How flexible are box offices with weather issues?

[irishgator1]

Posted: 9/10/18 at 8:36am

I know each situation and box office are different, obviously, but in general, what are the options that box offices might consider in terms of bad weather on the customer's end? I live in the DC area and we have a major hurricane coming to the Mid-Atlantic that could bring historic rainfall to our area. I don't think the hurricane is supposed to hit DC itself, but they're saying high winds and rain of up to 20" here.

I have My Fair Lady tickets for Sat. night (hurricane is supposed to make landfall either Thurs/Fri) and I fear Amtrak will close with the water. I called Telecharge and they just said that it was the box office's decision and office would work with me depending on the severity of the situation. In general, I assume they could offer another date but do they also offer refunds? I also have Hamilton tickets, but figure I could try to resell via Ticketmaster just for the price paid and surely those tickets would sell.

[ArtMan]

Posted: 9/10/18 at 9:07am

I've mentioned this before, but since you asked.  I had a trip scheduled last May and JetBlue cancelled my flight for two days due to the previous night's bad weather in NYC.  I ended up cancelling my entire trip.  I had bought my tickets in advance, including My Fair Lady.  I didn't deal with the theater box offices, only Telecharge and Ticketmaster.  I got refunded for all of my shows.  Telecharge was easier than Ticketmaster.  Only Ticketmaster told me they would have to check with the box office.  I was quite thankful for the refunds.  It may be a little harder now for My Fair Lady.  At my time, it was still selling out and the prices had risen since i made my original purchase.  Good luck.

[Poconopanther]

Posted: 9/10/18 at 1:12pm

My experience (from about 5-6 years ago) is they are tough but reasonable. I was stuck an hour from NYC because of a big snow. I called the day of the show and they let me change tickets. When the new day arrived...another major storm was predicted so I called the day before and asked about getting tickets for that night (the storm was going to hit the next day). The box office agreed. But... it wasn’t a super popular show, so they had a good supply of tickets.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 9/10/18 at 1:26pm

It varies greatly.  The more popular a show is the less flexibility the box office has.  They aren't under any obligation to refund your money.  It's not their fault either!

That being said, I've always had good luck what few times I've sought to change tix I've already purchased.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 9/10/18 at 2:35pm

It snowed heavily every time I had tickets for a show or concert at the Philharmonic last winter. Without exception, the box offices were very gracious about exchanging my tickets.