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Graceland tours: the best options & what to expect.

Advice for making the most of your time at Elvis' famous home.

The Best Graceland Tours

Andrea Zucker | Courtesy of Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau

A visit to Graceland is a popular activity for both Elvis fans and Memphis tourists.

Note: Some tour providers on this list may be running more limited operations due to COVID-19 or may impose testing or vaccine requirements. Check with your tour operator about availability before you book.

When Elvis Presley was just 22 years old, he purchased Graceland – a 10,266-square-foot mansion that occupied a nearly 14-acre property in Memphis, Tennessee . After the singer's death in 1977, the executors of his estate found that the mansion's exorbitant operating costs proved difficult to maintain, so they decided to open Graceland for tours in 1982. Since then, more than 20 million people from around the world have visited the mansion – which now spans 17,552 square feet – and its surrounding Elvis-themed museums and shops. Read on to plan your Graceland visit.

What is Graceland?

• Where is Graceland located?

Is Graceland open for tours?

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Graceland is a 120-acre institution dedicated to the life and music of Elvis Presley. The main draw is the mansion, but there's more to see than Elvis' former abode. Visitors can stop by Elvis Presley's Memphis, a 200,000-square-foot museum and entertainment complex. This building houses the Presley Motors Automobile Museum and a series of exhibits, such as "Elvis' Tupelo," which explores Elvis' early life in his hometown of Tupelo, Mississippi. The Elvis: The Entertainer Career Museum, which displays the entertainer's gold and platinum records, his famous jumpsuits and movie memorabilia, can also be found here. Tourists will also have access to 10 interactive exhibits and games. Located throughout the complex, the interactive features include quizzes, a simulated golf cart ride and photo booths that put travelers on Elvis' movie posters and album covers. Finally, the complex houses two restaurants, a coffee shop, an ice cream parlor and a soundstage where tourists can watch Elvis' movies and attend live music performances.

After you learn all about the King, check out the Graceland Exhibition Center. This 80,000-square-foot venue features a variety of rotating museum exhibits, covering a variety of subjects, including motorcycles, Muhammad Ali and Van Gogh. The complex also boasts a food court, a bar and a separate, rentable event space.

Where is Graceland located?  

Graceland   is located in the Whitehaven community of Memphis, nearly 3 miles west of Memphis International Airport and 10 miles south of downtown.

Yes, Graceland is open for tours.

The cost per person varies depending on which tour experience you choose. Expect to pay about $30 to $200 for children 10 and younger. Adults can expect to pay around $50 to $200 per person. Keep in mind: Higher ticket fees mean a premium experience complete with VIP access, keepsakes, meal vouchers and more.

There are multiple tour options for visiting Graceland.

• Elvis Presley's Memphis + Planes Tour : This is the basic tour option. It grants visitors access to Elvis Presley's Memphis Entertainment Complex and the Elvis' Custom Jets exhibit, but does not include access to the mansion. Tickets for this tour start at $48 for adults, with discounts for children.
• Elvis Experience Tour : Tickets for this tour, which start at $77 per adult, include everything in the above tour, plus access to the mansion complete with an audio tour.
• Elvis Entourage VIP : The Elvis Entourage VIP tour includes everything in both the other tour options, plus skip-the-line access to the mansion, a VIP shuttle to the mansion, access to a special exhibit, and a keepsake pass. Tickets start at $128 per person.
• Ultimate VIP Tour : The Ultimate VIP Tour includes everything in the Elvis Entourage VIP, plus a guided tour of the mansion with an experienced guide, access to a VIP lounge, a meal voucher to an on-site restaurant, an archives show and tell, the chance to buy exclusive souvenirs and a photo-op. Tickets for this experience start at $196 per person; children 2 and younger tour for free.

The mansion tour will take about 90 minutes to complete. Those who decide to tour the rest of Graceland's offerings should budget at least 3 1/2 hours to explore.

Tourgoers can purchase tickets online or at the box office on-site. Tickets purchased online can be printed at home or downloaded on a smartphone (which saves time). You can also choose to pick up your tickets at will call; you must have a photo ID to pick them up. Patrons may also purchase a multiday ticket to access Elvis Presley's Memphis for an additional one, two or three days. Multiday tickets start at $17 per adult and can be purchased on-site only.

Tickets for exhibits at the Graceland Exhibition Center are not included in any Graceland tickets and require additional entrance fees. Tickets for those exhibits can be purchased on Graceland's website.

Which Graceland experience you choose largely depends on your fascination with the King. Graceland visitors mention that even non-Elvis fans will enjoy the tour and the up-close look at the entertainer's famous lifestyle. Visitors also appreciate the audio tour narrated by John Stamos. They recommend upgrading your tour to one of the VIP options, saying it is well worth the additional cost.

Graceland is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 or 5 p.m. (depending on the day of the week and time of year). It closes or has abbreviated hours on holidays. The last mansion tour begins at 4 or 5 p.m., depending on the day and time of year.

The best time to visit Graceland depends on what kind of experience you want. Travelers should check out Graceland's events calendar as the complex and its hotel, the Guest House at Graceland, host numerous weekend events, concerts and daytrips to Elvis' hometown throughout the year. Visitors in the mood for a festive atmosphere will want to book a trip in late November, December or early January to see the estate's holiday lights display and decorations.

Andrea Zucker | Courtesy of Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau

• Visit the mansion after 2 p.m. to enjoy fewer crowds and shorter wait times, as this is the slowest time of day. (Multiple travelers note long wait times when arriving before this time). Check Graceland's website for exact opening times; there are certain days and holidays where hours vary.
• You're welcome to bring cameras, but flash photography is not permitted.
• Video cameras cannot be brought into the mansion, attractions or gift shops.
• Note that two rooms in the basement of the mansion and the airplanes are not wheelchair accessible.
• Bring a permanent marker to sign the famous Graceland wall before you leave.

Patrons can reach Graceland by car. On-site parking costs $10. The lot is located next to Elvis Presley's Memphis and the ticket booth. The only way to get to the mansion itself is by shuttle, which is included in your ticket price. The shuttle pickup is across from the ticketing pavilion.

There are also a few public transportation options. The Memphis Hop, a hop-on, hop-off bus tour, makes stops every hour at several attractions in the city, including Graceland. This bus generally runs Wednesday through Saturday (it may not operate on Fridays during select months), and tickets cost approximately $35 for adults and $25 for children ages 4 to 12. Memphis Area Transit Authority No. 42 bus route stops close to Graceland.

Nashville sits about 215 miles northeast of Graceland (an approximately 3 1/2-hour drive).

Yes. You'll find options for tours from Nashville (and more) below:

• Gray Line Tennessee:  Nashville to Memphis with Skip-The-Line Graceland VIP Tour & Sun Studio. View & Book Tickets: Viator | GetYourGuide  
• Graceland:  Elvis Presley's Childhood Home with Lunch & Transportation from Memphis. View & Book Tickets: Viator | GetYourGuide  
• Memphis Best Tours:  Memphis City Tour with Admission to One Memphis Attraction.  View & Book Tickets »
• Blues City Tours: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour. View & Book Tickets »

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Memphis Tours
• The Best Nashville Tours
• The Best Whitewater Rafting in Tennessee
• The Top Things to Do in Tennessee
• The Best Places to Visit in Tennessee

Tags: Elvis Presley , Tennessee , Tours , Vacations , Travel , Tennessee Vacations , US Vacations , Southeast Vacations

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A Travel Guide for Visiting Graceland on a Budget

 Taylor McIntyre/TripSavvy

Graceland, the legendary home of Elvis Presley in Memphis, Tennessee, is viewed by some as a solemn experience, while others are motivated by amusement or curiosity. Whatever your reason for visiting, no one can deny that a stopover is a unique experience that attracts people from around the world. Fortunately, a value-packed Graceland tour can be done with some advance planning.

Admission Costs

Knowing what you'd like to see at Graceland can help you save money on tickets. Different tour packages cater to different visitors, from the history buff who's a casual Elvis admirer to the full-blown Elvis fanatic.

Basic admission (starting at $41) covers the Mansion Only Tour, which is audio-guided. The Elvis Experience Tour includes exhibits of his wardrobe, automobiles, gold records, and other features. An Elvis Entourage VIP ticket adds front-of-the-line admission privileges and access to the Elvis Presley's Memphis Entertainment Complex museums and exhibits. An airplanes tour can be added on to those three ticket options for an additional cost. The most extensive and pricey selection is the Ultimate VIP tour, which includes everything the other tours offer plus a meal voucher, access to the Ultimate Lounge, a Graceland archives session, and more.

Children under 6 are free on all tours except for the Ultimate VIP Tour, though that has no charge for kids under age 2. Although there's a small fee, online orders could spare you long waits in line, allowing you to pick up tickets at will-call and be ready for your Graceland experience.

Money-Saving Tips

A few tricks can help you save at Graceland, whether you are in Memphis just for Elvis or simply want to stop by and pay your respects.

If Graceland is your main focus, you might want to consider becoming a member, which can help you cut back on costs if you are a frequent visitor .

If you'd like to visit the graves of Elvis and his family, walk up to the Meditation Garden at Graceland for free between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. (except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day). And you can always pull off Elvis Presley Boulevard and take a selfie outside the famous mansion.

Big Elvis fans will come here just for Graceland, but for most people, it is a half-day adventure at best. Regardless, look at some of the other attractions in the area and make your trip to the city memorable. One good stop is to Sun Records, where Elvis cut his first demo record . According to legend, they asked Elvis which artist he sounded like, and he answered: "I don't sound like nobody." Soon enough, they discovered a new sound that swept the nation at this unassuming Sun Studio at 706 Union Ave.

See more Memphis music highlights using the free hourly shuttle running daily on a first come first served basis. The shuttle travels between Graceland, Heartbreak Hotel across the street, Sun Studio, and Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum. If you stay downtown, you can start out at Memphis Rock 'n' Soul and visit both Sun Studios and Graceland without spending on gas or parking.

