Ticketing Giants Commit to End Hidden Fees Under Biden’s Initiative 

Ticketmaster, SeatGeek, and other leading ticketing companies have agreed to fully disclose pricing to consumers, US president Joe Biden revealed on Thursday. This decisive move towards transparency in ticket hidden fees marks a significant milestone in Biden’s pursuit to dismantle junk fees across various industries such as ticketing, banking, and airlines.

According to a White House statement, Ticketmaster’s parent company Live Nation has pledged to implement all-in pricing by September. This will benefit 30 million fans attending shows at over 200 Live Nation-owned venues and festivals across the country. 

SeatGeek, another significant player in the ticketing market, plans to display true ticket costs by the end of the summer. TickPick already does so. 

“This is a win for consumers and proof that our crackdown on junk fees has real momentum,” Biden said. 

The good news for consumers is that they will no longer be caught off guard by additional fees at checkout – a practice that has sparked frustration among millions of Taylor Swift fans. 

While tickets’ hidden fees won’t ambush customers at the finish line, they aren’t going anywhere. Instead, inclusion in the initial pricing will occur, rather than addition at the end of the billing process.

White House’s announcement comes after a series of high-profile controversies related to ticket sales, including Taylor Swift’ Eras Tour. 

Biden is also urging Congress to pass the Junk Fees Prevention Act, targeting service charges, processing fees, airline booking fees for family seating, and surprise resort and destination fees. These additional costs have been criticized for their potential to distort the market.

If passed, the act would reduce the economic burden on average Americans by ensuring pricing transparency across various industries. But until then, it’s up to the companies to take their own action.