Ticketmaster is the largest ticket sales and distribution company in the world. They sell tickets for concert, sports, theater, and other live entertainment events. Many people purchase tickets through Ticketmaster, but sometimes find they can no longer attend the event. This raises the question – can you return or exchange Ticketmaster tickets if you can’t go?
The short answer is maybe. Ticketmaster has a few different policies regarding ticket returns, exchanges, and refunds that depend on the event and ticket type. In general, Ticketmaster will only allow returns or exchanges under certain limited circumstances.
Here are some key things to know about giving back Ticketmaster tickets:
Ticketmaster Return and Refund Policies
Ticketmaster has posted policies on their website regarding ticket refunds, returns, and exchanges. However, these are general guidelines only – specific policies can vary by event. Some key points from their posted policies:
– Tickets cannot be refunded after purchase unless the event is canceled or rescheduled.
– For rescheduled events, you will have 30 days from the new event date to request a refund if you can’t attend.
– Ticketmaster may issue a refund if there are “extraordinary circumstances” that prevent you from attending an event. However, they do not define what counts as extraordinary circumstances.
– Non-refundable tickets cannot be exchanged or returned after purchase.
So in most cases, Ticketmaster will not allow you to return or exchange tickets just because you changed your plans and can’t attend. There has to be a cancellation, postponement, or some extenuating circumstance.
Exceptions for Season Tickets and Multi-Event Packages
If you purchase season tickets or multi-event ticket packages through Ticketmaster, you may have more flexibility on returns. These types of tickets sometimes can be exchanged for another event if you can’t attend a certain date. Check the specific terms for your ticket package.
Reselling Your Tickets
Instead of returning tickets directly to Ticketmaster, you may be able to resell them through Ticketmaster’s resale marketplaces or on other third-party sites like StubHub. This allows you to recoup some of the ticket cost by setting your own resale price. Keep in mind there are no guarantees your tickets will sell.
Donating Your Tickets
Some teams, theaters, and event organizers allow you to donate your tickets to charity if you can’t attend. You may even be able to get a tax deduction. Check with the specific event venue or organizer to see if ticket donation is an option. This is a good way to avoid wasting tickets if you can’t make the show.
When Can You Get a Refund for Ticketmaster Tickets?
As mentioned above, Ticketmaster has strict policies about refunds and returns. Here are some of the only situations when you may be eligible for a refund on Ticketmaster tickets:
The Event is Postponed, Rescheduled, or Canceled
If the event organizer calls off the event entirely and does not reschedule, Ticketmaster will refund the ticket purchase. You will typically be automatically refunded back to your original payment method within 30 days of the cancellation announcement.
If the event is postponed or rescheduled for a later date, you will have 30 days from the new event date to request a refund through Ticketmaster if you can’t attend the new date. They may ask you to provide documentation if the new date conflicts with a scheduling commitment you already had.
You Purchased Ticket Insurance
Some tickets sold through Ticketmaster give you the option to add ticket insurance at checkout, for an additional fee. This protects you if you later find you can’t go to the event. With ticket insurance, you can get a full refund for covered reasons, like illness, travel issues, military deployment, or other unforeseen events.
There are Extraordinary Circumstances
As mentioned earlier, Ticketmaster’s posted policy indicates you may be able to get a refund approved if there are extraordinary circumstances that prevent you from attending an event. What counts as “extraordinary” is up to their discretion.
Some examples that may qualify include:
– Serious last-minute medical emergency or death in the family
– Sudden military deployment or change of orders
– Your entire travel group unable to attend due to food poisoning
– Severe weather or natural disaster that causes travel cancellations
In these types of unforeseen emergencies, Ticketmaster may issue a refund as a courtesy on a case-by-case basis. It’s not guaranteed, but worth contacting them to check.
You Purchased a Ticket Package with Exchange Options
As mentioned earlier, some season ticket packages and multi-event bundles allow ticket exchanges if you can’t make a certain event. The policies vary – some may only allow exchange for another event in the same package, while others offer wider exchange privileges. Read the fine print carefully when purchasing ticket packages.
