Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour is one of the hottest concert tickets around right now. With shows selling out in minutes, many fans are finding themselves stuck on waiting lists hoping for a chance to get seats. So what exactly does it mean to be waitlisted for The Eras Tour, and what are your chances of actually scoring tickets?
What is the waitlist for The Eras Tour?
When ticket demand drastically exceeds supply, like it has for Taylor Swift’s tour, venue’s will often utilize a waitlist system. Essentially, if you didn’t secure tickets during the initial on-sale, you can opt to join a waitlist. You’ll submit your info – number of tickets you want, preferred dates, contact details etc – and get in line behind other fans also hoping to score seats.
Venues will then fill any tickets that become available first from the waitlist before releasing them for general public sale. Tickets can free up if early buyers return their tickets, release extra seats they were holding, or resell via verified resale platforms.
How do you get on the waitlist?
Fans looking to join the waitlist can do so via Ticketmaster. The waitlist is currently still open for all dates on The Eras Tour. Here are the steps to join:
- Go to the Ticketmaster page for the specific Taylor Swift show you want to attend.
- Look for and click the “Join Waitlist” button near the event info or on the right hand side.
- Specify the number of tickets you need, preferred section, and contact info.
- Confirm you accept the terms and conditions.
- Wait to find out if tickets become available!
Alternatively, you may be able to join venue-specific waitlists directly through their box office sites.
What are your chances of getting Eras Tour tickets from the waitlist?
Truthfully, the odds are very low. With shows selling out instantly and massive demand, waitlists can easily contain thousands of hopeful fans. Experts estimate only 1-3% of waitlisters actually end up scoring seats.
That said, it’s not impossible. Here are some factors that can improve your chances:
- Flexibility – Opting in for multiple dates or cities gives more options.
- Group size – A single ticket has better odds than a group.
- Timing – Requesting closer to the show date increases openings.
- Persistence – Try waitlists for multiple venues.
Patience and persistence are key. Don’t give up if you don’t hear anything right away.
How will you know if you get tickets?
If spots open up for you, the ticket issuer will contact you directly, usually via email or phone. So be sure to regularly check your inbox and keep an eye on incoming calls. Keep your email address and phone number updated in your waitlist account as well.
Don’t lose hope if others start getting notified before you. Tickets can be released in small batches all the way up to show time. Continue monitoring your inbox regularly as you never know when a surprise opportunity may arise.
What if you miss the notification?
You need to act fast once notified, as you’ll likely only have a short window to complete the purchase. If you miss the email or call, immediately reach out to the point of contact provided in the notification. Explain the situation and ask if the tickets are still available. Politely ask to be reconsidered if the allotted time has lapsed.
Set up backup contacts as well – like a spouse or parent’s email – so someone else has a chance at responding if you’re unreachable when tickets come through.
Can you get a refund if you end up with better tickets?
If you score tickets from both the waitlist and a resale site like StubHub, you may want to offload the less ideal pair. Whether a refund is possible depends on the tickets terms:
- Direct from venue – Refunds are usually allowed if done quickly, minus fees.
- Resale sites – Reselling platforms have their own cutoff dates and restrictions.
Review the fine print carefully as requirements vary. Reputable resale markets will disclose policies prominently.
How much do waitlisted Eras Tour tickets cost?
If you do get the golden waitlist notification, the ticket price should be face value. This means the base price set by the artist or venue, before fees. Taylor Swift’s face value ticket prices for The Eras Tour are:
| Section | Face Value Price |
|---|---|
| Field | $49 – $449 |
| Mid Level A | $199 – $599 |
| Mid Level B | $149 – $399 |
| Lower Level | $249 – $649 |
| Club Level | $249 – $599 |
| Upper Level A | $99 – $249 |
| Upper Level B | $79 – $199 |
Some venues may tack on facility fees, service fees, or order charges on top of the base price. Still, waitlist prices should not exceed initial face value costs.
Can you resell waitlist tickets?
Tickets obtained from the official waitlist follow standard transfer and resale rules. Typically this means:
- Reselling at or below face value is allowed.
- Reselling above face value breaches Taylor Swift’s anti-scalping rules.
