Trying to get tickets to a hot concert or sporting event through Ticketmaster can be a frustrating experience. As soon as the tickets go on sale, fans rush to buy tickets and you’re quickly thrown into an online waiting room or “queue.” This queue system is designed to handle the high demand in an orderly fashion, but it often leaves fans wondering what will happen if they refresh the page or accidentally close their browser.
Why does Ticketmaster use a queue system?
Ticketmaster utilizes a virtual queue system for high demand events in order to manage the massive influx of traffic all trying to purchase tickets at the same time. This prevents their website and servers from crashing and creates a more fair and organized system for fans to gain access. Without a virtual waiting room, the ticketing site would be unable to handle all the requests and would crash, leaving no one able to purchase tickets.
The queue system works by assigning customers a random place in line once they enter the waiting room. This “line” is not physical but rather a holding spot that keeps customers waiting on the site until it’s their turn to access tickets. The queue makes the process structured and smooth, even if fans are stressed in the process of waiting for their turn.
What happens if you refresh the page or queue?
Refreshing the Ticketmaster page or queue while waiting is generally not recommended. Here’s a breakdown of what can occur if you refresh at different points in the purchasing process:
Before entering the queue:
If you refresh the ticket page before getting into the waiting room, you will typically have to start over and get a new place in line. Any progress made to that point will be lost.
Once you’re in the queue:
Refreshing after you’ve entered the queue may kick you out of your place in line completely! Since your spot is assigned randomly once you’re in, refreshing usually resets everything and you’ll have to start over at the back of the line.
When purchasing tickets:
If you manage to get through the queue and begin selecting tickets, do NOT refresh or you’ll almost certainly lose your purchase. If you’re on the purchasing page, avoid refreshing or going backwards until your order is fully complete.
After tickets are “in hand”:
Only once your ticket purchase is 100% confirmed is it safe to refresh or close your browser. If you see a confirmation page or receive a confirmation email, you should be all set.
In most cases, refreshing the queue system will reset your session and progress. The system is designed to advance people through one time, so refreshing typically causes issues. Your best bet when dealing with a Ticketmaster queue is to keep the window open and avoid refreshing until fully done.
Why does refreshing the queue reset your place in line?
Refreshing resets your place because the Ticketmaster queue system relies on individual sessions for each user’s place in line. Here’s a bit more about how it works:
- When you first click to enter the queue, Ticketmaster assigns you a session ID that holds your spot.
- This session ID is tied to your specific device and browser.
- Your session ID and assigned place in line will remain active as long as you keep the same browser window open.
- If you refresh, Ticketmaster sees that as a new session. Your old session ID and place are voided out.
- You are then assigned a new session ID and get a new place in line.
So unless Ticketmaster can match the refreshed browser to your existing session, you lose your place upon refresh and have to start over.
Can you ever refresh without losing your place?
There are a few limited scenarios where you may be able to refresh your browser without losing significant queue progress:
- If you refresh before actually entering the queue, as long as you haven’t refreshed too many times, Ticketmaster may still recognize your device and session and save your spot.
- Some folks report refreshing up to 5-10 times before joining the queue and still maintaining their place.
- Once you’ve actually entered the virtual line, all progress will be lost if you refresh.
However, your best bet is to avoid refreshing altogether. Don’t rely on being able to refresh a certain number of times and keep your place, as this is not guaranteed.
Tips to avoid losing your place
To make sure you don’t lose hard-earned progress in the Ticketmaster queue, follow these tips:
Use a single device
Keep your entire session on one device. Trying to switch devices can cause issues with your session ID being recognized.
Stay on the queue page
Don’t toggle away or open other tabs, as this can sometimes interrupt the session. Stay active on the actual queue page until it’s your turn.
Don’t refresh!
Seriously, don’t refresh and avoid hitting the back button. Just let the queue system do its thing.
Check your internet connection
Make sure you have a stable, strong internet connection so you don’t risk getting booted.
Monitor your device
Keep your device charged and the screen on. Letting your device sleep/lock may boot you out.
Use recommended browsers
Stick to recommended browsers like Chrome and Safari for the most stable experience.
What happens if you lose internet connection?
Unfortunately, getting booted from the queue due to an internet or device issue can happen. Here’s what to do if you lose connection:
- Reconnect to the internet/power as fast as possible!
- Pull up your Ticketmaster session on the same device.
- With quick reconnect, your session may still restore.
- But the longer you’re disconnected, the less likely your spot will be saved.
If you have to fully restart your device or run into lengthy connection problems, your spot will almost certainly be lost. At that point, you’ll have to get to the back of the line again.
Is there any way to save your spot if booted?
There is no guaranteed way to save your place if you get removed from the queue due to refreshing or technical issues. But there are a few tricks that may help:
- If possible, quickly close and restart your browser to refresh the page.
- Try clearing your browser cookies/cache to eliminate stuck issues.
- Some users moving devices sign in via Facebook to sync info and restore their spot.
However, these are not sure-fire ways to save your spot. Once booted, it’s extremely unlikely you’ll be able to resume your place in line.
Can you use multiple devices or share the queue?
