Aisle theater seats may cost more money
Taking a cue from airlines like Northwest and US Airways that charge more for certain aisle and exit seats to increase revenue, some performing arts theaters are doing the same. According to this AP article, some theaters have found patrons willing to cough up as much as an extra $25 to sit in an aisle seat.
Although I can see that the extra cash comes in handy for the theatrical companies who are finding ways to make ends meet, there's a certain aspect of this practice that I find annoying. When you buy theater tickets you already pay according to where you would like to sit--orchestra seats as opposed to the balcony, for example. And just because you've paid for an orchestra seat, doesn't mean your seat is all that great.
Sometimes you could have seen better in the balcony depending on who is sitting in front of you. If there is a tall person with big hair, for example--or a person who can't quite decide which way to lean, there you are struggling to see the stage. All that money you paid for a "good" ticket may not seem worth it by the middle of Act II.
If the theater is really looking to make money and to make seating more fair why not charge tall people more? Also, consider this. If there is a heavier person sitting in the middle because he or she can't afford the $25 for an aisle seat, what does that do to the comfort of the other theater-goers around him or her?
Charging more for seats that are already a hefty price for most people seems elitist to me and not particularly fair. It seems like instead of drawing people to the theater, it's one more way to detract some people from coming, i.e., older people with arthritis, people who have mobility problems, heavy people and people with long legs.
Although, on the other hand, if there are aisle seats that are available for people who actually need them because of size or some other physical condition, that seems fair. I would hate to think that some people are kept away from the theater because a physical issue that makes them and everyone else too uncomfortable unless they are able to pay extra to alleviate the problem.
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Filed under: Arts and Culture, Business, Airlines, News
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Enduring Wanderlust Jan 5th 2009 9:38PM
If their patrons are willing to pay it will continue. If not, it won't. Basic capitalism. In terms of the smart move in this economy...we'll see.
Adam Jan 6th 2009 9:38AM
My local loews theater used to charge $5 extra for the "best" row. But then they had to pay for 3-5 ushers to be in the theater to police that row so only people who paid for it would sit there. I don't recall that many people paying for that row unless they had arrived just before the show and all other seats were sold out.
And as soon as the ushers left, then a few people would grab those seats.
The premium seats didnt last long.
Linda Jan 6th 2009 9:05PM
I dont try to get aisle seats because I can see better (even though I can, I am only 4'11"). I try to get them because some days I have many trips to the bathroom and I dont want to disturb the other patrons by having to walk in front of everyone going down the row.
Good grief, things are really getting out of control in the name of GREED! YUCK!
Doctor Bob Jan 6th 2009 8:45PM
Well, here's a solution for ya: just stop going to theaters! If these money-grubbing theater owners start noticing their theaters are empty, maybe they'll get a clue and cut back on the prices a little? Theater admission is already getting to be outrageously expensive, and I won't even bother to mention the $39.95 large box of popcorn, or the $78.50 large soda. Now they want to gouge us again on seating? Hey, theaters: here's a news flash for you. See that empty seat in aisle 9? That's me not sitting there, or spending a dime of my money on your atrocious shows. (Did you REALLY think I would spend more to see this gawd-awful crop of "movie stars" in no-plot movies you're foisting on us?)
Deborah Bloom Jan 6th 2009 11:29PM
Right on. I avoid flying when ever possible because of them charging more for different seats.
yesiam Jan 6th 2009 10:16PM
Jamie said ..."If the theater is really looking to make money and to make seating more fair why not charge tall people more? "
Hell NO! I am tall and I can see just fine! If YOU have trouble seeing the screen, then YOU ask management for a booster seat! And YOU pay extra for it! Why should I have to pay more because YOU have a problem! SHEESH! The world does not owe anyone a living, and just because you are short, don't expect society to adapt to YOU. YOU must find a way to adapt to society! I have to adapt everytime I fly on airplanes with my knees squashed against the seat in front of me. I would never ask someone else to be inconvienenced on my behalf. I am sooooooooooo tired of people expecting others to sacrifice to satisfy their own shortcomings. That's bull. Bring your own damn booster seat to sit on, but DON't ask me to hunch down or pay MORE for MY seat!
AchmedDTearOHist Jan 6th 2009 10:14PM
How long til they install coin machines on the bathroom just like the old days in Penn Station and pay toilets?
billb Jan 6th 2009 11:58PM
I see fine from my seat a nice reclining lazy boy. If I need to go to the bathroom or get a snack from the fridge I stop the cd and start up again when I get back.
I stop going to the movies years ago I have no need to see the latest release on the first day. I just seen some movies for the first time that came out years ago and don't feel like i should have seen them when they first came out, but I am 67 not a member of the now generation who want today's releases yesterday
Ron Jan 7th 2009 1:22AM
When I go to the theatre's which BTW has been a looooong time I always grab the aisle seats. There's rarely a time when it's so packed that the center seats are filled anyway. I hate to crawl over people in those tightly packed seats and don't like them to do the same to me.
How about more aisles or is that too simple?
The last time I was at the flicks was either a Star Wars movie or Toy Story 2, yeah, that long ago and dumped over $50.00 there. I'll wait for the video.
L Jan 7th 2009 7:59AM
Um, why is everyone talking about a movie theater when the article is talking about a theater where one goes to see plays, ballets, operas, etc... Or am I just way off? Because really, $25 extra for a movie ticket?