Rock 'n' Soul also offers a discount on a Backstage Pass, which includes admissions to Graceland, Sun Studio, Stax Museum, and the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum.

When to Visit

The peak time for visitors is the annual Elvis Week in early- to mid-August when there are scores of special events such as concerts, movie screenings, and an Elvis Expo (off-property in downtown Memphis) of memorabilia. Reservations during this time are highly recommended, as individual events sell out months in advance.

For less stress and more value, go on a weekday and avoid times when school is not in session. The two busiest times are the August "Elvis Week" and January 8, which was Elvis' birthday.

Travel Arrangements

As you search for flights and Memphis hotel rooms, consider Graceland's location only 4 miles from Memphis International Airport (MEM). Although it's close to the airport, don't try to see the mansion on a layover. Traffic can be intense and waits at Graceland are often long. Security lines at MEM can become busy when travelers on business or holiday trips show up at the airport. Cabs are available to and from the airport.

Staying at The Guest House at Graceland is one option with discounts including admission to Graceland, seeing landmarks, and other Elvis-related events. Also, the Graceland RV Park and Campground is a less-expensive way to camp out within walking distance to Graceland and enjoy bike trails.

Hotels in the area around Graceland can be run-down or expensive. But the proximity to I-55 means you can reach a bargain room in another part of the city fairly quickly (unless it's rush hour). Some chain offerings are good values in the Bartlett area and just across the state line in Mississippi.

How Tours Work

The mansion and the visitor pavilion/parking complex sit on opposite sides of Elvis Presley Boulevard. Transportation across the street to the grounds and a headset enabling a self-guided tour of the property are included in the admission fee. The additional options available with the higher-priced tickets are on the pavilion-side of the boulevard: the jumpsuit, automobile, and airplane exhibits. You will be reminded at every turn that security cameras are watching you and that indoor flash photography is prohibited. The second floor of the mansion is off-limits; these rooms were Elvis' private quarters.

This is not the most elegant nor largest mansion you will ever see. You may be struck by the relative simplicity of Elvis' life, given his status as a world celebrity. Check out the "Jungle Room," furnished with outlandish carpeting, furniture, and kitsch, and the simple swing set he set up for his daughter Lisa Marie in the backyard. Everything here was left largely the way it looked at the time of Elvis' death in 1977.

Basic Information

Hours of operation vary by season, with longer hours during the summer months. It's possible to rent sections of the facility for private parties, and some people even get married here.

Elsewhere in Memphis

Memphis is known for more than Graceland. If you are staying downtown and using the free shuttle between Graceland and other attractions, you can maximize your time and money and have some other worthwhile visits. Highly recommended: the  National Civil Rights Museum , on the site of the former Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.

A lesser-known but fascinating attraction is a five-block-long scale model of the lower Mississippi River at  Mud Island River Park , which is connected to downtown by a sky bridge. Anyone with a love of travel or geography will enjoy this site.

Downtown Memphis is home to Beale Street , which bills itself as the "home of blues and the birthplace of rock n' roll" and has two blocks of places to enjoy Memphis barbecue or live music. 

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Tips for Visiting Graceland

Make a well-planned visit to Elvis Presley’s home using these tips for visiting Graceland. Maximize your visit, there is much to see.

Use these Graceland Tour Tips to get the most out of a full day doing the Graceland Tour in Memphis.

If you don’t live nearby, you will be planning a trip. I am also sharing with you where to stay and eat while in Memphis for your Elvis experience tour.

This article contains affiliate links. Please see our Disclosure Policy.

There is much more to visiting Graceland than only touring the mansion. Directly across the street from Graceland sits a huge entertainment complex complete with museums, gift shops, and restaurants for you to explore. This is where your Graceland experience will begin.

Table of Contents

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Your tour will begin at the Elvis Presley Memphis Entertainment Complex. This is where the ticket office is located.

It’s across the street in front of Graceland. There is a $10 parking fee. If you are staying at the Guesthouse, their shuttle runs every 30 minutes so don’t drive your own vehicle over and pay to park.

Graceland tours are scheduled every 15 minutes so you will be given a time on your ticket. Prior to boarding the shuttle, that is provided for your tour, you will watch a short, 7-minute video of Elvis’s career.

Once you are directed out to board the shuttle bus, you have an opportunity for your picture to be taken in front of a fun background. You are not obligated to buy these and you can opt-out of the photo if you like. They cost about $35 currently and can be found at the auto museum after your mansion tour.

You will also be handed an iPad and headphone set to listen to an audio tour narrated by John Stamos. As you make your way through the home of Elvis Presley, John who is also a big Elvis fan will tell you information about each room of the house tour.

You can spend as much time as you like on your tour. You are not required to board the free shuttle at any particular time. Just be sure not to miss the last bus of the day. Graceland hours of operation are daily 9-4. Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Elvis Presley’s Memphis Entertainment Complex

A lot has changed on Elvis Presley Blvd. since the King of Rock and Roll passed away back in 1977. Over the years Elvis Presley Enterprises was able to purchase land across the street from the mansion. They built a 200,000-square-foot entertainment complex known as Elvis Presley’s Memphis. 

Elvis Presley’s Memphis enables you to follow the life path that Elvis took, and surround yourself with the things that he loved.

What will you find there?

A nice collection of vehicles owned by Elvis which includes the infamous pink Cadillac are on display in the car museum.

Fun fact about the pink Caddy. It was referred to as Glady’s car but she never learned to drive. The car earned the name Glady’s car because she wanted a pink Cadillac and that is why Elvis bought it. He loved his Momma.

You will be able to view up close hundreds of artifacts from the extensive Graceland Archives, including Elvis’ amazing collection of gold and platinum records, his stunning jumpsuits, memorabilia from his movies, and more. This museum is the world’s largest and most comprehensive Elvis museum in the world.

The items on display change from time to time as they are sent to locations around the world for his dedicated fans to enjoy.

The display of the iconic Elvis jumpsuits is amazing. They are stacked two and three high on three walls, each encased individually and lit so they are easy to view. But that isn’t all, there are more on display in this museum in various places including the famous black leather suit he wore for the 1968 Comeback Special.

•  Lisa Marie: Growing Up Presley
• Presley Cycles; Elvis motorcycles and other vehicles
• Private Presley, showcasing his service in the U.S. Army
• ICONS: The Influence of Elvis Presley, an exhibit that showcases Elvis’ influence on other artists
•  Archives Experience, which allows you to explore the Graceland Archives

Climb aboard Elvis’ customized jet, named after his daughter Lisa Marie, that features a living room, conference room, sitting room, and private bedroom, as well as gold-plated seat belts, suede chairs, and leather-covered tables, 24-karat gold-flecked sinks, and more.

Then, take a peek inside Elvis’ smaller Lockheed Jet Star, customized by Elvis with a yellow and green interior. Remember the decor is 70’s.

There are lots of souvenir shops at the complex. Many of them have similar items but some do have different things.

The T-shirts cost around $35 and up. You can find almost anything you can imagine. Shop Amazon before your trip for lots of Elvis t-shirts right here .

Restaurants at the Entertainment Complex

The menu includes; Classic American cuisine, including burgers, hot dogs, and pizza – plus one of Elvis’ favorites – Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwiches.

Vernon’s Smokehouse features authentic Memphis BBQ fare, including pork ribs, chicken, and beef brisket, seasoned with exclusive Vernon’s Smokehouse BBQ sauce. Also on the menu are; meatloaf, catfish, and BBQ spaghetti.

The Rock-n-Go is attached to Glady’s Diner and they share a dining room. They serve sandwiches, salads, and snacks. The menu also includes smoothies, iced coffees, and shaken iced teas.

Be sure to also visit Minnie Mae’s Sweets for hand-dipped ice cream, Root Beer floats, candy, and more! Choose from 16 delicious ice cream flavors.  

The good news is there are tickets available in a variety of price ranges. We chose the Ultimate VIP in order to enjoy the expert guide.

Tickets currently range in price from $48 up to $196 per person depending on the type of experience you prefer.

Ticket options

The most expensive option is called the Ultimate VIP Tour and includes:

• Graceland Mansion Tour with an Expert Guide For Each Small Group of up to 10 Guests 
• Self-guided tour of Elvis’ Custom Jets
• Full Access to Elvis Presley’s Memphis Entertainment Complex, including Presley Motors Automobile Museum
• Elvis: The Entertainer Career Museum
• Self-guided tours of the Elvis Discovery Exhibits
• Access to Ultimate Lounge and Exclusive VIP Exhibit
• A meal voucher for a restaurant at Elvis Presley’s Memphis
• Exclusive Photo Opportunity
• Personal Graceland Archives Show and Tell Session
• Keepsake Backstage pass

The least expensive option is called Elvis Presleys Memphis + Planes. This option does not include the tour of the mansion.

Benefits of the Ultimate VIP

The most significant benefit of the Ultimate VIP package is the expert guide. They will tell you lots of tidbits and stories you won’t otherwise hear.

We got lucky and our tour guide was one of the archivists who doesn’t usually do tours but we were there during Elvis week and it was busy.

You will receive a set of headphones for wearing during the tour so you can hear your guide because they don’t talk out loud for other tourists to listen to the things you paid extra to learn.

Near the end of the mansion tour, you will be taken to the VIP Private Lounge to sit and relax for a few minutes. There is water available and a few displays for you to look at that others won’t see. We enjoyed it because it was very hot the day of our visit and it was nice to cool off.

After leaving the lounge, we were shuttled down to the only building on the property which isn’t original to the home. It was built to house memorabilia and archives.

If you are not doing the Ultimate VIP Tour, you won’t come to this archives building.

Here, you get to see up close some of Elvis’s personal possessions and will be allowed to touch one thing. On our visit that thing was one of Elvis’ guitars.

