Getting tickets to popular concerts, shows, and sporting events through Ticketmaster can be very challenging these days. With high demand and limited ticket availability, many desirable events sell out right away. If you try to purchase tickets after they have sold out, you will likely end up on a waitlist.
Ticketmaster waitlists operate on a first-come, first-served basis. As more tickets become available, whether through cancellations or the event organizers releasing additional seats, Ticketmaster will move waitlist members off the waitlist and allow them to purchase tickets.
So how do you improve your chances of getting off the waitlist and securing those coveted tickets? Here are some tips and best practices to follow:
Sign Up for Waitlist Right Away
As soon as tickets sell out for an event you want to attend, sign up for the waitlist. Don’t hesitate or delay signing up – do it immediately. The earlier you put yourself on the waitlist, the higher up you will be in the queue as tickets become available.
Only Waitlist for Events You Can Actually Attend
Only sign up for waitlists that you know you can attend if tickets become available. If you are waitlisted for multiple events that occur around the same time, you may have to pass on tickets that become available if the dates conflict. You don’t want to clog up waitlists and prevent others from getting tickets, so only join waitlists for events you know you can attend.
Regularly Check Your Status
Ticketmaster does not always contact waitlist members when they move up or tickets become available. It is important to regularly, even obsessively, check your waitlist status. Log in to your Ticketmaster account daily, if not multiple times a day, to see if your position has changed. If you miss the short window when tickets are released, they could be snapped up before you have a chance to claim yours.
Act Quickly When Notified
If Ticketmaster does notify you that you are being moved off the waitlist, act immediately. There is usually a very short window (we’re talking minutes here) after being notified to complete your ticket purchase. Have your payment details saved and ready to go so you can finalize the tickets right away.
Consider Ticketmaster Verified Fan
For very popular events, Ticketmaster may utilize their Verified Fan system. This requires pre-registering for a chance to purchase tickets. Only Verified Fans will receive a code that allows them to buy tickets once they go on sale. Increase your chances by registering for Verified Fan sales when available.
Use Multiple Devices
Trying to purchase tickets on multiple devices simultaneously when the tickets are released to waitlist members can increase your chances if you run into any technical issues on one device. Have your laptop, desktop, tablet, and phone ready to go with the Ticketmaster app open.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Ticketmaster waitlist work?
The Ticketmaster waitlist operates on a first-come, first-served basis. As more tickets are released by the event organizers or made available through cancellations, Ticketmaster will move members off of the waitlist in the order they signed up. The earlier you get on the waitlist, the higher your priority.
Can I sign up for multiple Ticketmaster waitlists?
Yes, you can sign up for as many Ticketmaster waitlists as you’d like for various events. Just make sure you only waitlist events you know you can attend if ticket become available.
Do I have to pay or register to join a Ticketmaster waitlist?
Nope! Joining a Ticketmaster waitlist is completely free. You simply provide your name, email address, and create a password. There is no credit card required when signing up for the waitlist. You only pay if and when you are taken off the waitlist and can purchase event tickets.
How will I know if I get tickets through the waitlist?
Ticketmaster will notify you via email if tickets become available for you to purchase through the waitlist. However, the window to purchase is very short so check your waitlist status regularly. If you miss the email notification window, keep checking back as additional tickets may be released.
Can I give my place in line to someone else?
Unfortunately, no. Your waitlist position is non-transferrable. If you are notified tickets are available, you cannot forward that offer to another person. Only the fan who joined the waitlist can purchase the tickets.
Will I get better seats if I join the waitlist earlier?
Not necessarily. Joining the waitlist earlier improves your chances of getting tickets, but it does not impact seat location. Available seats are often scattered throughout the venue, not necessarily the best ones. So early waitlist members are not guaranteed better seats.
Tips for Getting Off the Waitlist
Here are some additional tips for increasing your odds of getting off the waitlist and scoring those coveted tickets:
Be Flexible on Number of Tickets
If you are waitlisted for a group of tickets, consider purchasing fewer if that gets you off the waitlist sooner. Attending with a smaller group is better than not going at all! You can always try for additional tickets later.
Aim for Weekday or Off-Peak Dates
Fridays and Saturdays are the most popular and likely to sell out. Waitlisting less popular days like weeknights and Sundays may improve your chances if the date is flexible.
Consider VIP Packages
VIP ticket packages don’t always sell out as quickly. Waitlist for premium options with perks like reserved seating, exclusive merch, or meet & greets.
