Yes, you can change seats on Ticketmaster, but only before a certain point

Ticketmaster lets you change to different seats on the same event, but the window to do it is narrow. You can change seats up until 48 hours before the event starts—after that, the option disappears. The process happens in your account, not through customer service, and you can only move to seats that are still available at the same price or lower. If better seats have opened up at a higher price, Ticketmaster will not let you upgrade without buying a new ticket.

The exact rules depend on the venue and the event type. Some venues do not allow seat changes at all, even within the 48-hour window. Sports events, concerts, and theater shows usually permit changes, but you should check your confirmation email or the event page to see whether the option is available for your specific tickets.

Key Takeaways

  • You have 48 hours before the event to change seats through your Ticketmaster account—after that, the change option closes permanently.
  • You can only move to seats at the same price or lower; Ticketmaster will not let you pay extra to upgrade to premium seats.
  • Some venues and event types do not permit seat changes at all, so check your confirmation email or the event details page first.
  • If the seats you want are not available, you will need to buy a separate ticket rather than change your existing one.
  • Changing seats does not change your ticket number, barcode, or delivery method—your new seat assignment updates in your account when ready.

How to change your seats step by step

Log into your Ticketmaster account and go to "My Events" or "My Tickets." Find the event you want to change and click on it. If the venue allows changes and you are within the 48-hour window, you will see a "Change Seats" button or link. Click it to open the seating map.

The seating map shows all available seats in a different color from the ones you currently hold. Click on the seat you want to move to. Ticketmaster will show you the price of that seat. If it costs the same or less than what you paid, you can confirm the change. If it costs more, the button will be grayed out and you cannot proceed—you would need to buy a new ticket instead.

Once you confirm, your new seat assignment appears in your account within seconds. Your barcode and ticket number stay the same. If you have already received your tickets by email or mobile, they will still show your old seat until you refresh or read them again.

Why the 48-hour rule exists

Ticketmaster closes the change window 48 hours before the event because venues need time to finalize their seating charts and print materials for staff. After that point, the venue has already prepared entry lists, accessibility accommodations, and security information based on the original seat assignments. Changing seats at the last minute would create confusion at the gate and potentially delay entry for other guests.

This is also why you cannot change seats after the event has started. Once doors open, the venue's systems are locked and no further changes are possible.

When you cannot change seats

Some venues have a blanket policy against seat changes. This is common at smaller theaters, comedy clubs, and certain sports arenas where seating is tightly controlled. You will know this is the case if the "Change Seats" option does not appear in your account at all, even well before the 48-hour window closes.

Resale tickets purchased through Ticketmaster's resale marketplace may have different rules than primary tickets. Some resold tickets cannot be changed, depending on the seller's settings. Check the ticket details page to see whether the change option is available for your specific purchase.

If you bought tickets from a third-party seller or a different platform entirely, you cannot change them through Ticketmaster. You would need to contact the original seller or platform.

What happens if better seats open up

If premium seats become available after you have bought your tickets, Ticketmaster will not let you move to them for free. The change feature only works for same-price or lower-price moves. If you want to upgrade, you have two options: buy a new ticket to the better seats, or contact the venue's box office directly to ask if they can manually move you (though they are not required to do this).

Occasionally, venues will release additional inventory or move blocked-off sections into general sale close to the event date. When this happens, those new seats appear on the map as available, but the change tool still applies the same rule—you can only move to them if they cost the same or less.

Troubleshooting common problems

If you do not see a "Change Seats" option, first check whether you are within 48 hours of the event. If you are, the venue may not permit changes. Refresh your browser and log out and back in—sometimes the button does not load on the first try. If it still does not appear, the venue has disabled the feature for that event.

If you see the button but cannot click on any seats, it usually means no seats at your current price point or lower are available. You would need to wait for more inventory to open up, or buy a separate ticket if you want to move.

If you changed your seats but your email confirmation still shows the old seat, wait a few minutes and refresh your email. Ticketmaster sometimes takes a moment to send the updated confirmation. Your account will show the correct seat when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change seats after I have already entered the venue?

No. Once the event has started or you have passed through the gate, seat changes are no longer possible. The change window closes 48 hours before the event begins, and it does not reopen.

If I change seats, do I get a refund for the difference?

No. If you move to a cheaper seat, you keep the difference—Ticketmaster does not refund it. If you want to move to a more expensive seat, you must buy a new ticket; the change tool will not let you pay the difference.

Can I change seats on mobile or only on a computer?

You can change seats on both. The process is the same in the Ticketmaster app or website. Open your account, find the event, and click "Change Seats" if the option appears. The seating map works on mobile, though a larger screen makes it easier to see available seats.

What if the event is rescheduled or postponed?

If an event is postponed, the 48-hour change window resets based on the new date. You will have another 48 hours before the rescheduled event to make changes. If the event is canceled, you will be offered a refund or credit instead.

Can I change seats if I bought a ticket as a gift?

Yes, as long as you still have access to the account where you purchased it. Once you transfer the ticket to the recipient, they can change the seats themselves if they log into their own Ticketmaster account and the change window is still open. If you transferred the ticket by email, the recipient will need to accept it and add it to their account first.