How do you select your own seats on Ticketmaster?

When purchasing tickets on Ticketmaster, selecting your own seats can provide you with the opportunity to choose the exact spots you want in the venue. Having control over seating selection allows you to target certain areas and ensure your party can sit together. While all events handle seat assignments differently, Ticketmaster provides a few common ways to pick out seats yourself when buying tickets online.

Checking For a Seat Map

The first step to choosing your seats is verifying that the event provides an interactive seat map. On Ticketmaster, you can confirm whether or not you have this option by:

• Selecting the number of tickets you want to purchase for a particular event.
• Proceeding through the ticket purchase flow until you reach the page to select seats.
• Looking for a clickable map of the venue seating chart, often located on the right side.

If you see an interactive map with seats you can click on, this means you can choose your tickets. If not, it likely means the event has assigned or general admission seating only.

Using the Interactive Seat Map

If an interactive seat map is available, you can use it to pinpoint where you want to sit. The map allows you to:

• Zoom in and out on sections or areas of interest.
• See a detailed legends explaining the different colored coded sections.
• View stage, aisle, and entrance orientations.
• Hover over seats to see row and seat number specifics.
• Click individual seats or rows to select them.
• See real time availability and pricing as you pick seats.

You can click around all available seats in the venue to compare options. Selected seats will be highlighted on the map. You can remove selections by clicking on them again. Oftentimes, the map is synchronized with a list on the left side that shows all seats currently picked out and a total price.

Choosing Your Tickets

When choosing which specific tickets and seats you want, keep the below factors in mind:

• Seat Location – Where do you want to be located relative to the stage, athletes, speakers, or main focal point? Center seats? Far left? Front row? Bleachers? This often comes down to personal preference.
• Group Size – How many tickets do you need? Making sure your whole group can sit together is often a priority.
• Price – How much are different seat locations? You can balance your ideal spots with your budget.
• Availability – What seats are still open for sale? Newly released seats will show up as available on the map.

As you choose seats, you can go back and tweak your selection if needed. You can remove certain tickets and pick new ones until you have your perfect spots mapped out.

Completing Your Ticket Purchase

Once you have your seats selected on the interactive map, finish purchasing your tickets by:

1. Verifying your ticket selections in the checkout cart on the left side.
2. Proceeding through the next checkout steps.
3. Completing your purchase with payment and order review.

After finishing checkout, you will receive a confirmation email with your selected ticket locations. Print tickets or use the mobile app to access them later. Make sure your whole group has their assigned seats!

Tips for Seat Selection

Keep these tips in mind when choosing seats yourself on Ticketmaster:

• Act quickly on newly released seats for high demand events.
• Aim for aisle seats if you may need to get up frequently.
• Read seat views from others who have sat in specific spots.
• Check for obstructed views that may impact certain seats.
• Zoom way in on the map to see the spots from all angles.

When You Can’t Pick Seats

In some cases, you may not have the option to select exact seats on Ticketmaster. Common reasons include:

• Assigned Seating – The event pre-assigns tickets without choice.
• General Admission – First come, first served seating.
• Limited Availability – All individual seats are already sold.
• Venue Policy – The facility doesn’t allow seat picking.

If specific seating isn’t available, you will usually see the sections, rows, or general admission zones you can still purchase tickets in. Focus on snagging the number of tickets you need and getting in the door!

Using Seat Selection at Checkout

Ticketmaster provides a few different ways to choose your own seating when purchasing tickets online. The main methods are:

• Interactive Seat Map – Click specific seats on a detailed map.
• Listed Tickets – Pick from a list of available seat options.
• Seat Numbers – Manually enter the exact seats you want.

The checkout flow will guide you through whichever selection method is available. Pay close attention to instructions so you get the right tickets!

Choosing Seats on the Mobile App

In addition to choosing seats on the Ticketmaster website, you can also select your specific tickets using the Ticketmaster mobile app. The process works similarly:

1. Check the event listing for “Pick Your Seats” or interactive map icons.
2. Add the number of tickets needed to your cart.
3. Tap the “Select Seats” option when available.
4. Use the interactive map to choose your spots.
5. Complete checkout and payment as usual.

The mobile app provides the flexibility to pick out and purchase your tickets on the go. Make sure to download the latest Ticketmaster app for your iOS or Android device.

Seat Selection for Season Tickets

In addition to individual events, you may also get the chance to select your own seats when purchasing season tickets on Ticketmaster. Season tickets provide admission to all regular home games for sports teams and theaters.

When checking out season tickets, you will generally select seat locations for the entire package upfront. This allows you to choose a consistent spot to return to all season long. Interactive seat maps are available for season tickets as well, just on a larger scale.

