Ticketmaster, which is one of the largest ticket vendors for live entertainment events, does have some limited options when it comes to swapping seats for events purchased through their platform. However, the specific policies and restrictions around seat swapping can vary depending on the event promoter, venue policies, and type of tickets purchased.
Can you swap seats if you buy tickets from Ticketmaster?
In general, Ticketmaster allows ticket buyers to list their tickets for resale through their Ticketmaster Resale platform. This means if you purchase tickets through Ticketmaster originally, you can list them for resale yourself and try to swap for different seats at the same event if desired.
However, there are some important limitations and exceptions to be aware of:
- Not all events allow tickets to be resold through Ticketmaster Resale. The event organizer or venue may prohibit resale or set restrictions.
- For special ticket types like season tickets, VIP packages, or anything involving seat licenses, swapping privileges are very limited or prohibited.
- Swapping seats can only be done if you resell your original tickets and then purchase new tickets on the resale platform. There is no direct seat-to-seat swap option.
- You will likely take a loss on the value of your original tickets if you resell and have to buy new seats.
So in summary – while Ticketmaster does provide a resale marketplace that can sometimes facilitate seat swaps, the policies are set on an event-by-event basis and it often involves financial losses to change seats if permitted.
Does Ticketmaster allow you to upgrade seats?
Ticketmaster does not offer direct seat upgrades for events purchased on their primary marketplace. However, there are some indirect ways you may be able to upgrade seats through their platforms:
- As mentioned above, you can resell your current tickets through Ticketmaster Resale and use the funds to purchase more expensive tickets for better seats in the same section or venue.
- Occasionally, Ticketmaster releases additional ticket inventory closer to event dates. If new front row or VIP tickets become available, you can try to purchase those and resell your originals.
- For season tickets or multi-event packages, you may be able to pay a fee to the team or venue to upgrade your seat locations for the entire package.
The best way to get better seats is to purchase the best tickets you can afford initially. Relying on resale and upgrades comes with a lot more limitations and uncertainty in most cases.
What fees are involved with swapping seats on Ticketmaster?
There are a few different fees that can come into play if trying to swap seats through the Ticketmaster Resale platform:
- Sell Fee – This is a fee paid by the seller when listing tickets for resale, usually around 10-15% of the ticket price.
- Buy Fee – The buyer will pay a purchase fee when buying tickets on resale, around 20-25% of ticket price.
- Price Floor Fee – For very high demand events, Ticketmaster may set a price floor that requires tickets to be resold above face value. The seller will pay a fee equal to the difference between the floor and original price.
- Delivery Fees – Both buyer and seller pay a delivery fee for mobile or printed tickets, around $5-10 per ticket.
In many cases, the total fees involved with reselling and then rebuying tickets can add up to 30-40% or more on top of the ticket’s face value. This significantly impacts the economics of trying to swap seats versus buying the desired tickets originally.
What are some tips for successfully swapping seats on Ticketmaster?
If you do want to try and swap seats through Ticketmaster’s resale platform, here are some tips for having the highest chance of success:
- Sell as soon as possible once you know you want different seats to maximize resale value.
- Price your listed tickets competitively based on current resale prices for similar seats.
- Be flexible on exact seat location – sections nearby or across an aisle may have more options.
- Consider less popular events where demand is lower – swaps are very unlikely for sellouts.
- For multi-ticket purchases, you can list pairs or 4-packs together or split them up to have more swap possibilities.
- Use Fan-to-Fan Ticket Transfer if available for no-fee direct transfers to other fans.
The most in-demand events will have little to no resale inventory, so focus on mid-popularity events if seat swaps are a priority in your Ticketmaster purchases.
What happens if you get caught swapping seats?
If you swap seats by purchasing tickets from an unauthorized source or simply moving to open seats not matching your ticket, there are a few things that can happen if you get caught by venue staff:
- You will be required to move back to your ticketed seat.
- Your ticket may be revoked without refund and you can be escorted out of the venue.
- For repeat offenses, you may be banned from the venue for future events.
- Your Ticketmaster account can be suspended or blacklisted if swaps violate their policies.
While not a criminal offense, unauthorized seat swapping does represent trespassing and theft of services from the venue. Fines are unlikely, but forced exit from the event and account suspensions are possible outcomes of getting caught. Only swap seats through valid resale purchases.
Conclusion
In summary, while Ticketmaster’s resale platform does provide some options for seat swapping under certain conditions, there are significant limitations in policies, fees involved, and availability of inventory. For high-demand events or premium ticket types, swapping is very unlikely to be feasible. Customers should purchase the specific tickets they want initially when available to avoid hassles and extra costs down the line.
That being said, for less popular events or personal schedule changes, the Ticketmaster Resale platform can sometimes provide a way to exchange tickets. Sellers do take a loss in most cases, so seats cannot be directly swapped without purchase and sale of new tickets. But with effort and diligently checking resale listings, fans can occasionally swap seats successfully.
As with any ticket purchase, be sure to carefully read all policies, fees, and conditions before committing to a ticket purchase and sale. Events frequently prohibit resale or impose restrictions, so check in advance before assuming seats can be swapped through Ticketmaster.
While not as convenient as a direct trade or upgrade, Ticketmaster Resale provides a regulated, policy-compliant way to attempt getting different seats for an event you have tickets to. But patience, flexibility, and managing expectations are key to have the best chance of success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you change seat locations on Ticketmaster?
No, there is no direct way to change or swap seat locations through Ticketmaster once an initial ticket purchase is made. You must resell your original tickets and then purchase new seats through Ticketmaster Resale or an authorized third party reseller.
Do venues allow seat changes on the day of the event?
It depends on the specific venue and event policies, but most do not allow seat changes directly with the venue box office. Your only option would be purchasing last minute resale tickets from an authorized broker.
What happens if you get better seats and get kicked out of them?
If venue staff catch you in unauthorized seat locations, you will most likely be required to go back to your original assigned seats. If you refuse, you may be ejected from the event without refund and prohibited from future events.
Can you swap seats for sporting events on Ticketmaster?
Team leagues and venues often prohibit resale of tickets altogether. But in some cases season ticket holders may be able to exchange tickets directly with the team. Standard game tickets cannot be directly swapped through Ticketmaster.
How early should you list tickets for resale to swap seats?
Ideally as soon as possible once you know you want different seats. Prices and demand tend to be highest right after on-sale. Last minute resale prices usually drop with unsold inventory.