Move it or go...

[Andara Bledin]

I'm honestly surprised that so many people on this site of all places would have such a huge issue with being asked to shift one seat over to close a gap of a single seat at a theater.

Honestly, I rank this in amongst the idea that the guy with only 1 item behind somebody's overflowing cart has to wait behind that somebody because, dammit, that somebody was there first, and if he wanted to get out of there quickly, he should have gotten there sooner.

^-.-^

[Moosenogger]

I'm honestly surprised that so many people on this site of all places would have such a huge issue with being asked to shift one seat over to close a gap of a single seat at a theater.

Honestly, I rank this in amongst the idea that the guy with only 1 item behind somebody's overflowing cart has to wait behind that somebody because, dammit, that somebody was there first, and if he wanted to get out of there quickly, he should have gotten there sooner.

^-.-^

When I first read the OP's story, I took it as asking someone to move to a different area of the theater entirely - as in there is another seat available for you, but it's nowhere near where you're currently sitting. And yes, I'd have a problem with that.

While moving down one seat wouldn't normally be an issue, I'd be pissed off if, by moving one seat down, my view of the screen was taken over by the head of the person in front of me. I'm a short person, so sitting behind anyone over 5' 5" can be irritating (unless it's stadium seating - I LOVE stadium seating).

As for the cart example, that's how lines work. :/ The only time it's fair to bitch about being stuck behind someone with a cartload of crap is if you're in the 10 items or less line.

[Emerald Knight]

^ I didn't mean it like that, but then, I was tired and stressed because everything that could go wrong with our seating system happened over Breaking Dawn's UK opening weekend. I'm surprised people didn't fight amongst themselves over their lack of courtesy towards each other sometimes.

Now that I've got a clearer head, the best way for me to put it is no matter which way you look at it, the staff are getting the brunt. Customers who don't get seats together demand refunds, and those who refuse to move chew us out on top. It doesn't help our case that the roads leading to the car park are horrible in large volumes. A minute-long trip from the bridge to the car park easily becomes 20-30 minutes because of a combination of backlogs and the traffic lights.

And as for the line point, we get those on top anyway, since everything is done at the concessions stand these days, it's been happening for years now, and every day people still come and say, 'Why is Box office closed? I need to get tickets?' so what happens? We get chewed out by people complaining that it's stupid since people who just want tickets have to queue with people who want popcorn.

[Moosenogger]

^ I didn't mean it like that, but then, I was tired and stressed because everything that could go wrong with our seating system happened over Breaking Dawn's UK opening weekend.

Theaters could quash that problem by simply not playing that theatrical abortion. Too bad it's popular.

And as for the line point, we get those on top anyway, since everything is done at the concessions stand these days, it's been happening for years now, and every day people still come and say, 'Why is Box office closed? I need to get tickets?' so what happens? We get chewed out by people complaining that it's stupid since people who just want tickets have to queue with people who want popcorn.

I feel that way sometimes - "I just wanna buy tickets, why do I have to wait behind the person buying $100 worth of concession stand food? Dx" - but then I remember that I'm in the minority, and it's actually easier for people to buy their tickets and concessions at the same place.

[Becks]

Call me sucky all you want, but if I'm expected to move over because people didn't plan ahead, I...might move. I might not.

Depends on my mood.

[Ironclad Alibi]

As for large groups attending theater shows, I think it is better if they have to break up into smaller groups to find sitting. It tends to make them quieter so the rest of us can enjoy the show.

[bankworking]

Whether or not it sucks to be asked by a theater staff person to move over one seat, I think the point is that the OP's job on sold-out performances is asking the staff to ask just that. I've seen signs as general admission performances that request not leaving empty seats between parties, so I can see a movie theater asking the same thing.

Just like any other policy issue, it's pointless to bitch and whine at the employee. They have to ask. Don't like it, complain to corporate, but no need to be an SC at the employee, and I'm betting the OP had to deal with a lot having to work at the latest movie craze sold out nights.

[Jetfire]

My local theatres have been moving the ticket purchasing to the concession lines lately too; though the box office is only closed (forcing you to buy at the concessions) during the slower times (matinees and late shows). Thankfully, they have some self serve kiosks at the front so I can buy my ticket there and not get stuck in the concession lines.

