Ticketmaster promises to display extra fees more clearly
The Biden administration 's ban on so-called "junk fees" began Monday, targeting industries like ticketing, hospitality, and vacation rentals.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced the rule in December, requiring businesses to disclose processing, cleaning, and other supplementary charges upfront.
Ticketmaster, frequently criticized for its opaque pricing practices, confirmed it would comply with the new regulation and expressed agreement with the FTC's action.
'Ticketmaster has long advocated for all-in pricing to become the nationwide standard so fans can easily compare prices across all ticketing sites,' Ticketmaster Chief Operating Officer Michael Wichser said in a statement.
Ticketmaster said it will also tell customers where they are in line when they log in to buy tickets to an event. It will also give real-time updates to customers whose wait times exceed 30 minutes, letting them know ticket price ranges, availability and whether new event dates have been added.
Ticketmaster, which is owned by Beverly Hills, California-based concert promoter Live Nation, is the world's largest ticket seller, processing 500 million tickets each year in more than 30 countries. Around 70% of tickets for major concert venues in the U.S. are sold through Ticketmaster.
Ticketmaster said Monday's changes would bring North America in line with the rest of the world, where full ticket prices typically are displayed as soon as customers start shopping.
SeatGeek, a platform for buying and selling original and resale tickets, said it also updated its features Monday to make 'all-in pricing the default' setting.
'Fans deserve pricing that's clear from the start,' said SeatGeek CEO Jack Groetzinger said. "We're proud to roll this out across our platform and encouraged to see the industry move in this direction.'
Ticketmaster has been in the hot seat since 2022, when its site crashed during a presale event for Taylor Swift's upcoming stadium tour.
The company said its site was overwhelmed by both fans and attacks from bots, which were posing as consumers in order to scoop up tickets and sell them on secondary sites. Thousands of people lost tickets after waiting for hours in an online queue.
Last year, the U.S. Department of Justice sued Ticketmaster and Live Nation, accusing them of running an illegal monopoly that drives up U.S. ticket prices and asking a court to break them up. That case is ongoing.
President Donald Trump is also eyeing the industry. In March, he signed an executive order that he said would help curb ticket scalping and bring 'commonsense' changes to the way live events are priced.
Under the order, the FTC must ensure 'price transparency at all stages of the ticket-purchase process' and take enforcement to prevent unfair, deceptive, and anti-competitive conduct.
'Anyone who's bought a concert ticket in the last decade, maybe 20 years — no matter what your politics are — knows that it's a conundrum,' said Kid Rock, who joined Trump in the Oval Office as Trump signed the order.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Reuters
7 minutes ago
- Reuters
Key US natural gas trends to track as LNG exports hit new highs
LITTLETON, Colorado, Aug 14 (Reuters) - U.S. exports of LNG have scaled new highs so far this year, rising by over 20% from the same months in 2024 to cement the U.S.' position as the world's largest supplier of the super-chilled fuel. Demand for U.S. natural gas has also climbed to record highs among commercial and industrial users, which has helped lift total U.S. gas consumption by the largest gas users by 5% from the year before to new all-time highs. Gas prices for all major consumers have also increased notably from 2024, but are still holding below previous records scaled around 2022-2023. Below is a breakdown of the key trends and data points covering the U.S. natural gas market so far this year and going forward. Over the first 8 months of 2025, total U.S. LNG exports climbed by 22% or by 12.4 million tons from the same months in 2024 to a record 69 million tons, according to commodities intelligence firm Kpler. Europe accounted for over two thirds of U.S. export volumes, followed by Asia. The top three markets were the Netherlands, France and Spain, which together accounted for 28% of total U.S. LNG shipments so far this year. Europe has accounted for over half of U.S. LNG exports since 2022, when Russia's invasion of Ukraine triggered sanctions on Moscow and disrupted commodities flows to Europe. Declines in European wind and hydro power electricity generation this year have also helped underpin gas use, while several European nations lifted imports of U.S. LNG in an attempt to reduce trade deficits with the U.S. once President Donald Trump returned to office. All told, Europe's imports of U.S. LNG from January through August are up 61% compared to the first eight months of 2024. Higher global natural gas prices - in part due to higher LNG demand from Europe - sparked gas rationing in other regions, especially in Asia where purchases of U.S. LNG have dropped 35% compared to the year before. Declines in gas use across Asia and alongside strong U.S. LNG sales to Europe helped lift the U.S. share of global LNG exports to a record 24.5% so far this year, compared to a 21% share in 2024, Kpler data shows. U.S. LNG export prices averaged $8.34 per thousand cubic feet over the first five months of 2025, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). That price was 38% more than in the same months in 2024, and marks the highest average LNG price for that period since 2023. Most major domestic gas consumers have also faced steep price climbs in 2025. Electric power generators - the largest single gas consumers accounting for around 31% of total U.S. gas use - saw prices rise by 52% during January to May compared to the same months in 2024. Industrial gas users, which account for 24% of U.S. gas use, faced a 32% price rise, while residential users (19% of gas use) and commercial users (12% of gas use) saw prices climb by 6% and 8% respectively compared to the year before. The overall average price across all major U.S. gas consumers was 27% higher at around $8.81 per thousand cubic feet. While overall U.S. gas consumption from all major usage segments hit a new high so