Trying to buy tickets to a popular concert or event on Ticketmaster can be incredibly frustrating. As soon as tickets go on sale, thousands of fans rush online to try and secure seats. This massive influx of traffic can cause Ticketmaster’s website and app to slow down or crash. To help manage the demand, they use a virtual waiting room or queue to stagger when fans can access tickets.
What is the Ticketmaster queue?
The Ticketmaster queue is a virtual waiting room that helps control traffic to the ticket sales pages. When an event goes on sale, fans who try to access tickets are automatically placed in the queue. This prevents everyone from loading the ticket checkout pages all at once, which would likely crash the site. Instead, Ticketmaster will limit how many users can enter the sale at a time. Your position in the queue will determine when you get through to buy tickets.
The queue does NOT operate on a first come, first served basis though. Your place is assigned randomly, so getting in line early does not help. All fans have the same chance no matter when they join. The queue is designed to level the playing field and prevent scalpers from monopolizing all the tickets.
When does Ticketmaster use queues?
Ticketmaster typically enables queues for very popular events that they expect will sell out quickly. This includes things like major concerts, music festivals, and championship games. Anytime there will be far more demand than supply, a queue helps control traffic and prevents the website from crashing. Some examples of events that have used Ticketmaster queues include:
- Beyonce and Jay-Z – On The Run II Tour
- Taylor Swift – Reputation Tour
- U2 – Experience + Innocence Tour
- Ed Sheeran – Divide Tour
- NBA Finals
- NFL Playoffs and Super Bowl
- Coachella Music Festival
If hundreds of thousands of fans are trying to purchase a limited number of tickets, a queue is the fairest way to take turns. It may take patience to get through, but at least the website will remain up and running.
How do you join the queue?
There are two ways to enter the queue when tickets go on sale:
- Join directly on Ticketmaster’s website – Navigate to the event page and click “Buy Tickets.” If a queue is active, you’ll automatically be placed in line.
- Join via the Ticketmaster app – Open the app and go to the event. Click “Get Tickets” and the app will put you in the queue.
Make sure to join the queue through Ticketmaster directly! Fake sites will claim to offer the queue early, but they just want your money and info.
Does it cost money to wait in the queue?
No, Ticketmaster’s queue is totally free to join. You do NOT have to pay to enter or secure a spot. The queue actually helps protect you from scalpers trying to profit off high demand. As long as you only join the queue through Ticketmaster’s official website or app, it will always be free.
What information do you need to join the queue?
All you need to enter the Ticketmaster queue is:
- Your name
- Email address
- Phone number
This contact information is used to verify your place in line and send status updates. Make sure it’s all correct! You’ll also need to create a Ticketmaster account if you don’t already have one. This will be where your tickets are sent after purchasing.
How can I improve my queue position?
There is no way to improve your place in the Ticketmaster queue. Your position is randomly assigned when you join, and no amount of waiting will move you up. However, there are a few tips that may help your chances:
- Use both the app and website – Join on both platforms for two chances at a good spot.
- Link your Ticketmaster account – Have your details pre-loaded for a faster checkout.
- Use a strong internet connection – WiFi instead of mobile data to prevent timeouts.
- Be ready at your devices – Don’t step away so you don’t lose your place in line!
Does refreshing help your place in the queue?
No, refreshing the page or app does NOT improve your queue position. In fact, it can actually knock you out of line! Your place is set when you first join, so avoid refreshing unnecessarily. If you get logged out, you can safely re-enter with your same queue spot intact.
How can you tell where you are in the queue?
Ticketmaster will keep you updated on your status in the queue throughout the process. You’ll see messages like:
- “You’re in line!” – After joining with your info.
- “X spots ahead of you” – Your current place as it gets closer.
- “Almost there!” – When you’re within around 50 spots.
- “You’re in!” – Congrats, your turn to purchase tickets.
These real-time updates will let you know how much longer the wait will be based on your position. If you lose connection and get booted out, you can log back in to regain your place.
How long do you have to make a Ticketmaster purchase?
Once it’s your turn to access tickets, you will have around 5 minutes to complete your purchase. A countdown clock on the checkout screen will display your remaining time. Have your tickets, payment details, and promo codes ready to go! If time expires, any tickets left in your cart will be released.
Don’t worry if you run out of time though. In most cases, you’ll just re-enter the back of the queue to wait for another shot. As long as tickets are still available, you haven’t lost your chance completely.
What happens if Ticketmaster crashes during the queue?
One of the main purposes of the Ticketmaster queue is preventing the site from crashing under extremely high traffic. But if Ticketmaster does experience technical issues during the queue, try not to panic. Your place in line is saved on their end, even if you get error messages or kicked out.
Just close the app or refresh the page and log back in. Then you should be able to resume waiting right where you left off. If issues persist for more than 15-20 minutes, Ticketmaster may need to pause or extend the sale.
Can you buy tickets after leaving the queue?
In most cases, you’ll have to go back into the Ticketmaster queue if you want to purchase tickets after exiting. Your initial queue position does NOT save forever. After you leave, your spot goes back into the pool for others still waiting. There are a couple exceptions where re-queueing may not be required:
- The event is not sold out – Tickets may still be available without queuing.
- You have tickets in your cart – Your 5 minute checkout window hasn’t expired yet.
But for high demand shows that sell out quickly, you will likely have to re-enter the queue at the back of the line if you want another chance at tickets.
Does the queue guarantee you tickets?
Unfortunately, no – getting through the Ticketmaster queue does not guarantee you will secure tickets. It merely controls the flow of users to give everyone a fair shot. If an event is very limited or popular, tickets may still sell out before it’s your turn. The queue helps reduce this risk, but cannot eliminate it completely.
Your best chance is being flexible on ticket quantity, seating, and price. Go for single seats instead of groups, or more expensive options that may be left. Join right when the queue opens and be ready the moment you gain access.
Is the queue faster on desktop or mobile?
There typically isn’t much difference between waiting in the Ticketmaster queue on desktop vs. mobile. The process works the same way in terms of entering the line and advancing through positions. Neither platform gives you an inherent advantage.
That said, some fans report a better experience purchasing tickets on desktop. The larger screen makes selecting seats easier and reduces errors. But the mobile app is more convenient for joining the queue on the go.
Your best bet is to use both! Join the queue on mobile as soon as it opens, then switch to desktop closer to your turn. This lets you secure your place in line from anywhere, then complete your order on the larger screen.
Can you beat the Ticketmaster queue?
There are no legit shortcuts for bypassing the Ticketmaster queue completely. Your place is assigned randomly when you enter, and cutting the line is not possible. Some dishonest vendors claim they can get you ahead in line – but these are always scams. Avoid anything offering “guaranteed queue access” or “first dibs” in exchange for money.
Your most reliable option is sticking with Ticketmaster’s official queue through their website or app. Join as soon as it opens to maximize your chances. With lots of patience and a little luck, you’ll hopefully score tickets!
Conclusion
The Ticketmaster queue can feel like an agonizing process when you’re excited to see an event. But it provides the fairest system for fans to take turns accessing limited tickets. Just join the queue immediately, watch for status updates, and cross your fingers for a good spot. With the right timing and preparation, you’ll be on your way to seeing that coveted show.