Quick Answer
It is generally acceptable to buy wheelchair accessible seats on Ticketmaster if you have a genuine need for the accessible seating. However, buying these seats when you don’t require wheelchair access could prevent people who do need them from getting them. Some general guidelines around purchasing accessible seats ethically:
- Only buy them if you or someone in your party has a disability or condition that requires the accessible seating.
- If purchasing for a disabled guest, get their permission first.
- Only purchase the number of seats needed, not multiple extras.
- If plans change and the accessible seats are no longer needed, release them back for sale.
So in summary – it’s OK if you truly need them, but avoid booking wheelchair seats purely for the extra legroom or space. Be mindful that misusing accessible seating makes it harder for disabled patrons to attend events.
Wheelchair Accessible Seating at Ticketmaster
Ticketmaster offers wheelchair accessible seating options for many of the events listed on their platform. Here are some key things to know about Ticketmaster’s accessible seating:
- Accessible seats are marked with the wheelchair symbol on the event seating map.
- They have removable aisle-side armrests and extra legroom.
- They are intended for wheelchair users but can also be purchased by people with other accessibility requirements.
- There is a limit of 2 companion seats that can be purchased with each wheelchair space.
- Ticketmaster recommends ordering accessible seats by phone so agents can ensure proper seating assignments.
Verifying Accessibility Requirements
When purchasing accessible seating on Ticketmaster, they do not ask for specific proof of disability. However, they do advise customers that venues may verify accommodation needs at entry. Some venues require evidence such as state-issued disability IDs or a letter of necessity from a doctor.
So while Ticketmaster doesn’t verify needs upfront, patrons should be prepared to show documentation if asked by the venue. Purchasing accessible seats when they are not truly needed could lead to denial of entry in some cases.
Release for More Access
If plans change and wheelchair seats are no longer needed, Ticketmaster recommends releasing them back for sale. This can be done online via Ticketmaster by signing into your account. Released tickets become available to other customers requiring accessible seating.
Venues are only required to hold a limited number of accessible seats. Releasing unneeded seats increases availability for patrons that legitimately require them.
ADA Rules on Wheelchair Seating
The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) provides federal requirements that venues must meet around accessible seating. Some key ADA rules include:
- A minimum number of wheelchair spaces must be provided based on total seating capacity.
- Accessible seats must have an unobstructed line of sight to the event.
- Spacing between wheelchair spots cannot be less than 33 inches.
- Accessible seats must adjoin, but not overlap, companion seating.
- Venues are advised not to require proof of disability solely to purchase accessible seating.
The ADA regulations aim to provide reasonable access to events for mobility-impaired patrons. However, the ADA does not explicitly prohibit able-bodied patrons from utilizing accessible seating.
ADA Tickets vs. Standard Tickets
ADA wheelchair seating tickets differ from standard tickets in the following ways:
| ADA Tickets | Standard Tickets |
|---|---|
| Removable aisle-side armrests | Fixed armrests |
| Extra legroom | Standard legroom spacing |
| Space for wheelchair | No wheelchair space |
| Adjoining companion seat included | No included companion seat |
So ADA accessible seating provides needed allowances for wheelchair access. But these spots don’t necessarily have better views or guarantee proximity to the stage compared to standard seats.
Ethics of Booking Accessible Seating
While it may be legal in many cases to purchase wheelchair accessible seats, there are still ethical considerations:
- You may be taking seats from people who legitimately need them.
- Misuse of accessible seats contributes to shortages for disabled patrons.
- Artificially high demand could drive up prices for people who rely on these seats.
- Disabled patrons can face stigma or assumptions of fakery when seats are routinely misused.
So before ordering accessible seating, reflect carefully on whether it’s truly needed. Here are some best practices on booking accessibly seats ethically:
- Only purchase wheelchair spots for guests who require them due to disability or medical needs.
- Avoid booking extra companion seats unnecessarily.
- If you have a temporary injury, look into transferable seating rather than wheelchair spots.
- If plans change, release unneeded accessible seats promptly.
- Speak up respectfully if you witness misuse of wheelchair seating.
Following these tips will help ensure accessible seating goes to patrons with genuine needs.
