A bypass link Ticketmaster is a special URL that allows users to bypass the Ticketmaster queue when trying to purchase tickets for in-demand events. Bypass links provide direct access to the Ticketmaster checkout page, enabling users to skip ahead of others waiting in the virtual line.
How do bypass links work?
When an event goes on sale on Ticketmaster, users trying to purchase tickets are placed in a waiting room or queue. This is done to control traffic and prevent Ticketmaster’s servers from crashing due to high demand. The queue assigns users a random spot in line and they must wait their turn before accessing the checkout page.
Bypass links allow users to circumvent the queue altogether. They provide a direct link to the checkout page, allowing the user to skip ahead of the line. Bypass links are usually a combination of the Ticketmaster URL plus a code or token that gives the user access.
For example, a bypass link might look like this:
https://www1.ticketmaster.com/event/0123ABCD?bypass=true
The bypass code “true” tells Ticketmaster’s system to let the user through to checkout without waiting in the queue. This gives them early access to tickets before others are let through the virtual waiting room.
Where do bypass links come from?
There are a few potential sources for Ticketmaster bypass links:
- Artist or venue pre-sales – Artists and venues often get a handful of bypass links to share with fan club members or VIPs to give them presale access.
- Promoters and sponsors – Events sponsors or promoters may have bypass links to give out to their customers or email lists.
- Ticket brokers – Ticket resale sites and brokers frequently obtain or generate bypass links through various methods.
- Link hacking – Savvy internet users try to “hack” Ticketmaster links to gain bypass access.
In most cases, bypass links are limited and only a select number are distributed. This makes them highly coveted for popular events where tickets sell out instantly.
Why use bypass links?
There are several potential advantages to using a Ticketmaster bypass link when purchasing tickets:
- Get tickets faster – Bypassing the queue means getting through checkout faster, giving you first dibs on tickets before others.
- Avoid sell-outs – High demand events often sell out in seconds. Bypass links let you access tickets before they’re gone.
- Get better seats – The sooner you checkout, the better seat selection you’ll have access to.
- Less waiting around – You won’t have to sit in the Ticketmaster queue wondering if you’ll get tickets.
Overall, bypass links give you a major advantage over the general public for hot events. The only catch is getting your hands on a valid bypass link to begin with.
How to get Ticketmaster bypass links
There are a few ways fans try to get access to Ticketmaster bypass links:
- Join fan clubs – Artists will often share presale bypass links with official fan club members.
- Buy resale – Ticket brokers resell bypass links at a premium for high demand events.
- Check presales – Look for presales that provide bypass links to buyers.
- Follow influencers – People with inside connections sometimes share links online.
- Try link hacking – Attempt to reverse engineer patterns in Ticketmaster URLs.
There is no surefire way for the general public to get bypass links. Your best bet is to utilize presales, sign up for fan clubs, and leverage any connections that may have Ticketmaster insider access.
Potential risks and downsides
While bypass links provide major advantages, there are also some potential risks and downsides to consider:
- High costs – Bypass links often sell on secondary markets for exorbitant prices.
- Invalid links – You may get scammed with an invalid or already used link.
- Accounting issues – Ticketmaster may flag or cancel orders placing using bypass links if they detect misuse.
- Legal gray area – Using bypass links could be considered “cutting in line” and against Ticketmaster’s Terms of Service.
As with any method that circumvents normal purchase flows, bypass links exist in a bit of a legal and ethical gray area. Use them at your own risk and be aware that Ticketmaster is likely working to shut down the practice.
Does Ticketmaster allow bypass links?
Ticketmaster does not officially sanction the use of bypass links for normal ticket purchases. Their Terms of Service prohibit cutting in line and other tactics that subvert the normal queue process when high demand tickets go on sale. This includes the use of bypass links and access codes not officially issued by Ticketmaster.
That being said, Ticketmaster has not cracked down heavily on bypass link usage to date. While fans may risk account suspensions or cancellations if detected, it is still fairly common practice to find and use bypass links. Ticketmaster seems to tolerate some level of bypass link usage as long as it doesn’t become too excessive and completely subvert their systems.