Also part of the Ultimate VIP package is a meal voucher to one of the restaurants on the Elvis Memphis campus. We ate at Vernon’s and it was very good.

Save time and buy your tickets online before you go. You can print them or have them available on your cell phone when you get there. If you have the QR code open on your phone, the ticket agent will scan it quickly and you can go through the line. They will scan the code for each ticket you purchased.

You are allowed to visit the Meditation Garden which is Elvis’s burial site during a one-hour time frame each morning. Visitor walk-up times are daily from 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. All guests must enter the gates by 8:30 a.m. to walk up, and guests must leave the mansion grounds before Graceland tours start.

Elvis, Gladys, Vernon, his Grandmother who he lovingly called ‘Dodger’, and his grandson, Benjamin is buried there. You will also see a memorial marker for Elvis’s twin brother, Jessie, who died at birth.

Where to stay

The Guesthouse, built in 2016, is a quite beautifully equipped, luxurious hotel decorated to reflect the colorful style of Elvis Presley. Located literally next door to Graceland, you can walk over to the mansion.

The gorgeous furniture in the lobby is designed to pay homage to the high collars of Elvis stage wear.

Read my Review of The Guest House at Graceland . It’s full of pictures.

The Graceland RV Park & Campground is located on 19 acres just off Elvis Presley Boulevard. It is part of the Graceland Campus.

The Memphis campgrounds feature:

• Full Hookup Sites
• 30/50 Amp Service
• Bathhouse and laundry facilities
• Bike & Walking Trails
• Patrolled 24-hour Security
• Free campground-wide wireless internet access
• Swimming Pool
• Camping store providing ice, drinks, propane, souvenirs, books, t-shirts, camping and RV supplies, and a small business center.
• Brochures and local information are also available in the store along with maps and other related items.
• The office staff can assist you in making reservations for tours and [dining] out at represented restaurants in the area.

Unfortunately, there are not a lot of dining options located in the general area around Graceland or the Guesthouse. There are two restaurants inside the hotel but if you are staying a full week you will get tired of those. Their food is good but the prices are on the high side and the menus are limited.

We drove down to Southaven, Ms . for shopping. There is a nice Tanger Outlet there and we had a fun day shopping. It’s only about 11 miles from the Guesthouse so not far at all.

There are more dining options in this same area where the Tanger Outlets are. We went to a little pizza place where the food and service were both good and it was budget friendly.

Be sure to go to Marlowe’s Ribs and Restaurant which is just a few blocks down the street from Graceland.

They will come and pick you up in their pink limousine and bring you back. It’s a fun adventure and the food is quite good.

Graceland is the second most visited home in the U.S., second only to the White House. Of course, you want to get the most out of your visit. Use these tips to plan your trip to Graceland.

Visit the Graceland website to purchase your tickets in advance online.

• Wear comfortable shoes. There is a lot of walking involved.
• You are allowed to have bottled water in the mansion but no food.
• Flash photography is not allowed. Snap all the photos you want without the flash.
• Graceland is typically less busy in the afternoons, especially after 2:00 p.m.
• The last mansion tour of the day begins at 4:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m., depending on the day of the week and time of year.
• Bring a sharpie. You can sign the famous Graceland wall.
• The Graceland gates close at 5 p.m., that is when you can get a picture of the closed gates or early in the morning.
• Walking up to Elvis’s grave is free. You are only allowed to do that between 7:30-8:30 am before tours begin.
• The mansion tour takes about an hour to an hour and a half.
• You can easily spend most of a day touring the mansion and the entertainment complex with a break for lunch at one of the restaurants.
• Take cash for tips if you plan to tip the driver of the free shuttle.
• Use #graceland when sharing
• If you plan to visit during Elvis Week, book everything in advance and buy tickets to the shows in advance.
• Visit during Elvis week and buy tickets to the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Finals. The concerts are fabulous.

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Visiting Graceland Review: Thoughts, Tours, Prices, and More!

When my mom and I first started planning our trip to Nashville, my mom mentioned that she would also like to visit Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley. That was before we realized it would add an extra three and a half hours to our trip! However, we had no clue when we would be in the area again, so we decided to work a day trip to Graceland into our itinerary, and I’m glad we did! Find out what it’s like to visit Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley, in Memphis, Tennessee!

Graceland History and Info

Elvis presley’s graceland, presley motors.

• Private Presley

Entertainer Career Museum

Overall thoughts of graceland, graceland tickets, tours, and costs, other tips for visiting graceland, getting to graceland, hotels near graceland.

Graceland was originally part of a family farm and was named after one of the family relatives named “Grace.” A mansion was built on the land in 1939, and was later purchased by Elvis Presley in 1957 about a year after he really started becoming famous. Although Elvis owned many houses, Graceland served as his sort of “home-base.”

Graceland Ticket Office Address: 3765 Elvis Presley Blvd., Memphis, TN 38116

Graceland Parking Address: 3717 Elvis Presley Blvd., Memphis, TN 38116

Graceland hours of operation vary based on the time of year and on holidays, but it general opens at 9AM and closes at 4PM or 5PM. A detailed breakdown of operating hours can be found on the Graceland website .

Our Graceland Experience

Despite only ever having listened to one or two Elvis songs, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed my time at Graceland. My mom decided to do the Elvis Experience tour, which meant we would get to see not only Elvis’s mansion, but also various exhibits about Elvis’s life as well as his car collection.

Once we got our tickets, we watch a short intro video before catching a shuttle to the mansion. Once we returned, we were free to explore the various exhibits before hitting the many gift shops!

As we waited in line for the shuttle to the mansion, everyone was handed tablets and headphones. Personally, I chose to decline the equipment because I was more interested in taking pictures than listening to fun facts about Elvis. Plus, my mom had taken the audio guide so if there was anything interesting she could just tell me.

For regular visitors (i.e. somebody who isn’t obsessed with taking pictures like I am), I highly suggest taking the audio guide. For one, it’s free. Secondly, there really aren’t any informational plaques to explain what things are, so you really miss out on the tour of Elvis’s mansion if you don’t have it.

The house tour was actually really cool. I’ve been to a lot of historic homes, but this one was definitely unique. One of the rooms was called the jungle room and featured green carpet with several different statues of various animals. Another room had clothing fabric grouped into bunches covering the walls and ceiling. The stairwell into the basement was completely surrounded by mirrors. Have you ever been to any houses like this? I didn’t think so…

In the Presley Motors Automobile Museum, we were able to see Elvis’s car collection, including his famous pink Cadillac. It was also cool to see the golf carts and go karts he used to race around the property in with his friends and family.

Elvis Discovery: Private Presley

The Elvis Discovery Exhibits give you’re a deeper look into his life. In particular, it highlights the time he spent in the military. I personally found it interesting if only because it was so hard to picture a celebrity like Elvis being a Private in the military.

In the Entertainer Career Museum, we were able to see many of the various outfits he wore for his performances, as well as Grammy awards and various other awards he had received over the years. Probably my favorite part was all of the inspirational quotes from him on some of the walls.

Despite the fact that I’m not a big Elvis fan, and didn’t even know what Graceland was until a few months ago (gasp!), I actually really enjoyed my time at Graceland. I especially enjoyed the tour of the mansion, if only because of how unique it was. It was definitely unlike any other historical home I had ever toured. The one and only downside is that people file through the mansion in a single file line (due to the way things are roped off), which means the pace of your tour is pretty much set by the pace of the people in front of and behind you.

I personally wasn’t as interested in some of the other exhibits such as the Entertainer Career Museum or Presley Motors,  although I thought the Private Presley exhibit was a little interesting since I hadn’t known he’d served in the military. My mom on the other hand thought the Presley Motors section was really cool and worth seeing.

Overall, I’d say it’s a great place to visit, regardless of whether or not you’re an Elvis Presley fan. However, I think the more in-depth tours and ticket options are best for those who have a stronger interest in Elvis.

Tour Options:

A tour of the mansion takes about one to one and a half hours. The Elvis Experience tour, which includes the mansion, car museum and several other exhibits, takes anywhere from two and a half to three and a half hours.

Graceland Ticket Prices:

A tour of Elvis’ airplanes can be added onto the Graceland Mansion Only, Elvis Experience, and Elvis Entourage VIP tours for an additional $5 USD. All prices are as of August 8th, 2018. Please check the Graceland website for the most up-to-date information.

A 10% discount on tickets is also available for the following:

• AAA members
• Military personnel
• College students (with ID)
• Graceland Insiders

Parking at Graceland costs $10 USD for standard vehicles and $15 USD for oversized vehicles (RV’s, trailers, etc).

• You can sign one of the walls at Graceland, so make sure to bring a sharpie
• There are free kids activity books for children available at Guest Services
• You can also get a free poster at Guest Services by “checking in” to Graceland on Facebook.
• You can check out GracelandCam , a live video camera, to see how busy it is in advance

Sun Studios offers a free shuttle that stops at Sun Studio, Graceland and the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum so you can easily get to Graceland from one of the other popular attractions around town.

Take a Road Trip to Graceland–

• From Nashville TN: ~3.5 hours
• From St. Louis MO: ~4.25 hours
• From Jackson MS: ~3 hours

Disclaimer: This section of my post contains affiliate links. Find more information about affiliate links on our policy page .

Days Inn at Graceland

When we made our plans to visit Graceland, we chose to stay at Days Inn Memphis at Graceland because it was literally right next to the entrance of Graceland. We could have walked between the two! I’m not normally a fan of the motel style accommodations where there are no interior hallways and hotel room doors can be directly accessed from the parking lot. However, like I said it was right next to our one and only attraction in Memphis, and it was a good price.

Not long after we checked in and got to our room, we noticed a decent amount of mold on the bathroom wall. I’m sorry, but that much mold doesn’t grow over night. Either that room hadn’t been cleaned in a long time, or the cleaners just hadn’t bothered to clean it. Regardless, we called the front desk. Of course, we asked for another room, but there were none available. In the end, we decided to check out without staying the night. I was given a full refund without any issues.

