Cancel a ticket: when and how, step by step

Is something unexpected preventing you from attending the event? Wondering if you can cancel your ticket? Good news: there is almost always a solution, although outright cancellation is not guaranteed. This guide calmly explains when cancellation is possible, how to request it, and what alternatives to consider if it is not.

Updated on 2026-06-11 · 2 min read

Cancellation is not automatic

Unlike a traditional purchase in a store, an event ticket is not always freely returned. The possibility of canceling depends on the conditions set by the organizer and the ticket office: some offer cancellation within a given period, others provide optional insurance, and still others do not authorize cancellation once the order has been validated. First of all, you need to check what applies to your ticket.

How to proceed

  1. 1

    Reread the conditions of your ticket

    Confirmation, event page or general conditions: find out what is planned in the event of cancellation.

  2. 2

    Check deadlines

    When cancellation is possible, it is often governed by a deadline to be respected before the event.

  3. 3

    Look for the option in your account

    Some platforms offer a cancellation request directly from “My Orders”.

  4. 4

    Contact the ticket office if necessary

    If no option appears, submit your request to support with your order number.

Cases where cancellation is more possible

  • You are 'T0' within the 'T1' cancellation period possibly provided by the ticket office.
  • You have taken out 'T0' cancellation insurance 'T1' at the time of purchase.
  • The 'T0' event has been modified 'T1' (date, location) significantly.
  • The 'T0' event is canceled or postponed 'T1' by the organizer.

Alternatives to cancellation

If cancellation is not possible, all is not lost. Depending on the conditions, you could transfer your ticket to another person, for example a relative who would go in your place. When the ticket is nominative, a change of name is sometimes provided. These solutions avoid losing the value of the ticket. Our guides on transfer and nominative ticket explain how to do it.

If the event is canceled

When it is the organizer who cancels or postpones the event, the situation is different: specific terms and conditions often apply, and the ticket office generally communicates the procedure to follow. In this case, wait for official instructions rather than taking action on your own, and keep your confirmation carefully.

Frequently asked questions

Can you still cancel a ticket purchased online?
No. Cancellation depends on the conditions set by the organizer and the ticket office. Some authorize it within a time limit, others via insurance, others not at all once the order has been validated. Always check the terms and conditions of your ticket.
Will I be refunded if I cancel?
Not automatically. Cancellation and refund follow separate rules which depend on the event. Consult our “Reimbursement” guide to understand what may apply to your case.
What if I can't cancel?
Consider the alternatives: transfer the ticket to another person, or change the name if it is a nominative ticket and this is allowed. These options often allow you not to lose the value of your ticket.
The event is canceled, should I take action?
In this case, wait for instructions from the ticket office or the organizer, who generally communicate the procedure to follow and the applicable terms and conditions. Keep your confirmation in the meantime.