If you have used Ticketmaster to purchase event tickets in the past, you may be one of the millions of people eligible for benefits from a major class action settlement. The lawsuit, known as Schlesinger v. Ticketmaster, addressed concerns regarding how the company disclosed certain fees to its customers. As a result of this legal action, Ticketmaster was required to issue discount codes and ticket vouchers to eligible members of the settlement class.
Understanding how to access these benefits is important for anyone who wants to ensure they receive what they are owed. While the settlement process began several years ago, many users still have questions about how to find their vouchers, what they can be used for, and whether they are still valid. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step walkthrough to help you navigate your account and make the most of your settlement benefits.
Understanding the Schlesinger v. Ticketmaster Settlement
The Schlesinger v. Ticketmaster class action lawsuit was centered on the company’s “Order Processing Fees” and “UPS Delivery Fees.” The plaintiffs in the case alleged that these fees were not fully disclosed as being profit-generating for the company. Instead, they argued that the descriptions of these fees led consumers to believe they were simply covering the costs of processing or shipping.
Ticketmaster denied any wrongdoing and maintained that its fee disclosures were appropriate. However, to avoid the uncertainty and expense of a prolonged legal battle, the company agreed to a settlement. This settlement provided hundreds of millions of dollars in credits and vouchers to customers who purchased tickets during a specific timeframe.
Who Was Included in the Settlement?
Eligibility for the settlement was based on the timing of your ticket purchases. Generally, you are considered a class member if you purchased tickets on the Ticketmaster website between October 21, 1999, and February 27, 2013. Additionally, those who paid a UPS delivery fee for tickets during a shorter window—between October 21, 1999, and March 31, 2010—were eligible for specific UPS-related vouchers.
How to Find Your Settlement Vouchers
Ticketmaster did not mail physical checks or vouchers to most class members. Instead, the credits were deposited directly into the digital accounts associated with the email addresses used during the eligible purchase period. To see if you have vouchers waiting for you, follow these steps:
- Log In: Go to the official Ticketmaster website and log into your account using your email and password.
- Access Your Profile: Once logged in, click on the “My Account” link, usually found in the top right corner of the homepage.
- Check Your Vouchers: Look for a link on the left-hand sidebar or within the account menu labeled “Active Vouchers.”
- Review the List: This section will display any discount codes, UPS vouchers, or ticket codes that have been assigned to your account as part of the settlement.
If you no longer have access to the email account you used between 1999 and 2013, you may need to contact customer support to verify your identity and regain access to those specific settlement benefits.
Types of Vouchers and Credits Available
There were three primary types of benefits distributed through the settlement. Depending on your purchase history, you may find one or more of these in your account:
1. Discount Codes
Most class members received at least one discount code worth $2.25. These codes were intended to offset the cost of future order processing fees. You could typically use up to two of these codes per transaction, resulting in a total discount of $4.50 on a single order.
2. UPS Vouchers
If you paid for UPS delivery on a Ticketmaster order during the eligible period, you likely received a UPS voucher worth $5.00. These were specifically designed to be used toward the cost of UPS delivery for future ticket orders.
3. Ticket Codes
Perhaps the most valuable part of the settlement was the issuance of ticket codes. These codes could be redeemed for two free tickets to specific events at venues owned or operated by Live Nation (Ticketmaster’s parent company). These codes were released in waves, and their availability depended on the total amount of discount codes redeemed by the general public.
How to Redeem Your Vouchers
Redeeming your settlement benefits is a straightforward process, but it requires attention to detail during the checkout phase. Here is how to apply your codes:
- Select Your Event: Browse for tickets to an event you wish to attend. Note that not all events are eligible for settlement vouchers.
- Proceed to Checkout: Add the tickets to your cart and move to the payment screen.
- Enter the Code: Look for a field labeled “Voucher Code” or “Promotion Code” during the payment process. Copy the code exactly as it appears in your “Active Vouchers” list and paste it into this field.
- Apply the Discount: Click the apply button to see the total price update. If the code is valid for that event, the discount will be reflected immediately.
It is important to remember that ticket codes for “free tickets” can only be used for events on a specific “Eligible Events” list. This list is updated periodically by the settlement administrator and is subject to availability on a first-come, first-served basis.
Important Deadlines and Expiration Dates
One of the most common questions regarding the Ticketmaster settlement is whether the codes are still valid. Most of the discount codes and UPS vouchers issued in the initial phases of the settlement had expiration dates set several years after issuance. Many of these codes expired in 2020 or 2021.
However, the settlement agreement included provisions for the release of more vouchers if certain benchmarks were not met. This means that some users may see new activity or extended dates in their accounts. Always check the specific expiration date listed next to each code in your “Active Vouchers” section to ensure you don’t miss the opportunity to use them.
Why Some Codes May Not Work
If you find codes in your account but are unable to apply them to a purchase, there are several possible reasons. First, ensure that the event you are choosing is eligible. Settlement vouchers are typically restricted to events at Live Nation-operated venues and do not apply to third-party or independent venues.
Second, check the expiration date. As mentioned, many codes from the original distribution have already expired. Finally, ensure you are not trying to combine the settlement codes with other promotional offers or fan club presales, as Ticketmaster’s system often restricts the use of multiple discounts on a single order.
Staying Informed on Class Action Settlements
The Ticketmaster case is a prime example of how class action settlements work to protect consumer rights. While the individual amounts—like a $2.25 discount—may seem small, the collective impact ensures that large corporations are held accountable for their fee structures and disclosure practices.
To stay informed about future settlements that might affect you, it is a good idea to keep your contact information updated with major service providers and to occasionally check websites dedicated to tracking class action lawsuits. Often, these settlements require no action from you other than verifying your account once the legal process is complete.
Conclusion
The Ticketmaster settlement provided a way for millions of concert-goers to recoup some of the costs associated with historical processing fees. By logging into your account and checking the “Active Vouchers” section, you can quickly determine if you have any remaining credits or ticket codes available for use. While many of these benefits have specific limitations and expiration dates, they remain a valuable resource for frequent event attendees.
Taking a few minutes to review your account can help you save money on your next live music or sporting event. If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring our other articles on managing online accounts and understanding consumer rights to stay informed and save money on everyday services.