[Andara Bledin]

Thankfully, they have some self serve kiosks at the front so I can buy my ticket there and not get stuck in the concession lines.

I really think more places should do this, although it would mean that there would have to be more supervision to get into the theater area itself, or you would require that age restricted movies be with a live employee only.

^-.-^

[Jetfire]

In my theater's case (and most theaters I've noticed in Canada), you can buy the ticket at the kiosk (or even at home and print it there), and get into the concession areas for free; it's only when you make your way to the auditorium do they check the tickets (scanning the ones you buy at home) and let you proceed. I suspect though I've never confirmed that that's the point they would double check any age restrictions when applicable. Since I don't have kids nor go to the movies with someone wiht kids, it's never come up for me.

[Jay 2K Winger]

I should clarify some on my position about moving seats at the theater.

I have long legs. As such, I typically sit on the aisle. Being asked to move from my aisle seat makes me uncomfortable, especially since I do typically shift my legs around to keep a leg from falling asleep. Being crammed in the middle with people around me keeps me from doing so, and as such, I get uncomfortable.

Hence, I don't like being asked to move away from my aisle seat.

[BeenThereDoneThat]

The theater we usually go to has kiosks outside - I use those whenever possible. There is still a box office outside too, though...at least at that particular theater.

[Andara Bledin]

Hence, I don't like being asked to move away from my aisle seat.

Considering the request was that someone move to make a single spot on either side of their group into a double spot on one side, you'd never be asked to move from an aisle seat, so there's no point in getting worked up over the idea.

^-.-^

[Mongo Skruddgemire]

I'm honestly surprised that so many people on this site of all places would have such a huge issue with being asked to shift one seat over to close a gap of a single seat at a theater.

Honestly, I rank this in amongst the idea that the guy with only 1 item behind somebody's overflowing cart has to wait behind that somebody because, dammit, that somebody was there first, and if he wanted to get out of there quickly, he should have gotten there sooner.

^-.-^

As others have said, I don't mind having to shift one or two seats either way. Especially if I am asked by the group coming in.

What I despise is being asked by the staff AFTER the people have gone to them first (as opposed to asking me personally as if I were some diseased mutant freak who is beneath their notice save for my inconvenient proximity to them) and forcing me to move to one side of the theater or the other. I got there early, I found my preferred positioning, why in the name of Zeus's butthole should I have to move for a bunch of teenagers and college kids who can't be arsed to get to a theater until 30 seconds before the trailers and ads end and the movie begins?

That happened to me once and I walked out of the theater. And when they refused to give me a refund or a voucher to another, perhaps less crowded time...I never went back.

I won't say that I had anything to do with it, or that my campaign to get my friends to likewise boycott the theater, but I do look in satisfaction at the empty lot that *was* the Cinema Six in downtown Salisbury.

[Beckpatton]

I very very rarely go to a movie on it's opening weekend, I NEVER go opening night (not since the last Star Wars movie came out). This is because I find the more crowded the cinema, the higher the risk of encountering loud chatty douche waffles that are only there to have fun, and play wiht their friends.. Not actually watch a movie. (which I never understood, isn't it cheaper to chat with friends over coffee than to pay $20+ per person to talk over a loud movie).. anyway I digress..

On the rare occasions I have attended sold out shows, I have sometimes been asked to move over one seat to close the gaps. Usually there have been staff there making announcements to the patrons as they arrive to please not leave any gaps, as they are expecting to sell out the show.

I have never had a problem doing this, it's just one extra seat over so no biggie. But then I don't have a particular seat preference, I just like to be near the middle of the row, not right at the back and not too far forward. If I had chosen an aisle seat for comfort reasons, (like I prefer on a plane or in some of the theatres in town) then I would refuse to move. I'm not giving up my comfort because others are late.

In saying that though, all the local cinemas that I attend have stadium seating, so I can see from wherever I am sat. Someone would have to be a real giant to obstruct my view! I have seen plenty of movies in the seat 2 spots from the wall because I was a late comer, and preferred to be there with my group than split up all over the middle of the cinema, the view is just as good.