Going out for extra snacks during the film and ‘stealing’ seats

[ViewFromMySeat]

AIBU to think it’s wrong to get extra food during the film? Is it the norm now?

I’ve recently been taking full advantage of the £4.99 seats! I went with a friend I haven’t seen in years recently. She went out to get extra snacks twice during the film.

She isn’t the only one though. I’ve been 3 times now, and seen different people doing this. Popping out during the film, excusing themselves around other people trying to watch the film, and coming back with more food.

The next AIBU - The film was okay, should’ve been an 18 I think but was down as a 15. She agreed. Then asked how much the seats were so she could transfer me the cash

I said not to worry, they were just £4.99 each. Less than £10 for us both!

She said I was really wrong for taking those. I was a bit confused and asked her to explain. She said it’s better manners to leave those seats for students or those really struggling to get in —I am a carer so hardly rolling around in £50 notes—

I just shrugged and left it at that but thought it was a bit odd

I find it quite distracting when people wander across my field of vision during the film tbh. I get that if it's a toilet trip it can't be helped. But bring the amount of snacks you need, surely?

I'm not sure which cinema does 4.99 seats or who they're for, but if you're eligible, why not buy them?
They're clearly making plenty of money from the two of you if your friend makes multiple trips for snacks.

Seats where? I am so confused.
Someone is leaving their seat during a film, and coming back with more food? How is that seat stealing? It is the same as nipping out for a wee.

People have always wandered in and out for food/snacks/the loo. I don't (unless it's the loo) but as long as people are being as discreet as possible, I don't see the issue. The more food people buy, especially with cheap cinema tickets, the better for keeping the cinema in business imo.

Re the £4.99 seats your friend is being ridiculous. Anyone can buy them.

Your friend doesn’t seem to have the first clue about how a trip to the cinema works.

Don’t keep going to get snacks mid-film. Do book whichever seats you want.

She’s a twat.

I think food should be banned in the cinema.

Last 2 times I've been to the theatre (to see musicals, nothing lofty in fairness) I have been shocked at the sheer amount of eating and drinking going on. I didn't think it was the done thing but lots of those 500ml bottles of pop hissing open and rustling bags of Munchies seems the norm now. The theatres are obviously resigned to it as they're selling the snacks! I don't get it.

I do like the cinemas with Costa Coffee or similar, but don't leave to get food or drinks. And I think the £4.99 seats are totally fine if you're eligible. I never pay more than about £7 for the cinema, apart from those NT Live performances which are close on £20 a pop.

I'm not sure which cinema does 4.99 seats or who they're for, but if you're eligible, why not buy them?

Vue! There’s always about 10 of them available and in my opinion, they’re great - In their own row, each row just 2 seats

My local Vue is £4.99 for all seats. But I still don't understand what the "seat stealing" thing is about.
Please explain!

If it’s Vue then surely it’s the new recliner seats in which case people getting up and down will barely impact you.

Wow that’s really good! I’ve always found the cinema to be more expensive in the past, it seems to have got cheaper?

The majority of the seats in the film I saw were about £15, £20 and £40 (those ones recline)

I think what the OP means by seat stealing is that her friend said OP shouldn't be buying the £4.99 ones and she should let people who are struggling with money buy them instead.

Ah, ok. I was really confused!

Surely it is first come first served with things like that. If those seats were meant for people on low income, then proof would be needed when buying the tickets.

Smelly, crunchy, rustly food definitely

I'm the same as a PP...Most of the seats at my local Vue have been £4.99 for years now (at least 8). And £5.50 at the Odeon.

I get two free Vue tickets a month through SkyVIP.

Our local indies are both £5 seats most of the time.

Our "Everyman" is £11 or £12 for a fancier experience (sofas, tea and cake served etc). The only time I've ever paid £15+ was for Live Theatre/Concert screenings.

So your friend comes across as utterly batshit to me!

I dont agree with the snack thing BUT i usually grab some more snacks when i go for my toilet break which i always seem to need in a cinema

Absolutely not.

Popcorn and haribo is part of the fun in going to the cinema!

Getting up and down for snacks - pain in the arse. Get your snacks before the film - not difficult.

£4.99 seats - the population your friend mentions, students, are likely to have more free time to grab the cheap seats than someone who's working all day, it's first come first served.

Vue does 4.99 and open to all.

dont know what your friend is on about- the cheaper seats are for everyone

does she also object to 2 for 1ddeal aswell

batshit

She’s weird about choosing the cheap seats but you’re weird being bothered about people leaving for snacks!

Fine if the cinema is not busy but not ok if it's busy and you are pushing past someone. I think it's fine if it's one of the odeons where all the seats are big as there is walking space and you don't have to squeeze last people but do you really need so many snacks you have to go twice?

I haven’t heard of £4.99 seats. Can’t see why you wouldn’t get a bargain if there are available. Cinema near me is expensive.

i hate food in the cinema. Rustle rustle… I know I will sound a bit curmudgeonly but it baffles me that popcorn became standard cinema food.

i take a more relaxed approach to kids films

Annoying as it can be, people can get up for more snacks as many times as they like! Done it once myself when I had a hotdog then wanted popcorn 😂

As nice as that would be you do get that's how they make their money right? Necessary evil

Gosh £9.99 are the cheapest seats at my local Vue, but not for all films. Usually £10.99 or £11.99. £4.99 is a bargain, and if they were available at that price, why wouldn't you?

I don't tend to eat in the cinema ...

I was at an Odeon the other weekend, and so many people got up and went out, often more than once. That never used to happen, I don't think. One guy was using his phone torch to navigate his way out, during the film. Several times. Some people are just inconsiderate.