Troubleshooting Seat Selection Issues

Issues occasionally come up when trying to choose your own seats on Ticketmaster. Here is how to troubleshoot common problems:

Issue	Solution
Can’t access the seat map	Refresh page, use a different browser, or try the mobile app.
Selected seats disappeared	Another fan may have claimed them first. Try new seats quickly.
Want more seat options	Wait for last minute releases as event nears if available.
Group got split up	Pick seats all together in same row and transaction.
Map won’t let you proceed	Make sure you picked valid number of seats.

If you continue having trouble selecting tickets through the seat map, reaching out to Ticketmaster Fan Support can also help resolve concerns. They may be able to assist with seat selection or determine if reserved seating is no longer available.

Using Third-Party Seating Charts

In addition to Ticketmaster’s official seating maps, third-party seating charts and views can provide added insight into specific seats and sections. Sites like SeatGeek and VividSeats offer detailed charts and feedback. Take advantage of these tools by:

• Researching rows or sections you are considering.
• Comparing feedback from people who sat there previously.
• Zooming in overhead to examine distances and angles.
• Checking ratings on visibility, comfort, and more.

Third-party seating charts can’t be used to actually select and purchase tickets. But the unique maps and filters can enhance your Ticketmaster seat picking process.

Comparing Reserved vs General Admission Seating

When buying tickets, two main seating options are typically available:

• Reserved Seating – Ability to pick out specific seat locations ahead of time.
• General Admission – First come, first served seating when doors open.

Here is an overview of how reserved and GA seating compare:

	Reserved Seating	General Admission
Ability to select location	Yes	No
Lines and entry process	Proceed directly to seat	First come gets best spots
Group seating	Can choose seats together	No guarantee
Availability	Sells out ticket-by-ticket	General zones sell out
Premium pricing	Yes, for certain locations	Typically all one price

Understanding the trade-offs can help you decide which option fits your needs and preferences best.

Pricing Differences for Seat Selection

One key factor in picking seats is pricing. Assigned seating will frequently incur additional charges depending on where you sit. Some guidelines around Ticketmaster seat selection costs:

• Front rows and VIP sections are most expensive.
• Center and lower bowl seats usually cost more.
• Back rows and upper levels have lower pricing.
• Group and family sections may offer discounts.
• Early seat selection may come with extra fees.

Dynamic and surge pricing also impacts costs, so prices can rise closer to the event date. Having a budget in mind helps target the right areas.

Comparing Ticketmaster Fees

In additional to base ticket costs, service and facility fees are added by Ticketmaster for all purchases. Whether you select seats or use general admission, these fees apply. However, some specific charges only come with choosing your own seats:

• UPGRADE Fee – For picking premium ticket locations and price levels when available.
• VIP Package Fees – For ticket bundles with perks like merchandise, exclusive access, etc.
• Priority Entry Fee – For early venue access before general doors open.

Read all fee disclosures carefully so you understand the complete cost. Factoring fees into your seat selection budget prevents unwanted surprises at checkout.

When Seats Open for Selection

Access to an event’s interactive seat map will vary depending on when you are purchasing tickets:

• Right Away – Hot events may release all seats immediately.
• During Presales – Only some sections may open early.
• At General Onsale – More seats and full maps open to public.
• As Event Nears – Last minute seats may get released.

Typically more seat selection ability occurs closer to the event date. But popular shows will sell out quickest. Planning ahead helps ensure access.

Using Presale Codes

Presale ticket releases before the general onsale date provide early access to purchase tickets. Presales may include:

• Fan club presales
• Venue presales
• Artist presales
• Credit card presales

Having the right presale code can unlock seat selection ability before the general public. Codes are usually announced ahead of time through fan clubs and promoter emails lists. This allows you to shop seats before they go wide onsale.

Changing or Swapping Seats

For most events, the specific reserved seats you choose are locked in once purchased. However, in some limited cases, exchanges may be possible by:

• Contacting the event’s box office directly.
• Calling Ticketmaster Fan Support to review policies.
• Reselling tickets and buying new seat selections.

If available, fees often apply for post-purchase seat swaps and changes. Review all policies to see if exchanges are allowed before finalizing your initial selections.

Conclusion

The ability to hand pick seats when buying tickets on Ticketmaster is a major perk for fans. Using interactive seat maps and charts provides control over where you sit. When seat selection is available, take time to explore the views, compare options and consider your budget. Plot out where you want to be located before completing your Ticketmaster checkout. Choosing your own seats takes some extra effort, but delivers the exact event experience you want.