Error 403 on the Ticketmaster queue refers to a Forbidden access error that users may encounter when trying to access the virtual waiting room or ticket purchasing page. This error indicates that the user has been denied access to the requested page or resource.
What causes error 403 on Ticketmaster?
There are a few potential causes for receiving a 403 Forbidden error on Ticketmaster:
- Your IP address has been temporarily blocked – If you have repeatedly refreshed the page or sent too many requests, Ticketmaster may have detected this as suspicious bot activity and blocked your IP.
- The waiting room or sale is closed – Once the virtual waiting room closes or all tickets sell out, you will likely get a 403 error trying to access those pages.
- You cleared your cookies – Ticketmaster uses cookies to keep track of your place in line and session info. Clearing cookies can result in a 403 error.
- Using a VPN or proxy – Ticketmaster blocks most VPNs and proxies, so accessing the site through one of these can trigger a 403.
- Expired Ticketmaster link – Ticketmaster links for waiting rooms and sales often expire after a short period, so using an outdated link will give a 403.
Essentially, the 403 error suggests you no longer have valid access to the page you are trying to reach. This commonly occurs when the waiting room, sale, or your session has expired.
How can you fix error 403 on Ticketmaster?
Here are some tips for troubleshooting and fixing a 403 error on Ticketmaster:
- Clear your browser cookies and cache – This will reset your session and clear any IP blocks.
- Try a different browser or device – See if the error persists across browsers or devices.
- Use a mobile device on cellular data – This will give you a new IP address not associated with blocks.
- Try disabling your VPN/proxy if using one – VPNs/proxies often trigger Ticketmaster blocks.
- Wait a while and try again later – If recently rate limited, waiting can clear the block.
- Use a different WiFi network – Getting a new public IP from a different network may resolve blocks.
- Contact Ticketmaster Customer Support – They may be able to review blocks on your account.
If you are receiving a 403 error right when joining the waiting room, it likely means the room is full or closed. There is unfortunately no way around that, but you can try again the next time tickets go on sale.
What happens if you get error 403 on Ticketmaster?
If you receive error 403 during the Ticketmaster sales process, here are some things that can happen:
- You will be unable to access the waiting room or ticket sale pages.
- You may lose your place in line and have to start over.
- You may miss out on purchasing tickets if errors persist.
- You may be temporarily blocked for a period of time.
- You will have to clear cookies and troubleshoot the issue.
- You may have to try again on a different device or network.
The 403 error ultimately means you have lost access to Ticketmaster’s queues and sales for some period of time. This could be for a few minutes or a few hours depending on why you were blocked. Your tickets are not guaranteed until final checkout, so a 403 error can absolutely result in missing out on purchasing tickets altogether.
Can error 403 bans be permanent?
While most 403 errors and blocks on Ticketmaster are temporary, there are some cases where they may become permanent:
- Repeated bots/scripts activity from your IP – Ticketmaster severely cracks down on bots, so extensive botting can lead to permanent IP bans.
- Circumventing blocks with VPNs/proxies – Switching IPs to get around blocks may trigger permanent account bans.
- Abusive behavior like vulgar language – Harassing Ticketmaster support reps has resulted in lifetime bans for some users.
- Fraudulent activity or scalping – Buying/selling tickets strictly for profit has led to permanent bans.
- Expired payment methods – Having a high rate of declined payment cards can trigger blocks.
For most average users just accessing the Ticketmaster site normally, permanent bans are rare. They tend to only occur when users are violating the terms of service extensively and repeatedly. If you do get a seemingly permanent ban, reaching out politely to Ticketmaster support is typically the only recourse.
Should you use multiple devices when queueing?
It is generally recommended to use multiple devices across different IP addresses when queueing for competitive Ticketmaster sales. Here are some benefits to using 2-3 devices:
- Increases your chances if one device gets blocked or errors.
- Allows you to have backup waiting room access if cookies are cleared.
- Reduces impact if you lose WiFi or cellular signal on one device.
- Can sometimes let you queue on desktop and mobile simultaneously.
- Gives you options to handle CAPTCHAs and page redirects across devices.
However, using an excessive number of devices may look suspicious to Ticketmaster and increase your chances of blocks. Having 2-3 devices on hand is generally sufficient for reliable queue access without risking bans.
Should you use multiple browser tabs when queueing?
Using multiple browser tabs to queue into the Ticketmaster waiting room or ticket sales is generally not recommended. Here are some downsides to using multiple tabs:
- Tabs will usually interfere with each other’s session and queue position.
- Having too many open tabs can overload system resources and increase errors.
- You may accidentally purchase tickets on the wrong tab and lose your queue position.
- Excessive tab usage looks like bot activity to Ticketmaster’s systems.
One browser tab is usually sufficient for reliable queue access. Having backup tabs on other devices is fine, but too many tabs open on one device or browser is not advisable.
How can you avoid getting error 403 on Ticketmaster?
Here are some tips to avoid getting hit with error 403 during important Ticketmaster sales:
- Only access Ticketmaster from 1-2 whitelisted IP addresses.
- Never use bots, scripts, auto-refreshers or page loaders.
- Avoid VPNs and proxy services when queueing.