Steps to Request a Refund from Ticketmaster
If you determine you meet the refund criteria, here is the process to request your money back from Ticketmaster:
1. Contact Ticketmaster Customer Service
Start by calling Ticketmaster customer service or contacting them through their online chat portal. Explain your situation and why you believe you qualify for a refund based on their policies. Have your order number ready for reference.
2. Provide Supporting Documentation
Be prepared to submit any documentation Ticketmaster requests to back up your refund claim. This may include a doctor’s note, military orders, utility bill showing storm damage, or other proof depending on your circumstances.
3. Allow Time for Review
It takes time for Ticketmaster to review refund requests on a case-by-case basis. Do not expect an immediate response. Wait the allotted review period – typically 30 days from your request. Follow up if you do not hear a decision.
4. Accept Refund Method
If approved, work with Ticketmaster on how you want your refund issued. In most cases, it will go back to the original payment method used for purchase. Allow up to 30 days for refund processing.
Getting Future Credit from Ticketmaster
Instead of getting your money back, you may be able to get Ticketmaster credit towards a future event if you need to return tickets. Here is how it works:
Ticketmaster Credit Vouchers
In some cases when you return tickets, Ticketmaster may offer you a credit voucher instead of a cash refund. This voucher can be applied to future Ticketmaster purchases in lieu of your refund. Make sure to ask about credit voucher options when you contact their customer service.
Season Ticket Exchanges
As mentioned earlier, some season ticket packages allow you to exchange tickets from your package for vouchers to different events in the season. Again, policies vary widely on exchanges so check your specific package.
Gift Card Refunds
If the tickets were originally purchased as a Ticketmaster gift card, your refund may be issued back to a gift card instead of your credit card or bank account. This essentially functions as Ticketmaster credit.
Credit for Rescheduled Events
If an event is rescheduled, your original ticket purchase is automatically applied as a credit to the new event date. If you can’t make the new date, you can request a refund within 30 days.
So while complete cash refunds are hard to come by, Ticketmaster may provide future event credit in certain situations where you need to give back tickets.
Steps to Exchange Ticketmaster Tickets
If you meet the exchange criteria, here is how to go about swapping your Ticketmaster tickets for another event:
1. Contact Customer Service
Call or chat with a Ticketmaster representative to begin the exchange process. They will verify if you have exchange privileges based on your specific ticket purchase. Have your order number handy.
2. Request Exchange Options
Ask the representative what events you are able to exchange your tickets for. Exchanges are typically limited to specific teams, theaters, or packages. You may only have 1-for-1 options.
3. Choose New Event
Look over the available exchange options and choose what event you want. Make sure to consider dates, seats, and pricing – you may have to pay a fee for a more expensive exchange.
4. Complete Exchange Transaction
Work with the representative to complete the online exchange. You will likely have to pay any difference in price. Make sure you receive confirmation of the exchange details.
5. Verify New Tickets
Log in to your Ticketmaster account after the exchange to download your new tickets. Confirm all details are correct on the new tickets before the event.
Be aware that exchanges close a certain number of days before an event, so don’t wait too long to swap your tickets if allowed. Act quickly to get the best exchange options.
Tips for Avoiding Ticket Return Issues
To avoid headaches around returning tickets, here are some tips to consider when buying tickets through Ticketmaster:
– Purchase ticket insurance upfront, if available, to allow refunds for covered reasons later.
– Understand any exchange privileges before buying season ticket packages or multi-event bundles.
– Avoid non-refundable ticket types if possible, in case your plans change.
– Mark your calendar with key event dates and deadlines around exchanges, refunds, etc.
– Link the ticket purchase to your Ticketmaster account so they are easy to reference later.
– Only buy from authorized Ticketmaster sellers to guarantee real tickets.
– Read all policies carefully to understand your rights on returns before purchasing tickets.
– Consider reselling unwanted tickets through Ticketmaster resale instead of returns.
Conclusion
Ticketmaster sets strict limits around refunds and exchanges. In most cases, you cannot return tickets just because your plans changed. However, if an event is canceled or you meet special exception criteria, you may be able to get your money back or future event credit from Ticketmaster. Understand the policies before buying, and act quickly within the allotted timeframes if you need to seek a refund or exchange. With preparation and diligence, you can minimize headaches if you need to give back unwanted Ticketmaster tickets.
