
How do I cancel a pending ticket order?
Contact the seller right away to cancel. Online orders may allow instant cancellation through your account. Refund eligibility depends on policies.
How long does it take to get a refund on cancelled pending tickets?
Refund timing varies by payment form. Allow at least 7-10 business days for credit cards, and upwards of one billing cycle for debit refunds.
Conclusion
A pending status for event tickets or travel signifies an interim stage between order and confirmation. While it means your purchase is underway, pending does not guarantee completion. Stay on top of communications, allow reasonable processing time, and proceed once tickets are fully confirmed. With good planning and patience, pending tickets can still result in admission to the event you wish to attend.