Ticketmaster’s New Pricing Policy

Ticketmaster has announced that it is adopting an "all-in" pricing approach, where the company will include fees in the initial price displayed for a ticket. This move is reportedly intended to "put fans first" and provide a more transparent ticket-buying experience. However, it is worth noting that this change coincides with the implementation of a new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rule, which requires live event ticket vendors to disclose all prices and fees upfront.

Background on the FTC Rule

The FTC’s bipartisan junk fees rule was finalized in December and took effect on May 12, 2025. The rule mandates that live event ticket vendors, hotels, and rentals must display the full price, excluding taxes, more prominently than other pricing information. This change aims to ensure that consumers are aware of the total cost of their purchase from the outset.

Ticketmaster’s Implementation of the Rule

Ticketmaster’s announcement of its new pricing policy seems to align with the requirements of the FTC rule. The company claims that its decision to adopt all-in pricing is driven by a desire to prioritize fan experience. However, the timing of the announcement, which coincides with the implementation of the FTC rule, raises questions about the motivations behind the change.

Additional Features Introduced by Ticketmaster

In addition to the new pricing policy, Ticketmaster has introduced a queue system designed to make buying in-demand tickets less frustrating. The Ticketmaster queue allows users to see their exact place in line when waiting for tickets to go on sale. The system automatically refreshes as users move up in line, providing real-time updates on availability and pricing for the biggest shows.

How the Ticketmaster Queue Works

When an event goes on sale, users are placed in a queue and notified of their position. As users move up in line, the page automatically refreshes, eliminating the need to continually refresh the page. When it’s the user’s turn to purchase tickets, they receive a notification, either through an app alert on mobile devices or a chime on browsers.

Tips for Using the Ticketmaster Queue

To ensure a smooth ticket-buying experience, Ticketmaster recommends checking in early, as waiting rooms typically open 15 minutes before tickets go on sale. Users can also save their payment information ahead of time by providing a current email address, phone number, and billing information. By following these steps, users can minimize wait times and increase their chances of securing tickets to popular events.