Honestly, I think we just got unlucky. The hotel was completely booked, and the reviews online had all been relatively good. Obviously plenty of other people have stayed there and enjoyed it, so I don’t want to say it’s a terrible place to stay, but we definitely had a less than pleasant experience.

Crowne Plaza

In the end, we decided to stay at Crowne Plaza Memphis East a few miles away. It was a little ways from downtown Memphis and from Graceland, but it was a much nicer hotel, and we got it at a fantastic rate since it was so last minute (and they were trying to fill empty rooms). We definitely felt much more comfortable here.

The Guest House at Graceland

If you are looking for something as upscale as the Crowne Plaza but closer to Graceland, you can also check out The Guest House at Graceland . It is also right next to Graceland and was inspired by the hospitality Elvis always showed his guests. They also offer special package deals that combine your stay with tickets to Graceland.

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1 thought on “visiting graceland review: thoughts, tours, prices, and more”.

Your article on Graceland was right on. The only thing is on Days Inn we didn’t check out. The nightmare continued the next morning. Taking all our belongings to a laundry mat and running to the store for medications. Unable to receive a refund. Days Inn should be shut down. As it is a disgrace to Graceland and Memphis

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Graceland - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (0.23 mi) The Guest House at Graceland
• (0.20 mi) Days Inn by Wyndham Memphis at Graceland
• (0.35 mi) Memphis-Graceland RV Park & Campground
• (0.45 mi) Memorylane Inn & Suites
• (0.71 mi) Holiday Inn Express & Suites Memphis Arpt Elvis Presley Blvd, An IHG Hotel
• (0.07 mi) Vernon's Smokehouse
• (0.07 mi) Minnie Mae's Sweets
• (0.14 mi) B J's Buffalo Style Hot Wings
• (0.24 mi) EP's Bar and Grill
• (0.22 mi) Vernon's Smokehouse
• (6.52 mi) Sun Studio
• (6.36 mi) Memphis Escape Rooms
• (6.73 mi) Tastin' 'Round Town
• (4.89 mi) Stax Museum of American Soul Music
• (7.29 mi) A Tour of Possibilities

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Graceland Tours | Visiting the Home of Elvis Presley

This post will cover all the best tours of Graceland, including information about ticket prices, availability, the length of each outing, and what you can expect to see and learn about from your tour guide.

Graceland is a top attraction in Tennessee. It is about 3.5 hours to get to Graceland from Nashville.

Graceland Tours

This article elaborates on some amazing Graceland Tours and offers a bunch of discounts on Graceland Tours, including a Combo Package which includes admission to Stax Museum.

These discounts and Coupons allow you to save money on your way to Graceland Tours. We have also added the Memphis Music Attraction Pass for music fans.

We'll also include information about how to get tickets, which activities are included with each tour, and even day trips from Memphis.

Here are a few of the most common questions about visiting Graceland:

Is Graceland open for Tours?

Yes, Graceland is open for tours for about 7 hours daily.

How much are Graceland Tours?

The cost varies as per the tour.

As an adult, you must keep your budget from $50 to $215 (a premium tour including Elvis’ planes, meal voucher, and an expert guide is $215 ).

The average cost for kids under 10 years is $30 to $200 .

When is Graceland open?

The opening hours on typical days are from 9 am to 5 pm. These opening hours may vary on weekends or special holidays.

What is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Graceland is in the afternoon as it is less busy and you will not have to wait too long. The last tour commences at about 4-5 pm.

How to get to Graceland from Memphis

You can get to Graceland from Memphis by bus or a shuttle.

The property of Graceland provides a variety of tours that cover the life of Elvis Presley, including access to several exciting attractions such as the following:

• Presley Motors Automobile Museum
• Elvis: The Entertainer Career Museum
• New Making of ELVIS Movie Exhibition
• Elvis Discovery Exhibits

Depending on which type of tour you select, you may also have access to the Graceland Mansion, Elvis' Custom Jets, and other usually off-limits areas.

This section provides the necessary details to pick the right tickets for you!

Elvis Experience Tour

The Elvis Experience Tour lets you experience an independent tour of Graceland Mansion Elvis Memphis Entertainment Complex.

You will explore Elvis’ automobiles, his career, jets, wardrobe, and much more. The tour lasts for 4-5 hours. 

• Adults - $79.75
• Children - $45.50
• Purchase tickets or learn more .

Elvis Entourage VIP Tour

With the Elvis Entourage VIP Tour, you will visit the mansion through a VIP shuttle which means you get to skip the line.

The tour includes an independent tour of Graceland Mansion and exclusive VIP Exhibits with full access to Elvis Presley’s Memphis Entertainment Complex.

Keepsake Backstage Pass, Front-of-the-Line Mansion Access, and unlimited visits are additional perks of this tour, which lasts about 4 hours. 

• $135 per person

Elvis Movie UVIP Tour

The Elvis Movie UVIP Tour provides you with a private guide who will elaborate on how Baz Luhrmann did the research for his movie ELVIS at Graceland. 

You will go to Graceland Mansion, Elvis' bespoke jets, and Elvis Presley's Memphis Entertainment Complex with a small group of up to 10 people.

This tour includes a special VIP exhibit, hanging out in a lounge, taking pictures, and reviewing your archives. 

• $195 per person
• Kids under 2 can go for free.

Before it closes, you can return as often as you like. About 3 hours are spent on the excursion.

Ultimate Graceland VIP Tour

The ultimate VIP Tour includes Graceland Mansion, Elvis Presley's private jets, and the Elvis Presley Entertainment Complex. 

The complex has numerous museums, a theater, and an event area. You can also book time in the library's archive, a VIP display, a beautiful location, or a lounge. 

If you reserve before 1:30 pm, the trip costs $215 per person + $45 for dinner. After 1:45 pm, the trip's price goes down to $195 , and you won't get a ticket for dinner.

You can make multiple visits till they close. It will take you about 4 hours to finish the whole trip.

Day Trips to Graceland

There is at least one day trip from Memphis that includes admission to Graceland, and it’s an excellent option for anyone who wants to pay for Graceland tour tickets and transportation to the landmark simultaneously.

Elvis Presley’s Upbringing Tour

This tour is retro and exciting as you explore the birthplace of Elvis: Memphis, Tennessee. You will watch Elvis movies on your way to Graceland and savor a delicious lunch and snack on your way back. 

The main advantage of this day trip is that it provides transportation to and from Graceland, so you won’t have to worry about renting a car, using an uber, or hopping on a bus.

• $99 per person
• Duration: 7 hours
• Not suitable for kids under 5

Discounts on Graceland Tours

There is a specific criterion for each ticket given below. You must bring proof of eligibility to pick up your tickets at Will Call Window at Graceland.

Senior Citizen Discount

With a proper ID and the code Senior22, seniors 65 and older can get 6% off the Elvis Experience Tour or Elvis Presley's Memphis tour (except VIP or Saturday). There are no savings for tickets to other shows.

AAA Members Discount

AAA members can save 6% on the Elvis Experience Tour for up to four people with a current membership card (except VIP or planes tickets). Must show card and ID at the Ticket Office.

US Military & Law Enforcement Officials Discount

Active and retired U.S. military, cops, and firefighters can save 6% on the Elvis Experience Tour for up to six people with a government-issued ID.

Graceland Members Discount

With a valid membership and ID, Graceland Insiders members can buy one Elvis Experience Tour and get the second half off. They can do this once a year.

Combo Package Discount Deal

This Combo Package at Tiqets includes two tours: Stax Museum Tour and Elvis Experience Tour at a discounted price of $76.09 . You must opt for your tour date, complete secure payment, and download the tickets.

Discount Sites for Graceland Tours

Several other websites are available online where you can get discounted Graceland tour deals. 

These Sites like Groupon and LivingSocial provide a bundle of discount coupons to their subscribers at a relatively lower rate. 

You might get a heavy discount if you visit these sites before finally getting your Graceland Tour Ticket.

Tourist Passes: Memphis Music Attraction Pass

With tourist passes, you can enjoy free or discounted tours at many of Graceland’s tourist attractions. The Memphis Music Attraction Pass is one of the best options in the city. 

This pass is valid for 30 days, costs $129 per individual, and lets you see four places that celebrate the music of Memphis:

• Graceland, where Elvis lived
• Rock 'n' Soul Museum, a Smithsonian exhibit
• Sun Studio, where many stars recorded
• Stax Museum of American Soul, a tribute to soul music

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Guest House Frequently Asked Questions

Once you pick up your bags, look for the shuttle telephone in the baggage claim area. There is a directory of hotels so that you can find the corresponding extension for The Guest House at Graceland, or simply dial extension 37. Once we receive your shuttle request, allow the driver at least 20 minutes to arrive curbside. Look for our blue shuttle with an image of Elvis on the side of the vehicle.

Advanced reservations for the shuttle are not required. However, always let the team at the Guest Services Desk know when you will need to take the shuttle BACK to the airport, especially if it is an early or late flight.

The airport shuttle is part of your  daily resort fee .

The airport shuttle runs from 6:30 am – 11:00 pm.

Yes, the Guest House has a dedicated shuttle to take hotel guests to and from Elvis Presley’s Memphis for Graceland tours. Graceland is also a short 5-minute walk away from the Guest House.

At this time there are no shuttles to Beale Street; we recommend an Uber/Lyft/Taxi.

Reservations can be made online at GuesthouseGraceland.com or by calling 800.238.2000 or 901.332.3322 .

You typically need to provide your full name, contact information, desired check-in and check-out dates, and payment details.

