There are a few potential reasons why your seat may have changed when purchasing tickets through Ticketmaster. The most common causes include:
Dynamic Pricing
Many events use dynamic or variable pricing these days, where ticket prices fluctuate based on demand. If you are revisiting your cart, the ticket price and/or seat location may adjust. When seats are in high demand, prices typically go up. So your original seat selection may no longer be available at the price you originally saw. The system may automatically move you to a different seat at that price point.
Selling Out
Similarly, if tickets are selling fast for an event, it’s possible your original seats have sold out by the time you complete your purchase. The tickets you originally selected are no longer available, so Ticketmaster automatically switches you to a comparable seat option still available.
System Errors
Technical errors can also rarely cause seat changes during the Ticketmaster checkout process. Glitches in the system could result in your seat selection not being properly held or processed correctly. In those cases, you may be switched to a different seat automatically.
Cancellations and Returns
If other customers cancel their orders or return tickets, some of the seats you originally looked at may become available again. Ticketmaster’s system could shift you into one of those better seat options if they come back into inventory.
Venue Layout Changes
Venues will sometimes change the seat layout or numbering scheme for an event, resulting in seat numbers changing from what was originally listed. In those cases, Ticketmaster will try to get you the closest comparable seat to what you initially selected when completing your order.
Manual Changes
In rare cases, a Ticketmaster agent may manually change your seats when processing your order behind the scenes. This could happen if there is an issue or problem with your original selection that needs to be resolved. An agent might move you to a different seat in those situations.
Tips to Keep Your Original Seats
To try avoiding getting your Ticketmaster seats changed, here are some tips:
- Complete your purchase soon after selecting seats – don’t leave tickets in your cart for too long
- Avoid making multiple carts if possible – stick to one transaction
- Check for seat availability warnings – this indicates high demand
- Avoid previewing too many different seat options – stick with your top choices
- Double check your seats right before final checkout
- Use Ticketmaster’s refreshed inventory viewing if seats changed – this allows you to potentially get your original seats back if they become available again later
Contacting Ticketmaster
If your seats still get changed at checkout after trying these tips, you can contact Ticketmaster’s customer service to discuss the issue:
- Live chat: Available on Ticketmaster.com
- Phone: 1-800-653-8000 (toll free)
- Twitter: @Ticketmaster
- Additional contact options available on Ticketmaster.com
A representative may be able to assist with seat selections and discuss available options. However, there are no guarantees they can get your original exact seats back if they have been sold or are no longer available at that price point.
Refunds If Seats Change
If your Ticketmaster seat selections change at checkout and you are no longer satisfied, you may be able to request a refund depending on the event ticket policy. Review the specifics before completing your purchase.
Typically, you can get a full refund if you act quickly and your event is more than 12-24 hours away. Closer to the event date, you may get a credit instead. Each event handles changed seats differently regarding refunds or exchanges.
Using Alternate Ticketing Websites
If you want more control over seat selection, try using an alternate ticket source instead of Ticketmaster. Some options include:
- Official venue or box office website – May have access to more inventory
- Artist or promoter website – Often sell tickets directly
- Resale marketplaces like StubHub – Buy from other fans
- VIP concierge services – Get access to premier seats
These sources may give you better ability to lock in specific seats initially. However, resale sites also carry higher prices typically.
Is Dynamic Pricing Unethical?
Arguments For Dynamic Pricing | Arguments Against Dynamic Pricing |
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There are reasonable arguments on both sides of the dynamic pricing debate when it comes to ethics. Some see it as a valuable modern tool, while others view it as unfair and overly complex. There are merits to both stances.
Contact Event Provider First If Issues
If you encounter an issue with your Ticketmaster tickets or seats, always start by contacting the event provider or venue directly. They can check on inventory and may have more flexibility to address concerns.
If you don’t get adequate resolution, then contact Ticketmaster customer service. They can confirm if there were any system errors or glitches on their end.
As a last resort, you can dispute the charges with your credit card company. But try going through proper channels first for the best results.
Plan Ahead To Avoid Surprises
To minimize the chance of your Ticketmaster seats changing unexpectedly, plan ahead:
- Research the venue seating chart ahead of time
- Identify your preferred sections or areas in advance
- Be ready to purchase as soon as tickets go on sale
- Factor in time differences if tickets go on sale globally
- Understand ticket limits or special requirements
- Have an account already set up with payment details saved
Proper planning and preparation can give you the best shot at getting the exact seats you want when competing with thousands of other fans.
Is it Possible to Get the Same Seats Again?