far this year, rising gas prices have sparked shifts in gas use patterns. The key electric power segment made its first year-over-year reduction to gas consumption since 2021 during January to May. The 4,704 billion cubic feet of gas used by electric power firms was 4% less than during the same months in 2024, EIA data shows, and was a result of higher production from cheaper coal plants and higher supplies of renewable power. All other major gas consumers boosted gas use this year from the year before, although by widely varying degrees. Industrial gas users lifted consumption by 1.5%, while commercial users boosted consumption by 11%. Residential gas consumers - which use gas mainly for heating - lifted use by 11.4% from the year before, although the trend in residential gas use remains downward as more homes boost energy efficiency and install heat pumps that run on electricity. Gas demand from LNG exporters continues to grow at a much faster pace than all other gas use segments, and will remain a key driver of U.S. gas market sentiment and price action. Between 2019 and 2024 gas demand for LNG exports rose by 140%, EIA data shows. That growth rate compared to a 20% rise in demand from the electric power sector, a 2% rise in gas demand from industry, and declines in gas use among residences and offices of 12% and 5% respectively over that same period. Total gas demand from the LNG export sector surpassed that of commercial users in 2021 and was nearly equal to that used by residences in 2024, EIA data shows. Gas demand for LNG exports is on track to surpass the gas demand from residences in 2025, which would mean that the LNG export sector would emerge as the third largest U.S. gas consumer after electric power and industry this year. As a result, even if gas demand from offices and homes continues to decline, sustained strength in U.S. LNG exports has the potential to set the tone for the overall U.S. domestic gas market, and could keep prices trending higher. The opinions expressed here are those of the author, a columnist for Reuters. Enjoying this column? Check out Reuters Open Interest (ROI), your essential new source for global financial commentary. ROI delivers thought-provoking, data-driven analysis of everything from swap rates to soybeans. Markets are moving faster than ever. ROI can help you keep up. Follow ROI on LinkedIn, opens new tab and X, opens new tab.
Geeky Gadgets
36 minutes ago
- Geeky Gadgets
macOS 26 Beta 6: The Big Changes You Need to See
Apple has released macOS 26 Beta 6, offering a blend of new features, bug fixes, and performance adjustments. While the update may seem appealing, it comes with notable risks that could disrupt your workflow or compromise your system's stability. Before proceeding, it's crucial to weigh the potential benefits against the drawbacks. The video below from HalfManHalfTech will help you make an informed decision. Watch this video on YouTube. Installation Problems Could Leave Your Mac Unusable Installing macOS 26 Beta 6 has proven problematic for many users. Reports indicate issues such as prolonged loading screens, failed restarts, and, in severe cases, boot loops that render devices unusable. These problems often require a full system reset or data restoration to resolve, which can be time-consuming and stressful. If your Mac is essential for work, school, or personal projects, these risks could outweigh the advantages of early access to new features. A failed installation could result in lost productivity and potential data loss, making it a risky endeavor for critical-use systems. Performance Issues and High CPU Usage After installation, users have noticed increased CPU usage, which negatively impacts system performance. This is particularly evident during resource-heavy tasks like video editing, gaming, or running multiple applications simultaneously. The update also causes system processes, such as Spotlight indexing, to take longer than usual, further reducing responsiveness. For those who rely on their Mac for smooth and efficient performance, these issues can be frustrating. If stability and speed are priorities, it may be better to wait for a more refined version of macOS 26. New Features: A Mixed Bag macOS 26 Beta 6 introduces several new features designed to enhance usability and aesthetics. While these updates are intriguing, they come with limitations and may not justify the risks associated with this beta release. Key features include: A revamped onboarding screen with a liquid glass theme , offering a sleek and modern visual experience. , offering a sleek and modern visual experience. Improved clipboard sharing between Mac and iPhone, addressing previous continuity issues and enhancing cross-device functionality. Smoother animations in the Control Center and system settings, contributing to a more polished user interface. The redesigned onboarding screen has sparked speculation about the potential for future notchless Mac hardware, hinting at Apple's evolving design philosophy. However, while these features are promising, they may not be enough to outweigh the risks of beta testing. Intel vs. Apple Silicon: Performance Discrepancies The performance of macOS 26 Beta 6 varies depending on your Mac's architecture. Interestingly, Intel-based Macs appear to handle the update more effectively, with fewer performance issues compared to devices running on Apple Silicon. This discrepancy suggests that the update is not yet fully optimized for Apple's in-house processors. If you own a newer Mac with Apple Silicon, you may encounter more frequent bugs, crashes, and performance hiccups. This is a critical factor to consider before deciding whether to install the beta. Safari Update: Minor Tweaks, No Major Changes The Safari browser has been updated to version 222.11.5 in macOS 26 Beta 6. While this update includes minor performance improvements, it does not introduce any new features. For instance, the highly anticipated compact tab bar feature remains absent. If Safari is your primary browser, you are unlikely to notice significant changes in this release. Battery Life: A Rare Bright Spot One positive aspect of macOS 26 Beta 6 is its impact on battery performance. Unlike previous beta versions, this update does not appear to degrade battery life. Users have reported stable battery usage, which is reassuring