Using multiple devices or sharing your queue spot with others is not permitted on Ticketmaster. This is considered “queue jumping” and Ticketmaster actively works to prevent it.
Things like:
- Using multiple browsers and devices at once.
- Sharing your unique URL or session ID with others.
- Having someone else try to take over your spot in line.
In most cases, Ticketmaster’s queue system will detect these things and boot/ban any users trying to abuse the system. Queue jumping and shared spots are not tolerated.
Can you ever safely change devices?
The only instance when changing devices might be safe is if you’ve fully completed your ticket purchase and have a 100% confirmed order. At that point, any device should be able to access your purchased tickets.
But prior to a completed order, you should exclusively use the device assigned to your place in line. Don’t risk device switching and losing your spot.
Is the Ticketmaster queue really random?
While not much is publicly known about Ticketmaster’s queue algorithm, they insist it is fully random once you enter the waiting room. Spots are not assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
According to Ticketmaster, “customers are assigned a random space in line to make ticket buying fair for everyone.” So in theory, someone who joins 5 minutes after you could potentially get placed ahead if they get randomly assigned a better spot.
How to improve your chances in the queue
Because queue placements appear to be fully random, there’s not much you can do to directly improve your chances. But some tips include:
- Join right when the queue opens – don’t be late!
- Use a strong, stable internet connection.
- Stay on the queue on one active device without refreshing.
- Make sure to enter the queue and any captchas quickly.
- Have payment details saved for faster checkout.
While not foolproof, following these best practices gives you your best shot at getting through the queue.
How long does it take to get through the Ticketmaster queue?
There are no set time limits for Ticketmaster’s queues, as the wait depends entirely on demand for each event. Some factors that determine queue times include:
- The overall popularity of the event.
- The number of tickets available.
- How quickly tickets are selling.
- Your randomly assigned place in line.
For extremely high-demand events, it’s not uncommon to wait 1+ hours in the Ticketmaster queue. Less popular events may only have a few minutes wait. There’s no way to know for sure until you get in the queue.
What happens if tickets sell out before you get through?
If the event sells out before you make it through the queue, you’ll typically get booted from the line upon trying to access tickets. An error message will indicate no tickets remaining.
Once tickets are gone, there’s no benefit to waiting out the rest of the queue time. Anyone still waiting when tickets sell out will all see the same “sold out” message.
If you miss out due to high demand, your only option is to try again if more tickets are released at a later date.
Tips for quicker ticket buying success
Scoring tickets from a Ticketmaster queue takes a combination of luck and strategy. Here are some top tips for queue success:
- Use Ticketmaster accounts – Create accounts ahead of time for quicker checkout.
- Get on right at open – Queues fill fast, so don’t be late.
- Have payment ready – Save payment details to avoid wasting time.
- Use fast connections – Hardwire internet or 5G for speed.
- Limit devices – Fewer devices means fewer points of failure.
- Don’t queue jump – Stay in your assigned spot.
- Keep trying – Persistence pays off if you lose out.
Should you use multiple Ticketmaster accounts?
Having multiple Ticketmaster accounts can be beneficial for buying hard-to-get tickets. Here are some ways multiple accounts improves your odds:
- More accounts means more queue placements. This multiples your chances.
- If one account gets stuck, you have backups to rely on.
- You can target different sections/ticket types with each account.
However, take care not to violate Ticketmaster’s rules against queue sharing. Each account should be fully independent with no overlapping logins.
Is it worth paying for Ticketmaster Verified Fan?
Ticketmaster Verified Fan is a paid service that provides queue access for high-demand events. Here are the key pros and cons:
Pros:
- Bypasses queues for faster ticket access.
- Verified Fan queues are typically much shorter.
- Ensures tickets for fans vs. scalpers.
Cons:
- Costs $5+ per ticket purchased.
- Must register ahead of public on-sale.
- Doesn’t guarantee tickets.
Overall, Verified Fan improves your chances in many cases. But there are costs, risks and no guarantees. Evaluate each event to decide if it’s worth it.
Should you use a ticket broker or reseller instead?
Third-party ticket brokers and resellers offer an alternative route to get in-demand tickets. Here are some key things to consider:
Pros of brokers/resellers:
- Access to tickets without stressful public on-sales.
- Brokers acquire large inventories upfront.
- Tickets are guaranteed, for increased cost.
Cons of brokers/resellers:
- Tickets are marked up, often heavily.
- You must pay upfront rather than at release.
- Tickets may still be overpriced compared to face value.
Brokers can provide more convenience and certainty. But you’ll pay inflated prices. Evaluate your budget and priorities before choosing this route.
Key takeaways
- Don’t refresh the Ticketmaster queue page or you’ll lose progress.
- Stick to one device and browser throughout the process.
- Prepare payment details/accounts ahead of time for quick checkout.
- Persistence and repeatedly trying improves your odds long-term.
- Third-party brokers provide more convenience for higher prices.
Conclusion
Navigating Ticketmaster queues takes patience and care not to make errors like refreshing. Stick to queue best practices, keep trying during high demand on-sales, and keep your cool. With persistence, you can hopefully score those coveted tickets.