If your Ticketmaster seat selections get changed during checkout, is it possible to try getting the same exact seats again?
It depends on the specific scenario:
- If seats are still open and available, you may be able to go back and re-select them.
- If seats are now listed at a higher price, you likely can purchase them again if willing to pay the current price.
- If tickets are now listed as unavailable, your original seats have likely been purchased and are no longer an option.
You can try refreshing seat inventory periodically to see if your original seats open up again. But be aware that high-demand tickets tend to sell out very quickly these days.
Confirm Tickets Immediately After Purchase
After you complete a ticket purchase on Ticketmaster, be sure to immediately confirm:
- Correct event, date, and venue
- Correct number of tickets
- Correct seat locations
- Correct ticket prices
Downloading tickets to your digital wallet or taking screenshots right away can help document exactly what seats you purchased. This provides proof if any discrepancies come up later that require follow up with customer service.
Beware of Scams
With many high-profile events constantly selling out these days, ticket scams are unfortunately common. Be cautious of:
- Fake resale websites
- Social media deals from strangers
- Cash payments without official receipts
- Requests to pay via wire transfer or gift cards
Only buy from trusted sources. If a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is. Pay securely with credit cards whenever possible to get protections.
Plan For Contingencies
Have backup plans in case your ideal Ticketmaster tickets fall through:
- Be open to different date options for the event if available.
- Consider less ideal seat locations if cheaper.
- Track ticket resale sites leading up to the event.
- Follow fan exchanges on social media.
- Add your name to venue waitlists if offered.
With persistence and flexibility, you can often find alternative ticket options eventually. But sometimes demand is just too high.
It May Be a Blessing in Disguise
Try to keep perspective if your perfect Ticketmaster seats don’t work out. Sometimes last minute changes end up being blessings in disguise.
- You may get moved to an even better seat section or closer view.
- You may avoid an area with an obstructed view or poor acoustics.
- You won’t waste time chasing unavailable seats when other options exist.
While seat changes can be disappointing initially, they can occasionally improve your event experience in the end.
Should I Use Multiple Devices?
Some fans use multiple devices simultaneously when trying to get hot-ticket items on Ticketmaster, in hopes this will increase their chances. But is this recommended?
Potential Benefits
- Can access seat options on one device while finalizing transaction on another.
- Provides backup if one device has technical issues.
- Allows trying for seats in multiple sections at once.
Potential Drawbacks
- Increases chances of duplicate orders or wasted money.
- Can contribute to website slowdowns and crashes.
- May be prohibited by Ticketmaster during high-demand sales.
- Adds unnecessary complexity.
Using just one device is typically sufficient and safer. But having a trusted friend or family member use a separate device simultaneously can provide some limited backup.
Is Reselling Tickets Unethical?
There are ethical debates around reselling event tickets for profit. Here are some perspectives to consider:
Arguments That It Is Unethical
- Takes advantage of fan demand to inflate prices
- Rewards those with more resources rather than passion for the event
- Contributes to quick sellouts and limits average fan access
- Circumvents maximum purchase limits imposed by venues
Arguments That It Is Ethical
- Provides a secondary market for in-demand tickets
- Allows fans who missed out initial chance to still attend
- Tickets are owner’s property to resell if desired
- Increases overall number of tickets available to public
There are good-faith arguments on both sides. Some see resellers as unethical scalpers, while others view it as basic supply and demand economics. Like most issues, there is nuance.
Be Wary of Predatory Tactics
Some unscrupulous resellers use predatory tactics to snap up ticket inventory:
- Bots – Automated software to buy tickets faster than humans
- Duplicate Accounts – Creating multiple accounts to exceed purchase limits
- Stolen Credit Cards – Using fraudulent cards then cancelling charges
- Fake Listings – Bait-and-switch tactics to lure buyers
These shady practices squeeze out everyday fans. Try to support ethical sources when possible. And be very cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.
Focus on the Event Experience
While seat mix-ups can be annoying initially, try to focus on the bigger picture:
- Getting to enjoy the highly-anticipated event itself.
- Making memorable moments with family, friends, or fellow fans.
- Supporting performers or teams you are passionate about.
No matter where you end up sitting, you’ll get to soak in the atmosphere and excitement of seeing your favorite act live. Keep perspective on what matters most.
Conclusion
Having your ticket seats changed during Ticketmaster checkout can certainly be frustrating. But in many cases it is unavoidable due to high demand. If it happens, don’t panic. You still have options. Be proactive in contacting customer service and exploring alternatives. With flexibility and preparation, you can usually find acceptable tickets even if your original seats fall through. Focus on making the most of the event experience itself.