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Original poster

Would you swap seats in a cinema if empty

59 replies

Ttcagainnow · 30/08/2024 10:04

Say you booked the cheapest seat in the cinema but when there it's pretty much empty, would you seat in a VIP seat?

YABU - no, stick to the normal seat that you paid for.

YANBU - yes, go for it.

OP posts:
LynetteScavo · 30/08/2024 17:49

I probably wouldn't bother at the cinema. I've done it at the theatre just after lockdown when there were loads of empty seats - I just moved along the row to get a better view. At the RSC ushers do seat people in better seats if they're empty and close by.

At Wembley a woman came and sat/danced next to me as the seat on the end of the row was empty- I think she had a seat far away from the stage and left the people she was with for a better view Grin

Singleandproud · 30/08/2024 14:02

DD and I were the only ones in the screening of rotten Romans the horrible Histories film so we did move to VIP, I wouldn't have if there were other people with me unless it was right next to me and I just had to scooch over.

Our local cinema has only recently moved to alloted seats, I much preferred just turning up and picking a seat

JMSA · 30/08/2024 13:59

Yes, totally! But definitely not at the start of the film.

HunterHearstHelmsley · 30/08/2024 13:10

I'd feel really cheap doing this. It makes me cringe!

Local Odeon is £6.15 in the week and £8.35 at the weekend for a standard ticket. Premium is £1 more. It's hardly breaking the bank.

Maddy70 · 30/08/2024 13:05

Yes

TheClawDecides · 30/08/2024 13:05

Staff really have better things to do than check who's sitting where, in an almost empty cinema.

VimesandhisCardboardBoots · 30/08/2024 12:56

No, because I'd have booked the seat I wanted online.

I don't care about a VIP seat. I care about the distance to the screen, how centered it is etc.

LlynTegid · 30/08/2024 12:21

I wouldn't because I am choosy about where I sit, if I have the option.

Snowdrops17 · 30/08/2024 12:21

No I did it once years ago and not course they showed up and I was in their seats was mortified

Sparklytoe · 30/08/2024 12:20

I don't see any harm in it, but I probably wouldn't because people often arrive late and I'd hate to be turfed out of someone else's seat during the programme

TheYearOfSmallThings · 30/08/2024 12:19

InfradeadToUltraviolent · 30/08/2024 11:13

They know how many VIP tickets they've sold. If that's zero and you're sitting in a VIP seat then they know you've upgraded yourself: they don't need to check your ticket.

However if I was a cinema usher or indeed manager I wouldn't kick a paying customer out in those circumstances: it really doesn't make any difference to them and I can't see that it would be worth the hassle.

Show quote history

I haven't seen a cinema usher since the 1980s. These days the entire cinema is staffed by two 16 year olds, one selling snacks and one checking the bar code of the tickets you bought online. Once you get past the bar code checker you won't see staff again.

GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER · 30/08/2024 11:54

I wouldn’t.
We recently booked 5 premium seats for me, dh and 3 x Gdcs, and arrived on time, to find people had plonked themselves in all 5!

Of course they had to move, but were evidently miffed.
I dare say some people see empty premium seats and think they’re unlikely to be filled, so take a chance.
The cinema was pretty packed this time though - afternoon screening of Despicable Me 4 on a wet day in the school holidays!

InfradeadToUltraviolent · 30/08/2024 11:13

DancingPhantomsOnTheTerrace · 30/08/2024 10:53

But they don't do that during the film, right?

That would be annoying for everyone - I'd be annoyed to pay for a VIP seat and then have someone come in halfway through to interrupt and check my ticket.

Show quote history

They know how many VIP tickets they've sold. If that's zero and you're sitting in a VIP seat then they know you've upgraded yourself: they don't need to check your ticket.

However if I was a cinema usher or indeed manager I wouldn't kick a paying customer out in those circumstances: it really doesn't make any difference to them and I can't see that it would be worth the hassle.

OpizpuHeuvHiyo · 30/08/2024 11:10

VIP seat - absolutely not. No more than I would go and sit in 1st Class on a train if it was empty. Taking a benefit not paid for and without permission is wrong.

Within seats of the same type I'd certainly move if I wasn't inconveniencing anyone.

Synchronisedwitches · 30/08/2024 11:07

I wouldn't move to a more expensive seat... but I'd move to a better one.
Our local cinema doesn't have vip seats. I often go abd if it's half empty I just sit where I like regardless of what seat I booked.

HowAmITheCatsGranny · 30/08/2024 11:05

When I worked for odeon, we used to check the tickets of the people in the premier seats during the trailers and ask people to move if they were in the wrong seat.

ClippyMuldoon · 30/08/2024 11:02

@DancingPhantomsOnTheTerrace films here always have an intermission, they check during that or right before the film starts.

The intermission thing is pain in the bum to be honest but I suppose they have to sell the sweets and gammy nachos at some point 😀

Thudercatsrule · 30/08/2024 11:02

Staff come into the screen with those weird googles and check the seats at my local Vue and Cineworld. I've seen people being asked to move back to their original seats before.....mortifying!

Fluufer · 30/08/2024 10:54

I personally wouldn't because I'm a wuss. But I don't think it's wrong. It's not like it affects anyone.

DancingPhantomsOnTheTerrace · 30/08/2024 10:53

ClippyMuldoon · 30/08/2024 10:33

Our local Vue's staff come in and ask to see your ticket if you sit in the VIP seats. I'd die of shame so would not do it. If they don't care at yours then go ahead 😀

But they don't do that during the film, right?

That would be annoying for everyone - I'd be annoyed to pay for a VIP seat and then have someone come in halfway through to interrupt and check my ticket.

MrsStottlemeyer · 30/08/2024 10:49

No but I am someone who feels really uncomfortable not doing the 'right' thing.
My DC once spilled a large drink all over our seats and even though the cinema was only half full I still went to ask if it was ok if we moved.

CutthroatDruTheViolent · 30/08/2024 10:36

I would but in my local Showcase cinema I don't need to, all the seats are comfy AF with great views <smug>

ClippyMuldoon · 30/08/2024 10:33

Our local Vue's staff come in and ask to see your ticket if you sit in the VIP seats. I'd die of shame so would not do it. If they don't care at yours then go ahead 😀

Megifer · 30/08/2024 10:29

Yep! We deliberately wait until a film has been out a while then book cheapo seats then move to the posh ones. Every time.

and take our own sweets

AdviceNeeded2024 · 30/08/2024 10:26

TheClawDecides · 30/08/2024 10:05

Yes always, but about 20 minutes in as I'd die if I was in someone's seat and they were just a bit late 🤣

Yep! Did it once and this exact thing happened. Karma me thinks!! 😂

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