The bipartisan ‘TICKET Act’ would force ticketing companies to disclose all fees and charges upfront.
Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) introduced the legislation to require all ticket sellers to display the total ticket price including all fees in any advertisements or marketing materials. Congress previously address all-inclusive tickets with airline fees, now it is turning an eye to this practice with the TICKET Act.
The bill would also force ticket sellers to disclose whether the ticket being sold to them is a so-called ‘speculative ticket.’ That means it is not within the seller’s position at the time of sale. According to studies from the New York Attorney General’s office and the Government Accountability Office, fees can contribute anywhere from 21% to 58% of the total cost of tickets to sporting events and concerts.
“Sports fans and concertgoers alike have experienced the frustration of expecting to pay the listed price for a ticket only to be hit with a slew of hidden fees at checkout,” says Senator Cruz. “These unadvertised fees are a nuisance and deter consumers from following through with a purchase. The TICKET Act brings transparency to the whole ticketing industry, which is dominated by a few large players that can capitalize on these hidden fees.”
“When families budget for a night at a ball game or to hear their favorite band, they shouldn’t have to worry about being surprised by hidden fees that suddenly raise the final cost of tickets well over the advertised price,” says Senator Cantwell. “The TICKET Act requires sellers to disclose the real price of tickets upfront. The price they say should be the price you pay. This bill is one part of comprehensive legislation I plan to introduce to rein in deceptive junk fees driving up costs for consumers.”
Want to read the TICKET Act legislation in its full text? You can do so here.