Getting a good spot in the Ticketmaster queue to purchase tickets for popular concerts and events can be challenging. With high demand events, tickets often sell out within minutes. This leads many fans to worry about getting stuck at the back of the virtual line and missing out on tickets. However, there are some tips and tricks you can use to improve your place in the Ticketmaster queue and get a good spot.
Understand How the Queue Works
First, it helps to understand how the Ticketmaster queue works. When you try to purchase tickets for an event, you are placed in a virtual waiting room. This is essentially a digital queue. Your place is determined by when you joined the queue. So the earlier you get in line, the better your spot will be.
Ticketmaster uses queues to control traffic surges when tickets go on sale. This prevents their website and servers from crashing due to too many users trying to access it at once. It creates a more fair and organized system for fans to take turns purchasing tickets.
Get in the Queue Early
The most important factor in getting a good queue position is joining the line early. You want to get in the Ticketmaster queue as soon as it opens. This is usually hours before the tickets actually go on sale. The queue will open before tickets are available to purchase.
For very popular events, some fans recommend joining the queue the day before just to be safe. While you may have to wait awhile, getting in line ahead of the masses gives you a major advantage. The earlier you’re in the queue, the better your spot will be when tickets go on sale. This will increase your chances of scoring tickets.
Use Multiple Devices
Another strategy is to use multiple devices across different internet connections to get in the queue. Try joining on a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, and mobile phone all at the same time. This essentially gives you multiple places in line, improving your odds.
Just make sure to use different internet connections like home Wi-Fi, cellular data, public Wi-Fi, etc. Ticketmaster may detect and prohibit duplicate queues using the same IP address. Having multiple devices across multiple internet sources means you have backup queue positions to rely on.
Use Different Browsers
Similarly, you can use multiple web browsers across your devices to join the queue. Open up Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, etc and log into your Ticketmaster account on each browser. This further maximizes your queue positions for the event you want tickets for.
Browser queues are separate, so having multiple browsers gives you more chances to access tickets right away. If one browser gets stuck, freezes, or logs you out, you have backups ready in your other browsers.
Verify Your Payment Info
Before getting in line, double check that your payment information is up to date in your Ticketmaster account. Make sure your saved payment method will not expire before the tickets go on sale. Update it with a valid credit or debit card you can use to complete the purchase quickly.
The last thing you want is your transaction delayed because of outdated payment details. With the queue moving rapidly, any hang ups with your payment can cause you to lose tickets. Verify your billing address is also correct to avoid issues.
Use Ticketmaster App
For mobile queue positions, try using the Ticketmaster app rather than your mobile browser. Some reports indicate the app performs better than mobile browsers when purchasing in-demand tickets.
The app may be more optimized and stable compared to a browser on your phone. Downloading the app ahead of time can ensure you have the best experience on mobile. Log into your Ticketmaster account on the app before joining the queue.
Don’t Refresh Too Much
It’s understandable to want to refresh your browser or app constantly while waiting in the Ticketmaster queue. However, refreshing too often can lose your place in line or bump you to the back. It essentially rejoins you in the queue when you refresh.
Limit how often you refresh so you don’t accidentally knock yourself out of position. Most experts recommend only refreshing if your queue stalled for over 5 minutes or you experience an error.
Watch for Captcha Verification
When you finally access the ticket purchasing page after waiting in queue, be ready to verify you are not a bot. Ticketmaster uses Captcha tests like selecting images or clicking a box to confirm you are human.
Pay close attention when these pop up so you can pass the verification. Complete the Captcha challenges as quickly as possible so you don’t get bounced out of your purchase flow. Having humans buy tickets helps prevent scalpers from using bots.
Have Ticketmaster Account Logged In
This may seem obvious, but make sure you are already logged into your Ticketmaster account before joining the queue. You don’t want to waste time entering your username and password when reaching the front.
Your account should be logged in on all devices and browsers you use to queue up. Stay actively logged in as you wait. Try not to switch between windows or tabs in case it logs you out accidentally.
Use Preferred Seating Options
If available for the event, take advantage of Ticketmaster Preferred Seating options like Verified Fan or VIP Tickets. These give fans early access to purchase tickets without needing to queue up.
Verified Fan requires pre-registration but verifies you are an actual human fan and not a bot. VIP tickets are bundled with perks like premium seats and come at a higher price. Either option can help skip long queues.
Have Backup Friends or Family Queue
For the most in-demand events, have friends or family members also join the queue to give you extra chances. They can log in through their own Ticketmaster accounts on their devices.
Coordinate with them to purchase any extra tickets you need and transfer them to you after. This allows you to take multiple spots in line across your circle.
Use a Pre-Queue System
Some ticket presales utilize waiting rooms or queues that open before the main Ticketmaster queue. Join these early queues whenever possible, like fan club or credit card presales.
These typically have less competition, so taking advantage gets you ahead of other fans waiting for general on-sale.
Only Queue for Best Seats
Rather than waste time in multiple queues for mediocre seat options, strategically target only the best seats available. Focus your queue efforts on the seats you really want like front row or VIP sections.
Trying for premium seats that will sell out fastest gives you the best ticket experience if you score them. You can skip queueing up separately for less ideal seats.
Use Queue Tips Specific to Each Event
Research queue tips specific to the concert or event you want tickets for. Fan forums and Facebook groups often share venue-specific advice for navigating queues.
Certain venues may have advantages like using the desktop site over mobile for purchasing. Look for intel on the best queue methods for your particular event.
Have Contingency Queue Backup Plan
Despite your best efforts, there is still a chance you don’t get tickets from the initial on-sale. Have a backup plan in place to queue up again during any re-sales or last minute ticket releases.
Set calendar reminders for any announced second sales dates in case you need to queue again. Don’t give up right after the initial sale.
Use an Online Waiting Room Service
Specialty online services like Primeshare offer paid options to hold your place in line virtually. These services claim to join Ticketmaster queues hours before on-sale.
They text or email you when reaching the front so you can log in and complete your purchase. Using one ensures early queue placement.
Leverage Presale Codes
Use special presale codes whenever available to access tickets before the general public. Presale codes will allow you to purchase tickets during presales before queues open to everyone.
Check fan club emails, social media announcements, or registered fan accounts for any presale codes you can use to beat the crowds.
Conclusion
Getting into a Ticketmaster queue early is the best way to secure a good spot in line and tickets for popular shows. Queue up as soon as possible on multiple devices and browsers. Have friends or family queue as backups. Avoid refreshing excessively or getting logged out. Use verified fan options to skip long queues when available. With smart strategies and persistence, you can hopefully beat the competition and purchase tickets even for ultra high-demand events.
