Ticketmaster says it will display fees more clearly per Biden-era rule
By DEE-ANN DURBIN, Associated Press
Following the implementation of a Biden administration ban on hidden fees, Ticketmaster has announced that it will now display the full price of tickets upfront as soon as consumers begin their shopping process.
Known for its controversial hidden fees, Ticketmaster was one of the entities affected by the new rule introduced by the Federal Trade Commission in December. This rule mandates that ticket sellers, hotels, vacation rental platforms, and others disclose all additional charges such as processing fees and cleaning fees upfront.
Commending the FTC’s action, Ticketmaster’s Chief Operating Officer Michael Wichser stated, “Ticketmaster has long advocated for all-in pricing to become the nationwide standard so fans can easily compare prices across all ticketing sites.”
Moreover, Ticketmaster has announced additional changes to enhance the ticket buying experience. Customers will now be informed of their place in line when purchasing tickets, with real-time updates provided for wait times exceeding 30 minutes. Ticket price ranges, availability, and any new event dates will also be communicated to customers.
As the world’s largest ticket seller, processing 500 million tickets annually in over 30 countries, Ticketmaster’s modifications aim to align North America with global practices where the full ticket price is displayed from the start of the shopping process.
In recent years, Ticketmaster has faced scrutiny, particularly after a site crash during a presale event for Taylor Swift’s stadium tour in 2022. Thousands of fans lost tickets due to overwhelming demand and bot attacks. The company has also been embroiled in a legal battle with the U.S. Department of Justice over alleged antitrust violations.
President Donald Trump has also taken an interest in the ticketing industry, signing an executive order to address ticket scalping and promote price transparency in live events. The order mandates the FTC to ensure transparency throughout the ticket-purchase process and prevent unfair practices.
Overall, these changes mark a significant shift in the ticketing industry, with Ticketmaster leading the way towards greater transparency and consumer protection.
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