If you go to more than a handful of events a year, keeping track of your tickets can become surprisingly complicated. Different platforms, different apps, confirmation emails buried in your inbox, tickets you bought for friends that need distributing -- it adds up. Here is how to stay organised and make sure you never lose track of a ticket.
The challenge of multiple platforms
Unlike flights or hotels, where most people use one or two booking platforms, event tickets are spread across many. You might have a Ticketmaster account, a See Tickets account, tickets bought directly from a venue's website, and a DICE app -- all for events in the same month. Each platform has its own app, its own ticket format, and its own way of delivering tickets.
The first step is to accept this reality and create a system that works across all of them, rather than relying on any single platform to be your central hub.
Create accounts on your regular platforms
If you buy tickets from a platform more than once, create a proper account rather than checking out as a guest. The benefits are significant:
- Order history -- you can always go back and find your tickets through your account, rather than hunting through old emails
- Saved payment details -- faster checkout when popular events go on sale
- Ticket management -- most platforms let you view, download, and transfer tickets from your account dashboard
- Pre-sale access -- some platforms offer perks to account holders
Use a consistent email address across all platforms. This makes it easier to search your inbox when you need to find a confirmation.
Use your phone's digital wallet
Apple Wallet and Google Wallet are excellent tools for consolidating tickets from different platforms into one place. When you buy tickets, look for the "Add to Apple Wallet" or "Save to Google Wallet" button in your confirmation email or the platform's app. This saves a digital pass containing the ticket barcode and event details.
The advantage is that all your upcoming event tickets appear in one place, regardless of which platform you bought them through. Wallet passes also display relevant information based on date and location, so your ticket surfaces automatically when you arrive at the venue.
Transferring tickets to others
If you have bought tickets for a group and need to distribute them, the process depends on the platform:
Ticketmaster
Ticketmaster allows you to transfer individual tickets to other people via email. The recipient receives the ticket in their own Ticketmaster account. You retain control and can recall the transfer if needed (before the recipient accepts it).
AXS
AXS supports ticket transfers through the app. You enter the recipient's email address, and they receive the ticket digitally. The original ticket in your account is voided, so there is no risk of duplication.
DICE
DICE does not support direct transfers between users. If you need to give a ticket to someone else, you would return it to the waiting list and the other person would need to be next in line -- which is not practical for targeted transfers. DICE tickets are tied to the purchaser's account.
E-tickets (PDF or email)
For platforms that deliver tickets as PDF files or email confirmations, you can usually forward them to the attendee. However, be aware that some events scan barcodes on a first-come basis, meaning the first person to present the barcode gets in. Forwarding a PDF to multiple people could result in problems at the door.
Keeping track of your bookings
A few organisational habits can prevent the panic of not being able to find your tickets on the night:
Calendar entries
Add every event to your calendar as soon as you buy the ticket. Include the venue name, doors time, and a note about where the ticket is (which app or email). Many ticketing platforms add calendar entries automatically, but check that this has happened rather than assuming it.
Email folders
Create a dedicated email folder or label for ticket confirmations. Move all booking confirmations there as they arrive. When you need a ticket, you know exactly where to look.
Screenshots
Take a screenshot of each ticket's barcode and save it to a dedicated album on your phone. This serves as a backup if the ticketing app crashes, your phone loses signal, or the wallet pass fails to load. It takes ten seconds and can save you a very stressful five minutes at the venue entrance.
A simple spreadsheet or note
If you attend events regularly, a simple list in your notes app can be invaluable. For each event, record: the event name, date, venue, which platform you bought through, order number, and how many tickets you have. This sounds old-fashioned, but it is the fastest way to check what you have coming up.
What to do if you lose a ticket
If you cannot find your ticket, do not panic. The information still exists:
- Log into the platform -- your ticket should be accessible through your account on the platform's website or app, even if you have deleted the confirmation email
- Search your email -- search for the event name, venue name, or ticketing platform name in your email. Confirmation emails usually contain everything you need
- Contact customer support -- if all else fails, contact the ticketing platform's customer service with your name, email address, and any order details you remember. They can reissue tickets or send a replacement confirmation
- Visit the box office -- on the night, the venue's box office can usually look up your booking by name or email if you are completely stuck
For more on digital ticket features, see our guide to using Apple Pay and Google Pay for tickets. If you are buying for a group and need to handle multiple tickets, our guide to buying group tickets covers the logistics. And for general safety when buying and managing tickets, read our complete guide to buying tickets online safely.
Curious how tickts compares? See our side-by-side comparison of tickts vs DICE: fees, payouts, and features for UK organisers.
