Being waitlisted for Taylor Swift concert tickets can be extremely frustrating, but all hope is not lost. Here’s what you need to know about the waitlist process and how you can increase your chances of eventually scoring tickets.
What does it mean to be waitlisted?
When ticket demand far exceeds supply for a Taylor Swift concert, Ticketmaster will often implement a waitlist. This means that after tickets sell out during the initial on-sale period, you can choose to join the waitlist. You’ll be given a spot in line based on when you signed up.
Then, if and when more tickets become available, Ticketmaster will go down the waitlist line by line to offer the newly released tickets to the next fans waiting. This typically happens in the weeks and months leading up to the concert as the venue releases more seats, production holds get lifted, or other customers return or resell their tickets.
Pros and cons of joining the waitlist
The main pro of joining the waitlist is that it gives you a chance at tickets after the initial sell-out. It’s free to join and you don’t get charged unless tickets become available. The main con is that there’s no guarantee you’ll ever get offered tickets. It depends on your place in line and how many new seats open up.
Lower waitlist numbers give you a better chance, but it’s still uncertain. Some fans report waiting months only to have their waitlist spot expire with no ticket offer.
How the waitlist works
If you attempt to buy Taylor Swift tickets after they sell out and are given the option to join the waitlist, here’s the basic process:
- You’ll be asked for your email address and credit card information. This is so Ticketmaster can quickly process your transaction if you get offered tickets.
- After signing up, you’ll receive a waitlist number that indicates where you are in line.
- As your date approaches, check your email frequently. If more tickets are released you may receive an offer. You’ll have a short window (usually 1-3 days) to accept the offer and complete your purchase.
- If you miss the email or decline the offer, tickets will go to the next person on the waitlist.
It’s crucial to meet all deadlines when you get a waitlist offer, or you risk losing your spot.
Tips for monitoring your waitlist status
- Add Ticketmaster to your safe senders list so their emails don’t get flagged as spam.
- Check the email address you provided regularly leading up to the event.
- Look for sender names like “Ticketmaster Tickets” or “Ticketmaster Fan Support.”
- If it’s been more than a month, you can contact Ticketmaster to ask about your status. But they likely won’t have much new info.
How to improve your chances of getting Taylor Swift tickets
While joining the waitlist is a good first step, you can also take other proactive measures to score tickets. This may increase the likelihood of getting off the waitlist or acquiring tickets through other means.
Tips to get off the waitlist
- Sign up for multiple waitlists if she’s performing multiple shows in a city.
- Try requesting single tickets rather than groups, pairs or VIP.
- Aim for weekday shows rather than weekends.
- Join the waitlist again to move up in line.
- Follow fan forums to look for ticket transfer offers.
Other ways to get Taylor Swift tickets
- Monitor Ticketmaster regularly for new releases.
- Check secondary markets like StubHub.
- Look for fan ticket exchanges on social media.
- Enter radio ticket giveaways.
- Show up early at the venue to try for released tickets.
Expected wait times for Taylor Swift tickets
Wait times can vary dramatically depending on your place in line, city/venue demand, and how many seats get freed up later. Here are some estimates based on past tours:
| Waitlist Line Position | Estimated Wait Time |
|---|---|
| Top 1-50 | 1 week – 1 month |
| 50-250 | 1-3 months |
| 250+ | 3+ months or no tickets |
As you can see, landing one of the top waitlist spots gives you a decent shot at tickets. After that, your odds drop off significantly. But fans report sometimes getting offered tickets months after signing up if inventory opens up. So it pays to stay patient and persistent.
Factors that affect wait time
Some variables that influence typical wait times include:
- Initial ticket demand – Bigger markets and tour openers tend to have longer waits.
- Number of shows in the city – More shows means more total ticket availability.
- Venue size – Smaller venues have fewer tickets so fewer people get offers.
- Tour stage – Wait times tend to decrease later in the tour.
What to do if you can’t get tickets
Not getting Taylor Swift tickets, whether from the waitlist or other methods, is disappointing. Here are some options if you still want to see Taylor Swift in concert:
Attend another show on the tour
Look into attending a different tour stop in a nearby city if that’s feasible based on your schedule and budget. There may be less demand compared to your original city.
Wait for the next tour
You can try again next time around! Join fan clubs and sign up for pre-sales to improve your chances.
See if she adds more dates
Artists will sometimes add additional shows in a city if a tour is going well. Check Taylor’s website and sign up for email alerts about new concerts.
Buy resale tickets
As a last resort, you may opt to pay above face value via secondary marketplaces. But beware of scammers!
Key takeaways
- Joining the Ticketmaster waitlist gives you a chance at newly released tickets.
- Monitor your email closely for offers if you’re high on the waitlist.
- Consider all options for getting off the waitlist or acquiring tickets elsewhere.
- Have backup plans in case you aren’t able to get off the waitlist.
- Persistence and preparation are key to maximizing your chances.
Conclusion
The waitlist system is frustrating, but it’s designed to give the most passionate fans a fair shot at extra tickets. With some luck and effort, you can potentially get off the waitlist. But also focus on alternative ticket sources as a backup. Don’t lose hope – where there’s a will, there’s a way for diehard Swifties!