All reservations must be cancelled within 48 hours of arrival date to avoid any cancellation fees. If your reservations were made over a specialty date (such as Elvis Week or other Graceland event weekends) or are a package booking, cancellation policy stipulated for those specific reservations will apply. For questions on a cancellation, call Graceland Reservations at 800.238.2000 or 901.332.3322 .

Yes, you can make special requests for a specific room type, floor, or other preferences during the reservation process. However, these requests are subject to availability.

Check-in time is 4pm.

Check-out is daily at 11am.

If you arrive early, you can ask the front desk if they can accommodate an early check-in. Regardless, they will be able to store your luggage until your room is ready. While you wait, enjoy a meal in one of our restaurants or tour Graceland!

You will need to present a valid ID, such as a passport or driver’s license, and a credit card for any incidental charges.

Guests must be at least 21 years of age to check-in at the Guest House.

Incidental charges are payments for anything that goes outside of your main bill for your hotel room. These charges may include but are not limited to; room service or restaurant charges, phone calls, parking fees, internet access or damage to the room. These charges are released upon checkout if not used.

Yes, at check in your card will have an authorization hold temporarily placed on it for the full amount of your stay plus $50 per night to cover incidentals. For prepaid reservations, only $50 per night for incidentals will be authorized.

Guests can leave their keys in the room and depart without stopping at the desk. A folio can be emailed, and keys may also be dropped in the box at desk or at parking gates.

Late check-out requests are subject to availability and fees. You can inquire at the front desk on the day of departure to see if a late check-out is possible.

You may use amenities until 12:00 pm on the day of checkout. Luggage storage is also available if you need to check out prior to departure from the hotel.

Cash can be used for payment at checkout.  At check-in a credit or debit card is required for full authorization of stay, applicable taxes, and incidental charges.

If you leave something behind, contact the hotel as soon as possible. They will assist you in locating and returning your belongings if found.

Yes, you can select an accessible room online or give us a call before arrival to let us know you’ll need an accessible room.

The Guest House at Graceland has a total of 450 rooms, including 20 specialty suites.

Either two queen beds or one king bed.  All rooms have Keurig coffee makers, iron & ironing boards, cable TV, and programmable safe.

No, but there are common areas (Cantinas) on each floor that will offer ice machines/coke machines/snack machines and microwaves.

We do not offer rollaway beds or cots; however, we do offer adjoining/connecting rooms available at applicable rates.

Yes. The hotel is a non-smoking facility. The Guest House does however offer designated smoking areas on property. Please inquire with our guest services staff.

We welcome dogs 35 pounds or less at the Guest House in our South Tower rooms, with a one-time pet cleaning fee of $100 per dog .

No. Courtyard rooms have a view of the Guest House backyard and pool.

The resort fee is $13.30, inclusive of tax, per room, per night. The resort fee covers the following:

• Internet access (regular Wi-Fi) each day
• Domestic phone calls
• Shuttle service to/from Memphis International Airport
• Shuttle service to Graceland and Elvis Presley Memphis ticket center
• Printing of boarding passes
• Secured luggage storage
• In case you forgot something amenities: toothbrush, toothpaste, shaving cream, razor, etc.
• Business center computer and printer with supplies
• Fitness center access 24/7 with complimentary disposable earbuds for guest use.

There are additional charges for premium Wi-Fi and parking.

The pool is open seasonally May through mid-October.

The Guest House offers outdoor activities like cornhole, shuffleboard and ping pong.

Yes. The hotel offers free nightly movies in the Guest House Theater (subject to availability of theater), plus music 4 nights a week and on special events, and a complimentary PB&J Bar with chocolate milk every night at 9pm! Pending weather, Graceland also allows guests to walk up to Meditation Garden every morning between 7:30am – 8:30am. Plus, don’t forget to sign the famous Graceland wall!

Free Elvis movies are available nightly in the Guest House Theater unless the space is unavailable due to other special events happening in the theater.

There are three delicious dining options at The Guest House at Graceland. Each offers a hearty taste of rock ‘n’ roll!

• Delta’s Kitchen (Breakfast, Dinner) – Get a delicious à la carte or buffet breakfast featuring contemporary versions of the King’s breakfast favorites. Delta’s Kitchen re-opens for dinner with a more upscale feel.
• EP’s Bar & Grill (Lunch, Dinner, Late Night) – Feel the soul of the South with a modern twist. Elvis’ favorite food and beverages meet contemporary interpretations. You’ll feel right at home in this Memphis-inspired setting with lots of Southern flair and plenty of TVs to feed your sports cravings.
• Shake Rattle & Go (Early Morning through late afternoon) – Get the rockin’ and rollin’ started early with a delicious coffee, espresso, or one of many baked treats. Open daily, it also features freshly made sandwiches, salads and snacks.

See our Dining Page for hours of operation for our restaurants.

Yes, the Guest House does offer room service options daily from 6:30am – 10pm.

Yes, the Guest House at Graceland lobby bar is open daily from 5pm – 11pm.

Each night the Guest House offers a late-night PB&J sandwiches at 9pm while supplies last.

If you encounter any issues or have a complaint, it’s best to inform the hotel staff immediately. They will do their best to resolve the problem and ensure your satisfaction.

Housekeeping services are completed daily unless otherwise requested between the hours of 8.30am-5.00pm.

To learn more about visiting Graceland, visit Graceland.com .

Graceland tour tickets may be purchased at the following locations:

• Online at Graceland.com
• Over the phone by calling Graceland Reservations from the US or Canada at 800.238.2000 . Internationally, call 901.332.3322 .
• In person at the Graceland Ticket Pavilion located in Elvis Presley Memphis
• In person at the Guest House Gift Shop

Yes. You can purchase tickets in person at the hotel in the gift shop, located just off the lobby.

You can also purchase tickets at the Graceland ticket pavilion during regular business hours from 8:30am – 4pm daily. The Graceland ticket pavilion is located across the street from the Guest House. You can walk or take the hotel shuttle directly to this area.

Graceland Excursions offers a motorcoach bus tour to Tupelo, Mississippi, Elvis’ birthplace, each Friday. Get Details

More information about the amazing perks and benefits of becoming a Founder can be found at Graceland.com/the-founders .

Rooms & Suites

Events & concerts, special offers, photo gallery.

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Plan Your Visit

Graceland offers a virtual campus tour and an in-person tour in multiple languages to accommodate all your needs. We understand that choosing a college is a big decision and with Visit Fridays almost year-round, there are plenty of opportunities to ensure that you are making the right choice for you.  

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• Check out our campus locations  
• Schedule your visit to Graceland  

I know that this is the biggest investment many families make in their young person's future. And I think you should make that with all that information you can get, and a campus visit is essential. We have a virtual campus visit that you can do. We have an in-person campus visit you can do. Visit Fridays occur almost year round on our campus. We recruit year round-- we even have tours in Spanish. We will meet you where you're at to make sure that you get all the information you need to be really confident in your college choice, and we believe we will rise to the top. Often the first question I get when I'm wearing a Graceland sweatshirt or T shirt at the airport or something like that is oh Graceland University, Elvis, and they think of Elvis Presley, the king of rock'n'roll, right? But actually Graceland was founded in 1895, long before he was born. When they came to this area, to look at it for a college. They commented on the graceful land, the rolling hills, that beautiful natural environment that we're surrounded by. I don't think I could have picked a better environment to nestle a college in for students to focus on themselves.

Once I became a student ambassador, last summer, I realized I wish I would have taken a tour. I wish I would have known more about it because giving tours to students, I've realized how much information I give out. And that's how much information I didn't know when I first was going into college. So it's definitely beneficial to take a visit.

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Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro Tour is included in most guided tours’ itineraries. Opened in 1935, under Stalin’s regime, the metro was not only meant to solve transport problems, but also was hailed as “a people’s palace”. Every station you will see during your Moscow metro tour looks like a palace room. There are bright paintings, mosaics, stained glass, bronze statues… Our Moscow metro tour includes the most impressive stations best architects and designers worked at - Ploshchad Revolutsii, Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya, Kievskaya, Novoslobodskaya and some others.

What is the kremlin in russia?

The guide will not only help you navigate the metro, but will also provide you with fascinating background tales for the images you see and a history of each station.

And there some stories to be told during the Moscow metro tour! The deepest station - Park Pobedy - is 84 metres under the ground with the world longest escalator of 140 meters. Parts of the so-called Metro-2, a secret strategic system of underground tunnels, was used for its construction.

During the Second World War the metro itself became a strategic asset: it was turned into the city's biggest bomb-shelter and one of the stations even became a library. 217 children were born here in 1941-1942! The metro is the most effective means of transport in the capital.

There are almost 200 stations 196 at the moment and trains run every 90 seconds! The guide of your Moscow metro tour can explain to you how to buy tickets and find your way if you plan to get around by yourself.

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‘The working class can’t afford it’: the shocking truth about the money bands make on tour

As Taylor Swift tops $1bn in tour revenue, musicians playing smaller venues are facing pitiful fees and frequent losses. Should the state step in to save our live music scene?

W hen you see a band playing to thousands of fans in a sun-drenched festival field, signing a record deal with a major label or playing endlessly from the airwaves, it’s easy to conjure an image of success that comes with some serious cash to boot – particularly when Taylor Swift has broken $1bn in revenue for her current Eras tour. But looks can be deceiving. “I don’t blame the public for seeing a band playing to 2,000 people and thinking they’re minted,” says artist manager Dan Potts. “But the reality is quite different.”

Post-Covid there has been significant focus on grassroots music venues as they struggle to stay open. There’s been less focus on the actual ability of artists to tour these venues. David Martin, chief executive officer of the Featured Artists Coalition (FAC), says we’re in a “cost-of-touring crisis”. Pretty much every cost attached to touring – van hire, crew, travel, accommodation, food and drink – has gone up, while fees and audiences often have not. “[Playing] live is becoming financially unsustainable for many artists,” he says. “Artists are seeing [playing] live as a loss leader now. That’s if they can even afford to make it work in the first place.”

