Movie theaters have been a popular source of entertainment for decades, providing audiences with the opportunity to escape reality and immerse themselves in captivating stories, characters and landscapes. Whether you’re watching a romantic comedy or an action-packed adventure film, there’s something truly magical about experiencing it on the big screen.
If you’re planning to catch a movie at your local theater soon, you may be wondering whether it’s possible to purchase tickets in person. The short answer is that yes, most cinemas still sell physical tickets at their box office counters. However, the process of buying tickets at the theater has evolved over time due to technological advancements and changes in consumer behavior.
In this article we’ll take an in-depth look into ticketing options available when going to see a movie including how current processes work as well as pros and cons of booking in person.
Advantages of Buying Tickets In Person
One advantage of purchasing movie tickets physically is bypassing online booking fees that are now standard among major cinema chains. According to CNBC.com , Fandango charges convenience fees ranging from $1-$5 per ticket depending on location while CMX also adds $.50 – $2.00 onto each purchase online ordered through its website or mobile app . Thus by avoiding intermediate companies altogether allows customers redeem more cost effective rate without surcharges making multiplex trips cheaper on average .
Another reason one might choose physical purchase has everything to do with preference – unlike digital exchange during which consumers interact with screens at every step they instead get hold tangible item immediately after transaction takes place . This tactile experience leads some people feeling more engaged knowing they’ve secured their seat once receipt materializes whereas smaller population favors seeing live representation real revenue stream flowing directly into theater walls given potential declines amusement industry based almost completely upon recession-sensitive fanbase fluctuations .
Disadvantages Of Purchasing At Theater
The main disadvantage is obvious: unless viewers wait until just before start-time showing (and therefore risk sold-out screenings), queues must be joined that could have been circumvented through booking ahead of time on the internet. This means that you will likely spend extra time waiting in line and potentially risk not securing desired seat if theater is extremely popular or scarce attendance opportunities.
Additionally, buying tickets at the venue doesn’t come with any assurances of availability. Upon visiting cinema even only few hours prior to beginning showtime may reveal all opening night seating sold out due high demand meaning no front row seats so necessary be prepared alter expectations keeping an open mind possible alternatives.
Another factor to consider when opting for physical ticket purchasing involves taking recent hygiene concerns into account . While most theaters are now cleaning between movie showing seating [ Citation needed ] customers lines awaiting check-in pose potential problem points for germs latching onto susceptible persons who haven’t taken precautions sanitizing their hands surfaces they handle regularly before ill-advised habit returning after leaving restroom .
How COVID-19 Has Affected Ticketing
Since pandemic hit country , cinemas across the nation have had to rethink entire operations order ensure social distancing enforced properly keep patrons attending solo masked up throughout duration shows .
With safety best practices serving wider community, many theater companies opted improving contactless options put place both encourage safer buying shopping experience promoting company online channels. Aside from reducing amount face-to-face interaction, these upgrades also give streamline benefit cutting required keys to transfer information increasing speed sale window compared traditional point purchase methods.
However those unable concerned virus spread afforded luxury being able turn thus making sure film can still enjoyed without further narrowing already limited venue possibilities due increased overall restrictions changing government advisories . On bright side if visiting friend or relative requires spontaneity occasion physically purchased deliver perfect gift person receiving it while getting chance impress recipient some entertainment finesse .
Conclusion
While purchasing movie tickets online has become increasingly popular in recent years, there’s still something special about buying them at a physical location. Whether you prefer talking to a box office employee or simply want to skip the online booking fees, there are still plenty of reasons why buying tickets at the theater is a great option.
However with ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and risks associated crowds it’s advisable patronize contactless transactional experiences. With aforementioned avenues available ( self-service kiosks, interactive mobile apps ) knowing all options including digital forgoing personal exchange entirely good news for anyone eager safely indulge watching latest cinematic releases without unnecessarily putting themselves in harm’s way .
As long as you’re willing to spend extra time waiting in line or potentially risk sold-out screenings, purchasing movie tickets in person can be an incredibly rewarding experience that adds something special to your night at the movies.