When it comes to buying tickets for concerts, sporting events, flights, and other popular events, one of the most common questions is whether it’s better to buy early or wait until closer to the event date. There are pros and cons to both approaches, and the right strategy often depends on the specific situation.
Buying Tickets Earlier
There are some key potential benefits to buying tickets far in advance:
- Access to the best seats – For many events, especially smaller venues, the prime seats can sell out extremely quickly. Buying early gives you the best shot at snagging those coveted spots before anyone else.
- Lower prices – In some cases, ticket prices will be cheaper the earlier you buy. Airlines and other travel companies often use demand-based pricing, raising rates as an event date approaches and seats fill up.
- Peace of mind – When you secure tickets months or years in advance, you don’t have to worry about them selling out or scramble to get seats later. You can relax knowing you’re all set.
However, there are also some potential drawbacks to keep in mind:
- Schedule changes – If you buy tickets way in advance but then can’t attend because of a change in plans, you may be stuck with wasted tickets or incur fees to change dates.
- Lack of flexibility – Life happens, and situations change. Booking too far in advance takes away the flexibility to modify plans if needed.
- Variable pricing – If prices drop, you may end up paying more than you would have by waiting.
Buying Tickets Later
There are advantages to holding off on booking until closer to showtime as well:
- Better price options – As the event nears and ticket sales slow down, prices often drop as sellers try to unload inventory. Waiting can help you score seats for less.
- Increased flexibility – You’re able to adapt to changes in schedules or plans instead of being locked into dates far in advance.
- More info available – With more time, you can research transportation, hotels, and other logistics to make a more informed decision.
Waiting does come with some risks, however:
- Limited ticket availability – Popular events can sell out completely, leaving you empty-handed if you wait too long to buy.
- Higher prices – In many cases, ticket prices will be cheapest when they first go on sale, then will increase over time.
- Worse seat options – The best seats tend to get snatched up quickly, so waiting often means you’ll be stuck with subpar views.
When to Buy Tickets Earlier
As a general rule of thumb, it makes sense to buy tickets far in advance when:
- It’s an extremely popular event likely to sell out. Think playoffs, concerts by big-name acts, or special exhibitions at museums.
- You want premium seats. The best sightlines go fast.
- There will be high travel demand. For distant events, book early to secure plane and hotel reservations.
- Prices start lower. Some concerts and performances release early bird discounted tickets to spur sales.
- Your plans are set. If your schedule is locked in, buying early guarantees you won’t miss out.
Below are examples of events where it pays to book tickets months or years early:
- The Olympics
- Big-budget Broadway musicals and plays
- Headline comedy and music festivals
- Championship games in major sports leagues
- Destination events like the Super Bowl, World Cup, or Stanley Cup Finals
When to Buy Tickets Later
It may make more sense to wait on booking tickets when:
- The event is niche or unlikely to sell out completely.
- You have flexibility on dates or seat locations.
- You anticipate your plans could change.
- Prices tend to drop as the date approaches.
- You want to confirm travel plans before buying.
Here are examples where it’s often fine to hold off on purchasing tickets:
- Local minor league sports games
- Lesser-known music acts at small venues
- Non-blockbuster theater productions
- Museum exhibits on less popular subjects
- Early round playoffs or finals with undetermined teams
Tips for Getting the Best Ticket Prices
Regardless of when you choose to buy, here are some tips to help get the lowest prices:
- Use price tracking tools. Sites like SeatGeek provide historical price charts so you can buy at the right time.
- Be flexible on exact dates or seating sections to increase availability.
- Look for presales and special offers to get first dibs before the general public.
- Use a search engine to find the seller with the cheapest listed price for your event.
- Sign up for seller rewards programs to get access to exclusive ticket deals.
- Buy together with friends to qualify for group discounts.
- Be open to less conventional options like standing room only tickets.
Key Factors to Consider
When trying to decide whether to buy tickets at the first chance or wait, keep these key factors in mind:
- Event popularity – The more in-demand the event, the earlier you need to buy.
- Schedule flexibility – If your schedule could change, waiting allows you to adapt.
- Seat preferences – Booking early is key for the best views.
- Historical price trends – Check if prices usually rise or fall leading up to the event.
- Refund policies – Know if you can return or resell tickets if plans change after buying.
- Travel plans – Will you need to book flights, hotels, etc. far in advance?
The Early Bird Gets the Worm
Overall, when in doubt, it’s often better to buy tickets earlier if your schedule permits. While there are certainly exceptions, you’re less likely to end up empty-handed or stuck with poor seats by booking early. Events only gain popularity over time, putting you at risk of getting shut out of in-demand shows if you wait too long. Booking as soon as sales open gives you the greatest selection and pricing options. You can always try reselling or exchanging your tickets later if needed. But if a hot show sells out fast, you may miss your chance altogether by hesitating. When it comes to competitive ticketing, the early bird really does get the worm!