Potts, who works at Red Light Management – home to everyone from Sabrina Carpenter to Kaiser Chiefs and Sofia Kourtesis – feels like there is an industry equivalent of the Spider-Man meme in which they are all pointing to one another. “People who work at labels think bands make loads of money touring, while booking agents think they make loads of money on publishing and so on,” he says. “Everyone thinks artists make money from the other side of the industry they’re not involved in.

“Artists are the biggest employers in the industry. They pay for the tour manager, session musicians, agent, manager, crew, insurance, travel, accommodation, equipment, rehearsal space, production. Everything. I don’t think people know this is all the stuff that the artist pays for and does.”

“Greater transparency is needed,” says Lily Fontaine, lead singer of Leeds band English Teacher. On paper, the four-piece appear to have made it. They are signed with a major label, Island, have played on Later With … Jools Holland, get healthy BBC Radio 6Music airplay, their debut album has received five-star reviews and they are about to embark on their biggest tour to date, which includes an 800-capacity home-town show.

“The reality is that it’s normal for all of these achievements to coexist alongside being on Universal Credit, living at home or sofa surfing,” says Fontaine. During the making of their debut album, she and bandmate Lewis Whiting did the latter while unable to afford rent.

In their four years of existence, English Teacher have yet to turn a profit from touring. “We’ve never directly paid ourselves from a gig,” says Whiting. “A headline tour usually comes out with a deficit. The only thing that we ever make any kind of profit on is festivals, because the fees can be higher, but any money left over just goes towards the next outgoings.” A successful show for the group in the past has been defined by whether they can flog enough merch to afford a supermarket food shop.

So how do they survive? “In the world of artists, we’re in a lucky position,” says Whiting. “We try to pay ourselves £500 a month each from the band pot.” However, they’ve been reliant on their advance for this, which is now gone. “We’re now in that stage where we’re gonna have to figure out where that £500 a month is gonna come from,” says Fontaine. “Because the gig fees won’t be able to cover that.” The band estimate that their 16-date UK tour in May will generate roughly £800 profit. But, says Fontaine, “realistically, I don’t think there will be any profit because things always go over budget”.

For many artists, fees aren’t increasing in line with costs. “There’s been no real incline at all,” says Potts. “For support slots, I don’t think the fees have changed in the last 10 years or so that I’ve been managing, whether that’s £50 at the smaller end or £500 quid for some of the biggest shows.” Fees for headline shows can vary enormously for bands, even on the same tour. Playing a 200-capacity club in Newcastle may land you £600, while a 1,500 cap in London may net you £3,000.

And fewer people are coming to shows at the small-to-mid-sized end of things. “In our audience data, we see there is a gap in new audiences coming through post-pandemic,” says the FAC’s Martin. “As well as a bit of a drop-off in some of the older audiences returning to live shows.” However, despite stagnant fees and shrinking audiences, touring activity in the UK is at a peak. Due to the costs of touring Europe (which can be thousands in taxes and carnet alone) 74% fewer UK bands are now touring Europe post-Brexit. “It’s much more difficult to tour in Europe so there are more artists trying to perform domestically,” says Martin. “That creates a saturation problem.”

For this article, the Guardian has seen 12 tour budget sheets for various bands and artists varying from up-and-comers to firmly established and successful acts, all of whom regularly undertake headline tours across the UK in venues ranging from 150 to 2,500 capacity. Almost all of these result in losses. Understandably, most shared their balance sheets on the condition of anonymity. One four-piece indie band, whose last two albums went Top 10 in the UK charts, reported a loss of £2,885 from a six-day UK tour. The only tour that shows anything resembling healthy profit was a 29-date tour for a solo artist who came away with £6,550. Not bad going for a month’s work but, as Martin points out, “that’s then his touring done for the next six months. So it’s not enough money.”

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Nubiyan Twist are a nine-piece Afro-jazz outfit who have a loyal following and tens of millions of streams on Spotify, “We pride ourselves on being able to put on a big show, like your Fela Kutis or James Browns, these epic spectacles,” says bandleader Tom Excell. “But it’s getting more difficult, without a shadow of a doubt.” For an upcoming eight-show tour of Europe, they are predicting a loss of £4,931.28. The only way they can justify doing it is because they got funding from the PRS Music Export Growth Scheme. “I would have just pulled the plug if it wasn’t for that,” says Excell. “I’ve got a two-year-old and I can’t be away from home for that long and come back with a loss.”

Even when the band get more lucrative fees for festivals it’s still tough. They will be paid £5,000 for a festival performance this summer but the total profit after band wages (as Excell pays all his band members in full first) expenses and commissions are paid out will be £277.60. “After four albums and 15 years doing this, to still be having to gamble on whether I’m going to make anything, while everyone else gets paid a guaranteed amount, is a struggle,” admits Excell.

Such thin margins leave little wiggle room, as the space-surf band Japanese Television (who headline 100-300 capacity venues) found out when their booking agent reduced their 13-date UK and EU tour to eight shows with a five-day gap in the middle that will add a further loss of around £1,200 to a tour that is already set to lose them around £700. “Records and T-shirts are basically what keeps us going,” says the band’s Tim Jones. “The only way this tour is working for us is because we just put out our second album and we did about 60 presales on the vinyl and that was basically enough to pay for the van. It’s a hobby that just about pays for itself.”

The question is: who else will be able to afford to pursue music as a hobby? “It depresses me how many middle and upper class people there are in the music industry,” says manager Potts. “Because the working class just can’t afford to fork out £150 a day for van hire. The only artists doing that are people who have deeper pockets and can afford to take the hit.”

Of course, every act is different in terms of what they justify as reasonable outgoings and not everyone has the same costs, but Potts says from his experience, generally speaking, bands with four or five members now need to be playing 2,000+ capacity venues nationwide to “really start to see things tip”. That tipping point is out of reach for the majority. “Most people don’t actually get to that level,” Potts says. “Just look back at any festival lineup from 10-20 years ago and see which names are still on festival bills and how many you’re like: what happened to them?”

The gap between those who are flying and those who are floundering has become even more stark. “It feels like the top 1% have become the top 0.5%,” says Martin. “The level of artists we’re talking about here that are struggling to make things stack up financially would really surprise people.”

In 2022, the Grammy-winning Pakistani singer Arooj Aftab posted on X: “Touring has been amazing. We headlined a ton, had massive turnouts and have proven ourselves in all the markets. Yet still, running 10s of thousands in debt from the tour and I’m being told that it’s ‘normal’. Why is this normal. This should not be normalised.” I’m told that one US artist – who released one of the most critically acclaimed albums of 2023, which went Top 10 and placed very highly on numerous year-end polls and was nominated for a major award – worked out that the only way she could make her UK tour work was by sub-letting her home.

It’s a far cry from Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras jaunt. “The very high end of the live industry is reporting record profits,” says Martin. “You can’t have a healthy music ecosystem where at one end you’ve got people going ‘we’ve made more money than we’ve ever made’ and at the other end you’ve got relatively successful artists that are sofa-surfing while signed to a major label.”

Is there an answer? “When you’re touring Europe, you realise how much state funding in the arts there is,” says Excell. “It really needs more state funding and support from the top down.”

Martin echoes this. “The government needs to start looking at spending money on the music industry as an investment rather than as a cost,” he says. “But you also need to support a sector in a time of crisis. And this is a time of crisis.”

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Airlines are ordered to give full refunds instead of vouchers and to stop hiding fees

Travelers and their luggage in a terminal at Los Angeles International Airport in August 2023. Mario Tama/Getty Images hide caption

Travelers and their luggage in a terminal at Los Angeles International Airport in August 2023.

WASHINGTON — In an effort to crack down on airlines that charge passengers steep fees to check bags and change flights, the U.S. Department of Transportation has announced new regulations aimed at expanding consumer protections .

One of the final rules announced Wednesday requires airlines to show the full price of travel before passengers pay for their tickets. The other will force airlines to provide prompt cash refunds when flights are canceled or significantly changed.

"Passengers deserve to know upfront what costs they are facing and should get their money back when an airline owes them - without having to ask," said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement announcing the new rules.

Taking on junk fees is popular. But can it win Biden more voters?

Surprise junk fees have become a large and growing source of revenue for airlines in recent years, according to the DOT.

"Today's announcements will require airlines to both provide passengers better information about costs before ticket purchase, and promptly provide cash refunds to passengers when they are owed — not only saving passengers time and money, but also preventing headaches," Buttigieg said.

The airline industry is unlikely to welcome the new rules. At a hearing on the proposed fee rule in March 2023, an industry lobbying group representing American, Delta and United said it would be too difficult for airlines to disclose their charges more clearly.

"The amount of unwanted and unneeded information forced upon passengers" by the new policy would only cause "confusion and frustration," warned Doug Mullen, the deputy general counsel at Airlines for America . "Very few, if any, need or want this information, and especially when they are initially trying to understand schedule and fare options."

But the DOT insists its new rule will give consumers the information they need to better understand the true costs of air travel.

Transportation Department cracks down on airline 'junk fees'

"I believe this is to the benefit of the sector as a whole," Buttigieg said in an interview with NPR's Morning Edition , because passengers will have "more confidence in the aviation sector."

The new rules require airlines to disclose all baggage, change, and cancellation fees, and to share that information with third-party booking sites and travel agents.

The regulation also prohibits bait-and-switch tactics, the DOT says, that disguise the true cost of flights by advertising a low base fare that does not include all mandatory fees.

"This is really about making sure that we create a better experience for passengers, and a stronger aviation sector in the United States," Buttigieg said in the NPR interview.

Airlines must cough up cancellation cash and can no longer hide fees under new federal rule

A federal rule announced Wednesday will require airlines to quickly give cash refunds — without lengthy arguments — to passengers whose flights have been canceled or seriously delayed, the Biden administration said.

“Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them — without headaches or haggling,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement.

The rule from the Transportation Department says passengers who decline other reimbursement like travel credits are to get cash refunds.

It applies when a flight is canceled or has a “significant change,” the administration said.A “significant change” includes when departure or arrival times are three or more hours different from the scheduled times for domestic flights or six hours for international flights, and when the airport is changed or connections are added, it said.

Passengers are also to get refunds when their baggage is 12 hours late in delivery for domestic flights.

The new rule comes after promises to hold airlines accountable after major disruptions that made travel hell for passengers, including the 2022 Southwest Airlines meltdown , which resulted in almost 17,000 significantly delayed or canceled flights and a missing baggage nightmare.

The Transportation Department said that the new rule means refunds are automatic and that "airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops."

Also announced Wednesday was a rule requiring airlines to more clearly disclose so-called junk fees upfront, such as surprise baggage or other fees, the department said.

It said that rule is expected to save fliers around $500 million a year.

The surprise fees are used so tickets look cheaper than they really are, and then fliers get the unwelcome surprise of fees on checked bags, carry-on bags or reservation changes — or even discounts that are advertised but apply to only part of the ticket price, officials said.

Airlines will also have to tell fliers clearly that their seats are guaranteed and that they don't have to pay extra to ensure they have seats for flights, according to the Transportation Department.

Airlines for America, an industry trade group, said that its member airlines “offer transparency and vast choice to consumers from first search to touchdown” and that they do offer cash refunds.

The 11 largest U.S. airlines returned $10.9 billion in cash refunds last year, an increase over $7.5 billion in 2019 but slightly down from $11.2 billion in 2022, the group said.

“U.S. airlines are providing more options and better services while ticket prices, including ancillary revenues, are at historic lows,” Airlines for America said.

Left out of the federal changes announced Wednesday are those involving "family seating fees," but the Transportation Department said in a statement that "DOT is planning to propose a separate rule that bans airlines from charging these junk fees."

Travelers have complained to the Transportation Department that children weren’t seated next to accompanying adults, including in some cases young children, department officials said last year.

Fees on bags specifically have made up an increasing amount of airline revenues, the Transportation Department said Wednesday in announcing the new rules.

A Transportation Department analysis found that airline revenue from baggage fees increased 30% from 2018 to 2022, while operating revenue — which is from the flights themselves — increased by only half that amount, the department said.

Jay Blackman is an NBC News producer covering such areas as transportation, space, medical and consumer issues.

Phil Helsel is a reporter for NBC News.

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Airlines will have to give cash refunds and avoid surprise fees under new Biden rules

Passengers will be entitled to automatic cash refunds for things like cancelations and significant flight or baggage delays.

Travel credits and airline vouchers may soon be a thing of the past.

New rules announced Wednesday by the Department of Transportation will require airlines to give automatic cash refunds to passengers without passengers having to request them when such refunds are owed. Those include when a flight is canceled or significantly changed, checked bags are significantly delayed, or other services that passengers purchased are unavailable.

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Refunds must be given to passengers within seven business days of a refund’s due date for credit card purchases, and within 20 calendar days for other payment methods, according to the new rules. The refunds also have to include all taxes and fees.

The new Biden administration rules are meant to prevent headaches associated with lengthy customer service calls and navigating multiple websites before being able to access refunds. They’re also meant to prevent airlines from giving out vouchers or credits to passengers, which prevent them from re-booking their canceled or delayed flights with another airline — unless the passenger explicitly requests a voucher.

Airlines will also be required to let consumers know upfront about fees for checked and carry-on bags, and reservation changes or cancellations. The agency estimates that consumers will save more than $500 million each year that they overpay in airline fees.

“Passengers deserve to know upfront what costs they are facing and should get their money back when an airline owes them — without having to ask,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement.

The move is part of the Biden administration’s crackdown on sneaky fees that often cost consumers. In October, the White House announced a new proposed rule to prohibit so-called “junk fees” — hidden and misleading fees — and require companies to show full prices upfront. The Federal Trade Commission estimates that junk fees cost American consumers tens of billions of dollars each year in unexpected costs.

Over the last three years, the Transportation Department has helped return more than $3 billion in refunds and reimbursements owed to airline passengers, according to the agency. This includes more than $600 million in returns to passengers affected by the Southwest Airlines holiday meltdown in 2022, when a widespread system failure led to the cancellation of 16,900 flights and left two million passengers stranded.

The federal government has also proposed rules that would ban family seating fees to guarantee that parents can sit with their kids at no extra cost. Four airlines have already guaranteed family seating free of fees.

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Biden-Harris Administration Announces Final Rule Requiring Automatic Refunds of Airline Tickets and Ancillary Service Fees

Rule makes it easy to get money back for cancelled or significantly changed flights, significantly delayed checked bags, and additional services not provided  

WASHINGTON – The Biden-Harris Administration today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a final rule that requires airlines to promptly provide passengers with automatic cash refunds when owed. The new rule makes it easy for passengers to obtain refunds when airlines cancel or significantly change their flights, significantly delay their checked bags, or fail to provide the extra services they purchased.

“Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them - without headaches or haggling,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg . “Our new rule sets a new standard to require airlines to promptly provide cash refunds to their passengers.”  

The final rule creates certainty for consumers by defining the specific circumstances in which airlines must provide refunds. Prior to this rule, airlines were permitted to set their own standards for what kind of flight changes warranted a refund. As a result, refund policies differed from airline to airline, which made it difficult for passengers to know or assert their refund rights. DOT also received complaints of some airlines revising and applying less consumer-friendly refund policies during spikes in flight cancellations and changes. 

Under the rule, passengers are entitled to a refund for:

• Canceled or significantly changed flights: Passengers will be entitled to a refund if their flight is canceled or significantly changed, and they do not accept alternative transportation or travel credits offered. For the first time, the rule defines “significant change.” Significant changes to a flight include departure or arrival times that are more than 3 hours domestically and 6 hours internationally; departures or arrivals from a different airport; increases in the number of connections; instances where passengers are downgraded to a lower class of service; or connections at different airports or flights on different planes that are less accessible or accommodating to a person with a disability.  
• Significantly delayed baggage return: Passengers who file a mishandled baggage report will be entitled to a refund of their checked bag fee if it is not delivered within 12 hours of their domestic flight arriving at the gate, or 15-30 hours of their international flight arriving at the gate, depending on the length of the flight.  
• Extra services not provided: Passengers will be entitled to a refund for the fee they paid for an extra service — such as Wi-Fi, seat selection, or inflight entertainment — if an airline fails to provide this service.

DOT’s final rule also makes it simple and straightforward for passengers to receive the money they are owed. Without this rule, consumers have to navigate a patchwork of cumbersome processes to request and receive a refund — searching through airline websites to figure out how make the request, filling out extra “digital paperwork,” or at times waiting for hours on the phone. In addition, passengers would receive a travel credit or voucher by default from some airlines instead of getting their money back, so they could not use their refund to rebook on another airline when their flight was changed or cancelled without navigating a cumbersome request process.  

The final rule improves the passenger experience by requiring refunds to be:

• Automatic: Airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops.   
• Prompt: Airlines and ticket agents must issue refunds within seven business days of refunds becoming due for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for other payment methods.  
• Cash or original form of payment: Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in cash or whatever original payment method the individual used to make the purchase, such as credit card or airline miles. Airlines may not substitute vouchers, travel credits, or other forms of compensation unless the passenger affirmatively chooses to accept alternative compensation.    
• Full amount: Airlines and ticket agents must provide full refunds of the ticket purchase price, minus the value of any portion of transportation already used. The refunds must include all government-imposed taxes and fees and airline-imposed fees, regardless of whether the taxes or fees are refundable to airlines.

The final rule also requires airlines to provide prompt notifications to consumers affected by a cancelled or significantly changed flight of their right to a refund of the ticket and extra service fees, as well as any related policies.

In addition, in instances where consumers are restricted by a government or advised by a medical professional not to travel to, from, or within the United States due to a serious communicable disease, the final rule requires that airlines must provide travel credits or vouchers. Consumers may be required to provide documentary evidence to support their request. Travel vouchers or credits provided by airlines must be transferrable and valid for at least five years from the date of issuance.

The Department received a significant number of complaints against airlines and ticket agents for refusing to provide a refund or for delaying processing of refunds during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. At the height of the pandemic in 2020, refund complaints peaked at 87 percent of all air travel service complaints received by DOT. Refund problems continue to make up a substantial share of the complaints that DOT receives.

DOT’s Historic Record of Consumer Protection Under the Biden-Harris Administration

Under the Biden-Harris Administration and Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has advanced the largest expansion of airline passenger rights, issued the biggest fines against airlines for failing consumers, and returned more money to passengers in refunds and reimbursements than ever before in the Department’s history.

• Thanks to pressure from Secretary Buttigieg and DOT’s flightrights.gov dashboard, all 10 major U.S. airlines guarantee free rebooking and meals, and nine guarantee hotel accommodations when an airline issue causes a significant delay or cancellation. These are new commitments the airlines added to their customer service plans that DOT can legally ensure they adhere to and are displayed on flightrights.gov .  
• Since President Biden took office, DOT has helped return more than $3 billion in refunds and reimbursements owed to airline passengers – including over $600 million to passengers affected by the Southwest Airlines holiday meltdown in 2022.   
• Under Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has issued over $164 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations. Between 1996 and 2020, DOT collectively issued less than $71 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations.  
• DOT recently launched a new partnership with a bipartisan group of state attorneys general to fast-track the review of consumer complaints, hold airlines accountable, and protect the rights of the traveling public.  
• In 2023, the flight cancellation rate in the U.S. was a record low at under 1.2% — the lowest rate of flight cancellations in over 10 years despite a record amount of air travel.  
• DOT is undertaking its first ever industry-wide review of airline privacy practices and its first review of airline loyalty programs.