Follow the Event and Venue on Social Media
For breaking announcements on new performances, limited ticket releases, presales and other ways to score access before the general public.
Wait Until the Last Minute
As the event date approaches, last minute tickets often become available as other waitlisters have to cancel. Don’t lose hope!
Using Automated Tools
In addition to the tips above, there are some third-party automated tools and services that claim to help improve your odds of getting off Ticketmaster’s waitlist. Here are a few to consider:
Ticket Snipers
Services like Ticket Snipers monitor waitlists using automated bots and instantly purchase available tickets when released. This can help you score hard-to-get tickets.
Ticketmaster Alerts on Twitter
Follow @Ticketmaster and turn on notifications. They will tweet real-time ticket updates for high-demand events. Enabling notifications means you won’t miss the tweet when additional tickets are released.
Auto-Refresh Browser Extensions
Browser extensions like Easy Auto Refresh will automatically refresh your Ticketmaster waitlist page on a set interval. This ensures you have the page loaded and ready when a ticket offer comes through.
As with any third-party service, make sure to vet them thoroughly first before providing any personal information or payment details. While they do help level the playing field against ticket scalpers, some are shady and you need to protect your identity.
Booking Alternative Events
If all else fails and you simply cannot get off the waitlist in time, consider booking alternative events in place of your first choice. Here are some options to explore:
Similar Events
Look for similar events either in nearby cities or smaller venues. You may have to travel a bit farther or see a scaled-down show, but it beats missing out entirely.
Tribute Bands
Tribute acts and cover bands are a fun, affordable alternative when you can’t catch the real deal. From Beatlemania to Bootleg Zeppelin, you can often find a quality tribute act paying homage to your favorite artists.
Different Dates
See if your preferred performer is playing additional dates that aren’t sold out yet. You may have to be more flexible on which performance you attend.
Resale Sites
Third-party ticket resale marketplaces like StubHub can have last minute ticket availability, often at inflated prices. Only use reputable sites and buyer protections.
Comedy/Theater Shows
If you are open to other genres of live entertainment, check out comedy, Broadway and local theater shows in your area as an alternative. The ticket demand may not be as high.
Example Waitlist Position Tracking
Here is an example of how you can track your Ticketmaster waitlist position over time to monitor your progress. This would be useful data to capture in a table as you wait to get off the waitlist:
| Date Checked | Waitlist Position |
|---|---|
| September 1 | #1254 |
| September 5 | #785 |
| September 10 | #392 |
| September 15 | #151 |
| September 20 | #63 |
| September 25 | #17 |
As you can see in this example table, checking back regularly allows you to monitor your waitlist position moving up as tickets become available. The fan started #1254 in line, but after consistent daily checks moved all the way up to #17 in just a few short weeks!
How to Avoid Ticketmaster Waitlists Altogether
We’ve covered how to get off a Ticketmaster waitlist if you do find yourself on one. But ideally, you can avoid waitlists altogether by being proactive and employing strategies early to secure the tickets you want. Here are some tips:
Take Advantage of Presales
Presales allow fans early access to purchase tickets before the general public. Presales are open to fan clubs, credit card holders, social media followers and more. Research all presale options and strategize to buy during presales before tickets sell out.
Join Fan Clubs
Artist and venue fan clubs often get first dibs during presales. Join relevant fan clubs in advance for presale code access.
Follow Your Favorite Artists on Social
Social media presales are common. Following your favorites on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram can provide you with presale announcements and access.
Use the Right Credit Card
Certain credit cards like American Express will offer cardholder-exclusive presales. Consider getting a relevant card in advance of high-demand events.
Set Up Notifications
On Ticketmaster, follow the event and click “interested” on the event page. Enable notifications so you are alerted if more tickets are released.
Purchase VIP Packages
As mentioned earlier, VIP ticket bundles sell out slower than regular tickets. Take advantage!
Conclusion
Getting off the Ticketmaster waitlist requires diligence, persistence, and a little bit of luck. Sign up right when tickets initially sell out. Check your status obsessively. Be ready to purchase immediately if notified. Consider automated tools to monitor waitlist status in real-time. Most importantly, don’t lose hope! As the event nears, last minute ticket releases are common. Use the tips and best practices outlined here to improve your chances. With strategic planning, proactive presale participation, and consistent monitoring, you can hopefully bypass those stressful Ticketmaster waitlists altogether!