Examples of Appropriate Use
Here are some examples of situations where it would be appropriate to purchase wheelchair accessible seating:
- You use a wheelchair or mobility scooter daily.
- You cannot walk long distances and require a wheelchair for events.
- You have a heart condition, injury or other disability that necessitates accessible seating.
- You are accompanying a friend who is a wheelchair user.
As long as there is a legitimate accessibility requirement, obtaining wheelchair spots is perfectly acceptable.
Examples of Questionable Use
In contrast, here are some examples where obtaining accessible seats would be questionable:
- Buying wheelchair spots simply because they have more legroom.
- Purchasing extra companion seats when you only need one.
- Booking accessible seats to try getting closer to the stage.
- Keeping wheelchair spots after healing from a temporary injury.
In these types of cases, standard seating would likely suffice rather than limiting options for patrons that need accessible spaces.
How Venues Monitor Misuse
To deter misuse, some venues take measures such as:
- Checking for state-issued disability placards or IDs.
- Requiring a doctor’s note confirming accessibility needs.
- Monitoring that wheelchair spots are occupied by wheelchairs.
- Posting signage warning against misuse of accessible seating.
Venues aim to balance accessibility for disabled patrons while discouraging unethical use of wheelchair spots.
If accessible seats are misused frequently, venues may implement tighter verification rules. This can create extra difficulties for disabled patrons, so keeping wheelchair spots available for legitimate needs is ideal.
How Misuse Impacts Disabled Patrons
When non-disabled patrons misuse wheelchair seating, it negatively impacts access in these ways:
- Fewer available spots for patrons who need them
- Less chance to purchase accessible seats before they sell out
- Potentially higher prices if demand artificially increases
- Stigma and assumptions they don’t really need wheelchair spots
- More hurdles to verify disabilities if rules tighten
Wheelchair users already face many barriers to attending events. Misuse of the limited accessible seating makes accessing venues even harder.
Being considerate with wheelchair spot bookings can go a long way in enabling participation for disabled fans. A small unethical action can collectively have very detrimental effects.
Personal Accounts
Here are some first-hand stories of how misuse of accessible seats impacts wheelchair users:
“By the time I try to purchase accessible seating online, they are usually sold out already. I’ve missed out on so many events because non-disabled people buy up the limited wheelchair spots.” – Amanda F.
“Now I have to bring copies of my medical records everywhere I go because people assume I’m faking needing the wheelchair space.” – Ryan N.
“It’s disheartening always seeing able-bodied groups in the accessible seating sections and knowing they probably just wanted better views.” – Madison C.
These accounts demonstrate the very real frustrations and limitations caused when others wrongly utilize wheelchair accessible spots.
Alternatives to Booking Wheelchair Spots When Unneeded
For able-bodied patrons seeking certain amenities offered by wheelchair spots, there are alternatives that don’t limit options for disabled attendees:
- More Legroom – Opt for aisle seats, bulkhead rows, or seats in ADA transferable sections.
- No Aisle Obstructions – Choose aisle seats on the ends of rows.
- Close to Restrooms – Sections near restrooms often have wide aisles.
- Better Views – Look into VIP or premium sections instead of wheelchair spots.
- Quick Exit – Sit near exit doors or gates.
Exploring these alternatives helps preserve wheelchair access for the patrons that truly rely on it.
Speaking Up About Misuse
What should you do if you notice people misusing accessible seating? Here are some tips on speaking up effectively:
- Politely point out signage about who the seats are intended for.
- Calmly highlight how it hurts patrons with disabilities.
- Suggest they look into trading their seats if unneeded.
- Notify venue staff if the issue persists.
- Provide feedback to the venue on misuse patterns.
Drawing attention to misused wheelchair spots can help shift social awareness. Small actions multiplied can significantly impact accessibility.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the ethical course is reserving wheelchair accessible seats only for those who genuinely need them. While legally ambiguous in some areas, misusing these limited spots contributes to accessibility issues for disabled patrons. With more venues monitoring usage and social awareness increasing, it’s wise to use wheelchair spaces thoughtfully. Seek out alternatives that don’t restrict options for disabled fans. With extra care and consideration, events can be inclusive for all.
