This is a common question for people who have transferred event tickets through Ticketmaster and later changed their mind. The short answer is maybe, but it depends on the specific circumstances of the ticket transfer.
How Ticket Transfers Work on Ticketmaster
Ticketmaster allows ticket holders to transfer tickets through its online system to someone else. This allows people to easily sell or gift event tickets without having to physically meet up and exchange paper tickets.
To transfer a ticket on Ticketmaster, the original ticket purchaser logs into their Ticketmaster account online and selects the “Transfer Tickets” option. They enter the recipient’s name, email address and the specific tickets they want to transfer over.
The recipient then receives an email notification that tickets have been transferred to them. They must accept the ticket transfer by setting up their own Ticketmaster account and claiming the tickets.
Once the ticket transfer is completed, the tickets are completely removed from the original purchaser’s account and officially transferred to the recipient’s account. The original purchaser no longer has ownership or access to the tickets.
Can You Reverse a Completed Ticket Transfer?
In most cases, once a ticket has been fully transferred to another person on Ticketmaster, it cannot be taken back or reversed. The tickets are completely detached from the original purchaser’s account and tied to the new ticket owner.
However, there are some limited scenarios where you may be able to essentially “take back” a transferred Ticketmaster ticket, such as:
- The recipient has not yet accepted the ticket transfer
- You transferred the tickets to someone by mistake
- There is suspicion of fraudulent activity
Recipient Has Not Accepted Transfer
If the ticket transfer is still pending because the recipient has not yet accepted and claimed the tickets, the original ticket holder may be able to cancel the transfer.
The original purchaser would need to quickly log into their Ticketmaster account and attempt to cancel the ticket transfer before the recipient accepts it. If successful, the ticket transfer is voided and the tickets remain in the original purchaser’s account.
Tickets Were Transferred by Mistake
Sometimes people accidentally transfer tickets to the wrong recipient. In this case, the original ticket holder can contact Ticketmaster customer support and explain the situation.
Ticketmaster may be able to essentially “take back” the tickets by canceling the completed transfer, as long as the new recipient has not yet used the tickets. This relies on Ticketmaster being able to confirm the transfer was truly a mistake.
Suspected Fraudulent Activity
In rare cases where someone believes their Ticketmaster account was hacked or tickets were fraudulently transferred without their consent, they should immediately contact Ticketmaster.
If Ticketmaster can confirm suspicious activity, they may be able to reverse any unauthorized ticket transfers and restore the tickets.
Getting Agreement from Ticket Recipient
The best chance for successfully taking back transferred tickets is getting the recipient’s agreement and cooperation. If both parties contact Ticketmaster together and request to cancel the completed transfer, there is an increased chance that Ticketmaster accommodates the request.
Things to Keep in Mind
Here are some important things to keep in mind about reversing a Ticketmaster ticket transfer:
- Success is not guaranteed – Ticketmaster is under no obligation to reverse a completed transfer
- Tickets cannot be taken back once they have been used to enter an event
- Changes are easier before the transfer is accepted and completed
- Proof and context around any mistakes or unauthorized activity is crucial
- The sooner Ticketmaster is contacted, the better
- Having the recipient agree to reverse the transfer significantly helps
Policies Around Ticket Transfers
It’s important to check the official ticket transfer policy for the specific event tickets purchased. There are sometimes additional restrictions around transferring tickets for certain concerts, festivals, theaters, or sporting events.
For example, some tickets cannot be transferred at all after purchase, or can only be transferred once. Some tickets have limits on when they can be transferred, such as up until 24 hours before the event.
Season ticket holders for sports teams often have special policies around transferring individual game tickets that come with their season ticket package.
Alternatives if Transfer Can’t Be Reversed
If you are unable to get Ticketmaster to reverse a completed ticket transfer, here are some alternative options:
- Have the recipient transfer the tickets back to you in Ticketmaster
- Ask the recipient to sell the tickets for you, and send you the money
- Negotiate a return and repurchase of the tickets outside of Ticketmaster
- Purchase replacement tickets for the event if still available
- Chalk it up as a loss, and be more careful about transfers next time
How to Avoid Issues with Ticket Transfers
To avoid running into problems with Ticketmaster ticket transfers, keep these tips in mind:
- Double check all recipient contact information before transferring
- Confirm the correct tickets are selected before completing transfer
- Print or save confirmation email after transferring for records
- Do not transfer tickets to someone you do not know or trust
- Understand any special transfer policies for the event
- Act quickly if you notice an accidental or unauthorized transfer
- Ask the recipient to confirm receiving the transfer
Conclusion
While Ticketmaster ticket transfers are intended to be permanent, there are some limited cases where you may be able to essentially “take back” tickets that have already been transferred away. This requires very specific circumstances, timely action, and cooperation from Ticketmaster and the ticket recipient. To avoid headaches, be cautious when transferring tickets and understand the recipient has full control once the transfer is completed.