Officials are announcing restrictions on mass public gatherings to limit the spread of the coronavirus. While restrictions may vary from state to state, it’s causing the immediate cancellation or delay of concerts, major sporting events, theater productions, marathons, fairs, and festivals. This may leave many people who purchased tickets or made reservations well in advance feeling a little dismayed, and wondering what they should do next.
BBB recommends the following tips if this should happen to you:
- Review the cancellation policy. Given the uncertainty of this situation, each vendor is more than likely to have their own policy in handling refunds and exchanges, or may offer a rescheduling option. You may find this on the venue’s website or by contacting the business.
- Check your credit card company. If you are denied a refund from the vendor and purchased tickets using a credit card, contact the credit card company to dispute the charges.
- Check with the distributor of the tickets. For tickets or reservations purchased online, many refunds, according to the venue’s policy, will be automatically processed to the same card that was used for purchase.
- Stay home if you are sick. If you become ill or are not comfortable attending an event that is not canceled, stay home. Contact the box office and explain the situation.
- Review any ticket insurance purchased. If you purchased ticket insurance, review the fine print to see what is, and isn’t, covered. Understand that the policy may not cover things such as a pandemic, and it may be outlined within the policy. The same advice would apply for travel insurance.
- Contact the vendor. Items such as airline tickets should be dealt with by the vendor where you purchased the original ticket from. For example, if the ticket was purchased through Expedia, review and follow the cancellation policy on their website.
- Have patience. As this pandemic unfolds, it’s difficult to tell how long it will continue and what the impact is going to be on everyone, from event planners to vendors, and businesses to consumers. If it’s difficult to get through to customer service, understand there are probably other people in the same situation.
For more tips, visit bbb.org.