In addition to finalizing the rules to require automatic refunds and protect against surprise fees, DOT is also pursuing rulemakings that would:

• Propose to ban family seating junk fees and guarantee that parents can sit with their children for no extra charge when they fly. Before President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg pressed airlines last year, no airline committed to guaranteeing fee-free family seating. Now, four airlines guarantee fee-free family seating, and the Department is working on its family seating junk fee ban proposal.  
• Propose to make passenger compensation and amenities mandatory so that travelers are taken care of when airlines cause flight delays or cancellations.   
• Expand the rights for passengers who use wheelchairs and ensure that they can travel safely and with dignity . The comment period on this proposed rule closes on May 13, 2024.

The final rule on refunds can be found at https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/latest-news and at regulations.gov , docket number DOT-OST-2022-0089. There are different implementation periods in this final rule ranging from six months for airlines to provide automatic refunds when owed to 12 months for airlines to provide transferable travel vouchers or credits when consumers are unable to travel for reasons related to a serious communicable disease. 

Information about airline passenger rights, as well as DOT’s rules, guidance and orders, can be found at   https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer .

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Visa fees for international artists to tour in the US shot up 250% in April. It could be devastating

Festivalgoers attend the first weekend of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Club on Sunday, April 14, 2024, in Indio, Calif. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP)

Achille Trocellier, left, and Flore Benguigui of L’Imperatrice perform during the the first weekend of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Club on Friday, April 12, 2024, in Indio, Calif. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP)

Festivalgoers are seen during the the first weekend of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Club on Saturday, April 13, 2024, in Indio, Calif. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP)

Tom Daveau of L’Imperatrice performs during the the first weekend of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Club on Friday, April 12, 2024, in Indio, Calif. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP)

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NEW YORK (AP) — Performing in the U.S. for international artists just got a lot more complicated.

On April 1, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services instituted a 250% visa fee increase for global musicians hoping to tour in the U.S.

Artists, advocacy groups and immigration lawyers are concerned it could have devastating effects on emerging talent worldwide and local music economies in the U.S.

WHAT ARE THE COSTS?

If you’re a musician from outside of the United States hoping to perform stateside and you filed visa paperwork before April 1, the cost per application was $460.

After that date? $1,615 to $1,655.

Bands and ensemble groups pay per performer. A standard rock band of four members went from paying $1,840 to around $6,460. And if you can’t wait a few months for approval, add $2,805 per application for expedited processing.

If the application is not accepted, that money is not refunded — on top of losses from a canceled tour and missing out on “significant, potentially career-changing opportunities,” says Jen Jacobsen, executive director at The Artist Rights Alliance .

If a musician has support staff, a backing band or other employees to bring on the tour, these individuals need visas, too.

“Even if you’re Capitol Records and you have all the money in the world to throw at it, you still can’t get rid of U.S. bureaucracy,” says immigration attorney Gabriel Castro.

All international musicians require work authorization to perform in the U.S. There are few exemptions: Those are reserved for “showcases” through the Visa Waiver Program — like what is often used at South by Southwest , where international artists perform exclusively at official showcases, without pay and for exposure.

Currently, there are few hurdles for U.S. musicians looking to enter other countries for the specific purpose of earning money through live performances. According to Castro, American performers are able to enter most countries without a visa and under an exception to tourism rules.

WHAT’S THE IMPACT ON ARTISTS?

Gareth Paisey, singer of the independent, seven-piece Welsh band Los Campesinos! , will tour in the U.S. this June. The band made sure to apply for visas before the April 1 cut off, a difference of paying $3,220 or $11,305 in fees. Next time they have to get a visa, he says they’ll likely try to squeeze two tours in one year — the length of their particular visa — to make up the cost.

He says the application process requires providing an itinerary for the full year and supplemental evidence: press clippings to justify their status as “career musicians,” and testimonials from people of note — often from more famous musicians.

“Nobody gets into a band because they’ve got a passion for making cash flow forecasts,” he says. “It’s unfair to expect people who are brilliant at writing songs to also be brilliant at filling out a 20-page visa application.”

After Brexit , he says touring in Europe for U.K. acts has become more complicated, but the U.S. process is by far the most complex — both in terms of paperwork and what it represents for music moving forward.

“This idea that you need to be a career musician to get a visa, and visa fees are going up, increases the idea that music is a competition ,” says Paisey. “And part of that competition is making as much money as you can — like that’s the only valid way to participate in the music industry.”

WHY HAVE THE FEES JUMPED SO MUCH?

Two reasons: They hadn’t in some time, and because immigration officials are scrutinizing the process more closely.

The last increase was in 2016, when fees grew from $325 to $460.

The U.S. government is “putting more and more burden on the application process,” says Castro of BAL Sports and Entertainment Practice, which specializes in visas for musicians, entertainers and athletes.

He says 20 years ago, applications were just two or three pages. Now, they’re 15 or 20 pages.

“And those are just the forms before supporting evidence,” he says. “Now I’m submitting documents that are 200 pages, 300 pages long just to explain why this band should be traveling throughout the United States.”

Officials “might have done better to look at inefficiencies in the system to save money,” he says.

Paisey says he’s heard that the increase will allow the USCIS to “get rid of the backlog ... But is that because you’re going to employ more staff or is it probably because you’re going to get less applications?” he wonders, because it’s going to benefit “people who can afford to go than rather than who wants to go or has the fan base to go.”

WHY HAVE THE APPLICATIONS CHANGED OVER TIME?

Castro says some of it is to account for “abuses in the system — to make sure that individuals that are coming here for certain activities actually have those activities in place,” but the increased scrutiny is a lingering effect from Trump administration’s immigration policies .

“The immigration process overall became more difficult for everyone. Whether you’re coming across the border, whether you’re coming here to perform at Madison Square Garden, whatever it is,” he says. “That has changed the culture of U.S. immigrations agencies .”

WHO DOES THIS HARM?

Independent and emerging talent, as well as ensembles and groups.

“ Dua Lipa , the Rolling Stones , they’re going to pay these fees. It’s not even a rounding error. They could misplace $1,200 in their budgets and they wouldn’t even notice,” says Castro. “It’s the indie rock bands, niche acts, jazz musicians from Japan who will be affected.”

“Every dime counts. They have very small margins,” he adds.

“We’ve already got a problem with not enough musical acts breaking through to the next level,” Paisey says. “And this is going to stop them from getting that chance in the States.”

Touring in the U.S. is a pipe dream for many independent acts, he says, and it is in danger of “not even being a dream.”

Jacobsen points out that there will be ripple effects as well: Musicians, drivers, tour managers and beyond who would be hired to work with international talent will lose work, venues will lose fruitful bookings, festivals that focus on international talent will reduce in size, the costs of tickets could increase and so on.

She says these fee increases could affect U.S. music culture — “the richness of the music ecosystem in terms of diversity of genres.”

If lesser known, global genre artists cannot perform in the U.S., audiences will miss out on a critical cultural exchange. “We need the marketplace to be friendly and accessible to all those different types of musicians,” she says.

WHAT’S NEXT?

“You’re going to see a decrease in international acts coming to the United States,” says Castro. “And maybe it’s decreased frequency more than a decrease in the absolute number. We’ll see less and less emerging artists.

“The harder you make it for them to come to the United States, the less you’re going to see them here.”

Local economies, too, will feel the result: “It’s not just the mid-sized venue in Cleveland that will feel it, but the parking lot down the street, the restaurants and bars people go to before and after.”

And there could be long-term consequences that have yet to be seen. “There is an absolute concern that there would be a reciprocal effect,” says Jacobson.

If the U.S. is making it increasingly difficult and expensive for musicians to come here, “Why wouldn’t other countries do the same to our artists?”

Airlines will now be required to give automatic cash refunds for canceled and delayed flights

The Biden administration is setting new rules on airline fees and refunds

The Biden administration issued final rules Wednesday to require airlines to automatically issue cash refunds for things like delayed flights and to better disclose fees for baggage or canceling a reservation.

The Transportation Department said airlines will be required to provide automatic cash refunds within a few days for canceled flights and “significant” delays.

Under current regulations, airlines decide how long a delay must last before triggering refunds. The administration is removing that wiggle room by defining a significant delay as lasting at least three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international ones.

Airlines still will be allowed to offer another flight or a travel credit instead, but consumers can reject the offer.

The rule will also apply to refunds of checked-bag fees if the bag isn’t delivered within 12 hours for domestic flights or 15 to 30 hours for international flights. And it will apply to fees for things such as seat selection or an internet connection if the airline fails to provide the service.

Complaints about refunds skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic, as airlines canceled flights and, even when they didn't, many people didn't feel safe sharing a plane cabin with other passengers.

Airlines for America, a trade group for large U.S. carriers, noted that refund complaints to the Transportation Department have fallen sharply since mid-2020. A spokesperson for the group said airlines “offer a range of options — including fully refundable fares — to increase accessibility to air travel and to help customers make ticket selections that best fit their needs.”

The group said the 11 largest U.S. airlines issued $43 billion in customer refunds from 2020 through 2023.

The Transportation Department issued a separate rule requiring airlines and ticket agents to disclose upfront what they charge for checked and carry-on bags and canceling or changing a reservation. On airline websites, the fees must be shown the first time customers see a price and schedule.

The rule will also oblige airlines to tell passengers they have a guaranteed seat they are not required to pay extra for, although it does not bar airlines from charging people to choose specific seats. Many airlines now charge extra for certain spots, including exit-row seats and those near the front of the cabin.

The agency said the rule will save consumers more than $500 million a year.

Airlines for America said its members “offer transparency and vast choice to consumers” from their first search.

The new rules will take effect over the next two years. They are part of a broad administration attack on what President Joe Biden calls “junk fees.” Last week, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced that his department will let state officials in 15 states help enforce federal airline consumer protection laws.

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