- Limit to 2-3 browser tabs/windows open at once.
- If blocked, wait at least a few hours before retrying.
- Don’t spam refresh or back/forward buttons excessively.
- Double check links are valid before clicking – don’t use old/expired ones.
- Clear cookies and cache if you see sudden errors or blocks.
Carefully following Ticketmaster’s terms of service is the best way to minimize issues. While 403 errors cannot be avoided 100% of the time, cautious queueing habits will help reduce errors.
Conclusion
In summary, error 403 during Ticketmaster queues indicates you have lost access to a waiting room, sale page, or your session has expired. This could be due to an IP block, closed waiting room, VPN usage, or other suspicious activity detected. Clearing cookies, switching devices, and avoiding excessive bot-like behavior are key to resolving 403 issues. While bans are usually temporary, intentional and repeated violations of Ticketmaster’s policies can lead to permanent account blocks. Using 2-3 whitelisted devices in moderation, and avoiding tricks like auto-refreshers, is your best bet for a smooth Ticketmaster queueing experience.
Error Code | Meaning | Potential Causes | How to Fix |
---|---|---|---|
403 Forbidden | Access to page or resource denied |
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This summarizes the key points about error 403 on the Ticketmaster queue in a concise table. The error indicates an access denial, and the main fixes involve using new sessions, devices, and networks. Following Ticketmaster’s terms of service closely can help minimize these types of errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I keep getting error 403 on Ticketmaster?
The most common reasons for repeated 403 errors on Ticketmaster are:
- Your IP address has been temporarily blocked
- You are accessing Ticketmaster via VPN or proxy
- Your Ticketmaster session cookies keep getting cleared
- You are using an expired link to access the queue or sale
Using new devices, networks, and valid links can often resolve persistent 403 issues. Avoiding VPNs/proxies is also recommended.
Does error 403 mean I’m banned from Ticketmaster?
A 403 error alone does not necessarily mean you are permanently banned from Ticketmaster. Most 403 errors and blocks are temporary. Permanent bans only occur if you repeatedly violate Ticketmaster’s terms of service through fraudulent activity, bots, excessive VPN usage, etc. If unsure, you can contact Ticketmaster support to check the status of your account.
Can I use multiple devices when queueing on Ticketmaster?
Yes, using 2-3 devices on different networks when queueing on Ticketmaster is generally recommended. It provides backup options in case one device gets blocked or loses connectivity. Just avoid excessive devices, as too many can look suspicious and lead to blocks.
What happens if I get error 403 right when joining the waiting room?
Getting a 403 as soon as you try to join the waiting room typically means it has reached maximum capacity. There is no way around this, unfortunately. The best option is to try again the next time tickets go on sale.
How can I reduce my chances of getting error 403?
Avoid using bots/auto-refreshers, limit browser tabs, clear cookies if errors occur, use 1-2 whitelisted IP addresses, don’t use VPNs/proxies, and double check your links are valid and current. Following Ticketmaster’s terms closely is the best way to minimize 403 errors.
Example Ticketmaster Error 403 Scenario
Here is an example scenario of how error 403 could occur for someone queueing on Ticketmaster:
John is trying to get tickets for an upcoming concert on Ticketmaster. As soon as the virtual waiting room opens at 10am, he accesses the Ticketmaster link on his laptop and phone successfully. However, the desktop browser crashes after a few minutes. When John tries to reload the waiting room on desktop, he gets a 403 Forbidden error. Clearing his cookies and cache does not fix the issue.
He decides to just use his mobile device in the waiting room instead. But right at 10:15am when tickets go on sale, his phone loses signal and he gets a 403 error on mobile as well. John quickly connects to his home WiFi on the phone, but now both mobile and desktop are giving him 403 errors when he tries to access the ticket sale page.
At this point John realizes all his devices seem to be IP banned from Ticketmaster. As a last resort, he connects his phone to a public WiFi network across town. Using cellular data, he is finally able to access the Ticketmaster sale again on his phone and complete his purchase. But he still cannot access the site on his home WiFi network or desktop due to the 403 ban.
This example illustrates how technical issues combined with Ticketmaster blocks can suddenly prevent queue access with a 403 error. John was able to work around it by switching networks and devices, but it demonstrates how tricky such issues can be when queueing on Ticketmaster.
Key Takeaways
- Error 403 means access to a Ticketmaster page or resource has been denied, often due to an IP block.
- Clearing cookies, trying other devices/networks, and avoiding VPNs can resolve many 403 errors.
- Most Ticketmaster 403 blocks are temporary, but intentional violations of TOS can lead to permanent bans.
- Using 2-3 devices moderation is recommended for queueing reliability.
- Avoiding bots, auto-refreshers, and excessive tabs/windows can reduce 403 errors.
References
- https://help.ticketmaster.com/s/article/I-received-an-error-code-403-Forbidden?language=en_US
- https://blog.errorscan.com/403-forbidden/
- https://piraevius.medium.com/how-i-solved-ticketmasters-unkillable-403-error-dcd32ac22a27
- https://cloudflare.com/learning/access-management/what-is-a-403-forbidden-error/
- https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/HTTP/Status/403