AMC Theatres to Stop Charging Extra Fees for Better Seats

We previously wrote about a pilot program that AMC Theatres was rolling out at some locations in the U.S. The movie theater was testing its Sightline at AMC program, which would charge moviegoers a higher fee for more desirable movie theater seats. The program offered slightly cheaper tickets for those who booked less desirable seats, like front-row seats close to the screen. But AMC recently announced that it will end this pilot program in the coming weeks.

The brand will pivot away from Sightline at AMC

In a July 20 news release, AMC Theatres announced that it will complete its pilot program, Sightline at AMC, in the coming weeks. The company found that many customers happily paid an additional fee for better seats. However, there was little increase in theatergoers sitting in the front row, despite getting a slight price reduction for their movie tickets.

The company will not roll the pilot program out nationwide to remain competitive. In the coming weeks, AMC will no longer charge different prices for different seats. However, the company will use what it learned from the program to pivot to develop its next innovation. The movie theater plans to offer spacious reclining front-row seats for a more comfortable movie-watching experience. AMC will begin testing this seating concept in late 2023.

What does this news mean for you? If you live in an area where this pilot program is being tested, you will soon pay the same ticket price no matter what seat you sit in at your local AMC Theatres. Every extra fee adds up and impacts your checking account balance -- so not having to pay more for a seat in a better part of the theater could be a win for your wallet.

Of course, the upcoming seating concept will likely change things. If AMC starts adding more comfortable, spacious seats to some of its theaters, you can expect to pay more to sit in these seats. There has been no mention of what these fees might look like.

Ways to save money on your next movie outing

If you're a movie buff working hard to meet your personal finance goals, you can continue to see new movies at the theater without disregarding your budget. Here are five ways you can save money on tickets at your local AMC Theatres location:

• See a matinee screening: AMC offers discounts of 30% on matinee showings. By seeing a movie before 4 p.m., you can easily keep more money in your pocket.
• Bring a student ID: Eligible students can save money at participating AMC Theatres locations when they bring a student ID.
• Get a deal on Discount Tuesdays: AMC offers discounted tickets on Discount Tuesdays. To qualify for this deal, you'll need to join the AMC Stubs program. It's free to become an Insider level member, and you'll qualify for discounts on Tuesday screenings and can earn rewards every time you spend money at AMC.
• Seniors can save money daily: Moviegoers who are age 60 and over qualify for discounted senior tickets at participating locations. This deal is available daily, no matter the time of day.
• Bring a Military ID: As a thank you for their service, AMC offers discounted tickets to military members at participating locations. Bring your military ID to the box office to save money when you buy your next movie ticket.

Going to see a new movie doesn't have to be expensive. Before you swipe your credit card, check to see if you can save a few bucks on your next movie date. Whether you like to see films at AMC Theatres or another movie theater in your area, discount opportunities like the ones mentioned above allow you to prioritize entertainment expenses without going broke.