- Transfers must be done via Ticketmaster or AXS to ensure validity.
If looking to resell waitlist seats, carefully review all policies to avoid problems. Taylor Swift’s team has been vigilant about cancelling tickets resold improperly above face value.
Are waitlist tickets still possible as show dates approach?
Yes, you can still get waitlisted for Taylor Swift tickets even as concerts creep closer. Venues continue releasing seats leading right up to showtime.
In fact, your odds tend to go up the closer it gets. As buyers’ plans change or excitement wanes, more tickets get tossed back into the pool. Aim to get on waitlists around 2-4 weeks pre-show for the best shot.
That said, last minute waitlist tickets cannot be guaranteed. Some venues cut off waitlists 1-2 weeks out. So if your shows are imminent, act now just in case!
Should you pay more for resale tickets instead of waiting?
Hardcore Swifties with the budget may prefer forking over bigger bucks on secondary markets instead of banking on the waitlist. Resale prices are painfully high, but provide guaranteed entry.
Currently, Taylor Swift tickets on StubHub, Vivid Seats, and Ticketmaster’s exchange are going for:
| Section | Avg. Resale Price |
|---|---|
| Lower Level | $1,000+ |
| Club Level | $700+ |
| Mid Level A | $600+ |
| Mid Level B | $400+ |
| Upper Level A | $200+ |
| Upper Level B | $150+ |
Compare the investment against waitlist odds. Given the high demand, paying over face value may be the only sure way in.
Should you buy a resale ticket or keep waiting?
Once tickets surface from resellers, you face the dilemma – pounce now or stay on the waitlist? Here are some factors to weigh:
- Price – Resale prices drop as the event nears. But waitlists also get longer over time.
- Peace of mind – Buying resale provides a ticket guarantee. Waiting means lingering uncertainty.
- Date flexibility – Opening your schedule improves waitlist chances.
Evaluate your budget, schedule, and willingness to gamble before deciding. Locking down resale tickets becomes safer the closer it gets.
What if you can no longer attend a show you waitlisted?
If you obtain waitlist tickets but then cannot attend, immediately contact the ticket issuer. Different policies apply depending on source:
- Primary market – Reselling via Ticketmaster is required.
- Resale market – Rereleasing on StubHub, Vivid Seats etc per terms.
- Venue – Box office policies govern transfers.
Carefully review all communications so you understand how to properly handle ticket issues. Resales without consent risk cancellations.
Can you exchange your tickets for another show or date?
Exchanging waitlist tickets for a different Eras Tour performance is restricted. Primary market tickets are non-transferrable to new dates or cities.
You may be able to exchange resale tickets depending on source and policy. StubHub and Vivid Seats allow changes for a fee. Check platform policies before requesting a swap.
Is it possible to get VIP or front row tickets from the waitlist?
Scoring elite VIP packages or floor seats from the waitlist is highly unlikely. These premium tickets at the front of fan demand see little to no turnover or returns. You’d have to get incredibly lucky for a shot at Swift’s best spots.
However, it can’t hurt to select VIP or pit options when joining the waitlist, just in case. Opting for single tickets also slightly improves the odds over multi-seat requests.
What about meet and greet experiences?
Meet and greet upgrades allow you to briefly interact with Taylor one-on-one pre-show. However, these exclusive experiences – called ‘The Pre-Show Party’ on The Eras Tour – were only available via special Capital One cardholder presales.
Unfortunately, there’s virtually zero chance of scoring meet and greet access from the standard waitlist. You’d essentially have to inherit someone’s presale ticket after they returned it.
Conclusion
Playing the Taylor Swift ticket waiting game requires devotion and patience. With extreme popularity comes an intensely competitive ticket marketplace. While snagging seats from the waitlist queue is possible, it’s far from guaranteed.
Carefully consider whether pursuing the waitlist is worth the uncertainty. Weigh the long shot odds against guaranteed entry through resale. And don’t lose hope as the shows get closer – last minute releases do happen!
Persistence and flexibility are key. Take proactive steps like opening your schedule or signing up at multiple venues. With some luck and Swiftie spirit, your ticket may still arrive…