for those concerned about power efficiency during beta testing. While this is a welcome improvement, it may not be enough to offset the other challenges posed by the update. What's Next in the Beta Cycle? Apple is maintaining its weekly beta release cycle, with Beta 7 expected to arrive next week. Beta 8 is likely to be the final version before the release candidate, signaling that the public release of macOS 26 is approaching. For users seeking a more stable and polished experience, waiting for the release candidate or the official version is a prudent choice. Is It Worth the Risk? While macOS 26 Beta 6 introduces some exciting features and improvements, the risks associated with installation problems, performance instability, and compatibility issues make it a risky choice for most users. If your Mac is essential for work or personal use, it's advisable to wait for future beta releases or the official version. Exercising patience now can save you from potential headaches and ensure a smoother experience when the final version is released. Dive deeper into macOS 26 Beta with other articles and guides we have written below. Source & Image Credit: HalfManHalfTech Filed Under: Apple, Laptops, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
The Independent
36 minutes ago
- The Independent
Air Canada cabin crew strike: Everything you need to know about the total shutdown
At the peak of the summer season, Air Canada has announced 'a complete cessation of flying' by Friday 16 August due to a strike by cabin crew. Members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees working for the airline are walking out in a long and bitter pay dispute. The shutdown will affect passengers with both Air Canada and its low-cost subsidiary, Rouge. Air Canada says it has offered 'a 38 per cent total compensation increase over four years'. But the union says: 'With respect to Air Canada's latest offer: it is below inflation, below market value, below minimum wage.' The union says it 'received an unprecedented 99.7 per cent strike mandate from its membership.' When Air Canada received the strike notification, it issued a 'lockout notice' – which the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) defines as: 'The closing of a place of business or a suspension of work by an employer.' Michael Rousseau, the airline's president and chief executive, said: 'Our only responsible course of action is to provide certainty by implementing an orderly suspension of Air Canada's and Air Canada Rouge's operations through a lockout. 'Unplanned or uncontrolled shutdowns, such as we are now at risk of through a strike, can create chaos for travellers that is far, far worse.' Cancellations began on Wednesday 13 August, with more planned for Thursday. All Air Canada flights are expected to cease by Friday. These are the key questions and answers for passengers. How will the strike affect passengers? Air Canada flies about 120,000 passengers per day in August – more than 3,000 of them to or from the UK. The airline's main British airport is London Heathrow, with additional flights to and from Gatwick, Manchester and Edinburgh. The carrier says: 'Customers will be notified of alternative travel options that are identified for them. However, given other carriers are already very full due to the summer travel peak, securing such capacity will take time and, in many cases, will not be immediately possible.' Air Canada says it 'has made arrangements with other Canadian and foreign carriers to provide customers alternative travel options to the extent possible'. What are my rights if my flight is cancelled? If your flight was due to start in the UK or EU, and is cancelled, Air Canada must find an alternative way to get you to your destination as close to the original timings as possible. The obvious transatlantic replacement would be on British Airways, Air Transat or WestJet between the UK and Canada, if seats are available. Air Canada is also likely to rebook passengers with its Star Alliance partner, United. This might involve flying from the UK to Canada via the US – which would require you to go through the onerous business of getting an Esta permit and clearing the US frontier for the hour or two you will be spending there between flights. While passengers are waiting to be flown where they need to be, they can expect to be provided with hotel accommodation and meals if necessary. If your journey begins in Canada, the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR) apply. For cancellations that are the airline's responsibility, travellers would be entitled to compensation as well as hotels and meals as necessary. But unlike European air passengers' rights rules, the Canadian regulations excuse airlines a duty of care if the cause of disruption is outside its control. According to the APPR, 'a labour disruption within the carrier' is regarded as beyond an airline's control. So there is no entitlement to care. Could travel insurance help? In some circumstances, notably for additional expenses incurred as a result of the strike that cannot be covered by anyone else, you can claim on travel insurance. But you would be expected to approach the airline first before claiming for out-of-pocket costs. For flights from the UK, the airline is responsible for extra costs; from Canada, it is not. Will I get compensation? Possibly for a flight leaving from a UK airport. Under British air passengers' rights rules, there is no consensus that industrial action entitles travellers whose flights are cancelled to claim cash compensation. Canada's APPR holds that strikes are outside Air Canada's control and no compensation is payable. How long will this go on? Hopefully days rather than weeks or months. Air Canada is set to lose tens of millions of dollars each day until the strike ends. But the two sides are a long way apart. The Canadian Union of Public Employees says: 'We have always been available to negotiate. The union was available to continue discussions while it sought a strike mandate – the company never reached out.' The aim of Air Canada's pre-emptive lockout, according to CIRB, is to pressure the union into agreeing to terms and conditions of employment and sign a collective bargaining agreement. The airline hopes that the shutdown will persuade the union to agree to binding arbitration.
