Federal Trade Commission

Illustration showing a frustrated couple standing under a large white VIP tent at a concert venue, with the tent blocking their view of the illuminated stage and crowd in the background, depicting how Ticketmaster sold premium second-row seats without disclosing the view obstruction

Ticketmaster sold me “great seats” that turned out to be obstructed. Where’s my refund?

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Vincent Manierre paid $475 each for second-row Oasis concert tickets at the Rose Bowl, expecting a clear stage view. A VIP tent blocked one-third of the stage. The tickets were not labeled obstructed view despite Ticketmaster’s stated policy requiring such disclosure. Ticketmaster refused a refund, claiming the event organizer controls refunds but would not reveal who that organizer is. Under Federal Trade Commission rules, selling tickets without disclosing obstructions when company policy promises such labeling can constitute deceptive trade practices.

Travelers are fed up with solicitations.

Review this! Travelers fed up with solicitations

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Is it my imagination, or are travel companies getting pushier?

The come-ons include repeated invitations to return to a hotel or restaurant, high-pressure pitches to “like” a company’s Facebook account and urgent requests for positive online reviews. As summer vacations fade into memory, the aggressiveness has never been more obvious.