Overall, bypass links exist in a gray area – not officially allowed but also not fully restricted. Fans use them at their own risk and Ticketmaster reserves the right to crack down if they perceive abuse of the practice.
Examples of bypass links
To understand how bypass links are formatted, here are some real examples for previous Ticketmaster events:
Event | Bypass Link |
---|---|
Metallica Concert | https://www1.ticketmaster.com/event/1B005123?bypass=true |
NBA Finals Game 1 | https://www1.ticketmaster.com/event/2B003849?bypass=XYZ123 |
Lady Gaga | https://www1.ticketmaster.com/lady-gaga-las-vegas-nv-10-18-2019/event/2C00574FB0B6409C?bypass=GagaVegas |
Looking at these examples, you can see some patterns in how Ticketmaster bypass links are structured:
- They contain the standard Ticketmaster URL plus a bypass code
- The code is appended as a parameter (=bypass) or tacked onto the end
- Codes are a mix of simple keywords (true), random strings (XYZ123), or event-specific (GagaVegas)
Understanding the anatomy of a bypass link can make it easier to spot valid ones or potentially reverse engineer codes.
How are bypass links generated?
There is no single, standardized way that Ticketmaster bypass links are generated. Since they are not officially created or sanctioned by Ticketmaster, bypass links come about through a variety of methods:
- Insider access – Partners, artists, venues, etc. may get special access codes from Ticketmaster that turn into bypass links.
- URL hacking – People guess codes and brute force random Ticketmaster links until stumbling upon ones that work.
- Link generators – Bots and specialized software tries endless combinations of codes to reverse engineer bypass links.
- Link hijacking – Getting unauthorized access to Ticketmaster’s systems to create or clone valid bypass links.
There is no publicly known process for generating “official” Ticketmaster bypass links. Those with inside access have the best chance of getting codes directly from Ticketmaster. Otherwise, it requires luck and persistence to find working links through other means.
Are bypass links illegal?
The use of Ticketmaster bypass links exists in a legal gray area. There are a few key factors to consider:
- They violate Ticketmaster’s Terms of Service, which prohibit cutting in line.
- However, they are not outright illegal according to most laws.
- Anti-hacking laws may apply if gaining unauthorized system access.
- Reselling bypass links for profit could be prohibited.
- Their legal status has not been directly challenged in court.
Based on these factors, most experts consider bypass link usage to be a Terms of Service violation but not an outright illegal act. Ticketmaster could potentially sue someone abusing bypass links for hacking or fraud, but fans using links moderately are unlikely to face legal consequences.
As with any gray area, there are risks involved. But bypass links exist in a legal limbo that Ticketmaster has not yet addressed through legal action.
The future of Ticketmaster bypass links
Going forward, the prevalence of Ticketmaster bypass links likely depends on how strictly Ticketmaster enforces their Terms of Service against link usage. Some possible future scenarios include:
- Crackdown – Ticketmaster issues lawsuits, fines, or account bans against major bypass link sellers and users.
- Turning a blind eye – Ticketmaster does little to curb bypass link usage as long as it remains limited.
- Embedding codes – Ticketmaster bakes bypass code functionality directly into certain presale links.
- New policies – Clear policies are enacted on if/how bypass links can be used by fans.
In their current shadowy form, the future of bypass links remains uncertain. Both Ticketmaster and fans will shape how this Ticketmaster “hack” evolves in the years to come.
Conclusion
Ticketmaster bypass links allow fans to cut in front of the line and gain presale ticket access to in-demand events. While not condoned officially, these special links are highly sought after by fans and ticket brokers alike. Distributing and using bypass links occurs in a legal gray area but provides advantages to those able to obtain them. It remains to be seen how Ticketmaster will manage these backdoor links as part of their ticketing process moving forward.
Overall, bypass links are emblematic of the cat and mouse game between ticketing platforms and savvy fans. As technology evolves, both sides try to stay one step ahead in pursuit of the ultimate goal – great tickets. How this game plays out in the future will likely reshape live event ticketing in ways we can’t yet predict.