With the rise of digital tickets, many events and venues now offer PDF tickets that can be downloaded to your phone or printed out at home. This leads to the common question – can tickets scanned from a PDF be accepted for entry? The short answer is yes, tickets scanned from a properly formatted PDF can work just like traditional paper tickets. However, there are some important factors to consider to ensure your PDF ticket scans correctly.
How PDF Tickets Work
PDF tickets contain a barcode or QR code that contains the ticket information digitally. When you go to enter an event, the staff at the entrance can scan this code with a barcode scanner or QR reader to pull up your ticket data. This allows them to verify your ticket is valid for entry without needing to scan a traditional paper ticket.
For PDF tickets to work, they must meet these technical requirements:
- The PDF must contain a scannable barcode or QR code associated with the ticket.
- The barcode or QR code must be clearly visible and easy for scanners to read.
- The PDF viewer on your device must display the embedded barcode/QR code clearly.
- The PDF barcode must be formatted properly to contain the right ticket verification data.
As long as the PDF contains the necessary barcode and the scanning devices can correctly read the barcode, PDF tickets can be scanned for entry just like regular paper tickets.
Tips for Using PDF Tickets Successfully
To make sure your PDF ticket scans smoothly, follow these tips:
Print Out the PDF
For the most reliable scanning, print out your PDF ticket. This avoids any display issues on your phone screen that could interfere with scanning the barcode. Print the PDF in color on plain white paper at actual size. Avoid shrinking the PDF down, as this can impact barcode readability.
Download the PDF to Your Phone
If you wish to go paperless, download the PDF to your phone and save it to your camera roll or files app. When you get to the event, have the PDF ready to display on your phone screen. Zoom in fully so the barcode takes up the majority of the screen. Avoid covering up any part of the barcode.
Check Barcode Readability
Before heading to the event, test if your PDF’s barcode can be read correctly. You can download a barcode scanning app and try scanning your ticket PDF. If the app struggles to read it, the venue scanners may as well. Reach out to the ticket seller for a reissued PDF if needed.
Have Alternative Check-In Options
In case of any issues with your PDF at check-in, also bring along the order confirmation email as back-up. Many venues can look up your ticket if you provide the order number or buyer details.
Arrive Early
Be sure to arrive with plenty of time before the start of the event. This gives you a buffer in case the staff needs to troubleshoot your PDF ticket before allowing entry.
Know the Refund Policy
If there are ongoing issues with your PDF ticket not scanning, find out if you are eligible for a refund or replacement ticket. Policies vary, so check in advance with the seller if possible.
Examples of Venues Accepting PDF Tickets
Many major event venues and ticket sellers now accept PDF ticket formats. Here are some examples:
Concerts and Music Festivals
Major ticket sellers like Ticketmaster and AXS allow electronic tickets delivery for concerts. Festivals like Coachella also now issue PDF tickets. Having your ticket on your phone helps reduce ticket fraud and reselling.
Sporting Events
The NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB all offer mobile ticketing to fans. PDF tickets from Ticketmaster, VividSeats, and more can be scanned right from your smartphone screen when entering stadiums.
Theater Performances
Broadway theaters in New York, West End theaters in London, and regional venues around the world allow e-ticket programs. Show PDF tickets on your phone or print them out to hand to ushers.
Airlines
Many airlines like Delta, American, and Southwest all enable electronic boarding passes. Download your boarding pass to your phone or tablet and scan it at TSA and when boarding the plane.
Movie Theaters
Large cinema chains like AMC and Regal Cinemas have rolled out mobile ticketing. Purchase your movie tickets online and display your PDF ticket at the theater to scan under the barcode reader.
Pros of Using PDF Tickets
Why have venues and ticket sellers adopted PDF ticket systems? Here are some of the major benefits:
Convenience
With PDF tickets, you don’t have to worry about losing a paper ticket or forgetting it at home on event day. Everything is digital on your phone or other mobile device.
Easy Transferring/Sharing
PDF tickets can be quickly transferred to other attendees if needed. Easily share via email, text, social media, and more.
Environmental Sustainability
Mobile tickets reduce paper waste from traditional ticket printing. Hundreds of thousands of tickets can be eliminated for major events and venues.
Cost Savings
Issuing digital tickets reduces costs compared to mailing out paper tickets. Venues can pass some of these savings along to fans and customers.
Prevent Fraud/Scalping
With traditional paper tickets, fraud and scalping are major issues. PDF tickets help prevent counterfeiting and reselling of tickets using dynamic barcodes linked to the buyer.
Data Collection
Digital tickets allow venues to more easily collect customer data and target upgrades, offers, and more to ticket buyers before and after events.
Cons of Using PDF Tickets
While PDF ticketing has its perks, there are also some potential drawbacks:
Technology Issues
If phones run out of battery or mobile service is spotty, PDF tickets become inaccessible. Phone screens cracking or breaking also presents problems.
User Error
Fans may forget to download tickets, fail to zoom in properly on barcodes, or bring the wrong confirmation code. Lack of familiarity with the technology can lead to issues.
Ticket Transfer Challenges
Transferring PDF tickets properly requires following the right processes. Fans used to handing off paper tickets may struggle with mobile transfers.
Additional Scanning Time
Scanning PDF tickets one by one at venue entrances takes more time versus scanning batches of paper tickets. This can sometimes create longer lines.
Upfront Costs
Venues must invest in barcode scanner systems and train staff to use them properly. This requires some upfront financial investment.
Exclusion of Non-Smartphone Users
Requiring digital tickets excludes patrons without smartphones from paperless events. Venues must consider accessibility.
Key Takeaways
Here are the key points on whether PDF tickets can be scanned for entry:
- PDF tickets contain scannable barcodes and QR codes to allow digital ticket verification.
- For proper scanning, PDF tickets must have a clearly displayed, properly formatted barcode.
- Printing out PDF tickets can provide the most reliable scanning results.
- Bringing up PDF tickets on a smartphone works if the barcode is zoomed in fully.
- Major venues, events, airlines, and more now accept PDF ticket formats.
- Benefits include convenience, sustainability, anti-fraud protection but technology can also cause issues.
- With proper preparation, PDF tickets can be smoothly scanned to gain entry.
The Bottom Line
PDF ticketing is becoming more and more commonplace as venues digitize and offer mobile ticket delivery. While some adjustments are required for patrons, PDF tickets offer a convenient format you can print or carry on your smartphone. As long as you have the complete barcode and follow the venue’s mobile ticket guidelines, there is no reason properly formatted PDF tickets should not scan successfully to grant you entry. Just be sure to test them beforehand and arrive with plenty of time to resolve any potential check-in issues. Happy attending!