Years ago, before AMC launched its membership program called the AMC Stubs A-List, I always made sure to buy my tickets at the box office. That’s because I didn’t want to pay the online AMC ticket purchase fees, also called convenience fee.
Back then, the fee was around a dollar or so per ticket. So when you buy 2 tickets at a time, you’re basically spending an extra $2 to $3 just for the “convenience” of being able to buy the tickets online.
Right now AMC’s convenience fee is roughly $2 per ticket if you buy them on their website or using the app.
Why are More People Purchasing Movie Tickets Online?
In spite of the extra costs, it’s surprising to note that more and more people still prefer buying movie tickets online. A 2019 study by Webedia Movies Pro sheds light on the increasing popularity of online ticket purchases over traditional in-theater transactions. The study surveyed 100,000 moviegoers and found that online ticket purchases surged by 18.7% compared to the prior year, while in-theater ticket purchases experienced a decline of 5.4% since 2017.
The study also discovered that online ticket buyers were 1.7x more likely to attend movies in groups, whereas in-theater buyers go there solo. Moreover, online buyers exhibited a greater inclination towards purchasing concessions (2.1x) and meals (1.7x) compared to at-theater ticket purchasers. Around 60.4% of online ticket purchasers also chose premium seats, compared to 37.9% of those who bulk purchased tickets at the cinema.
So one might wonder, what’s the reason for the popularity online ticketing that people are even willing to overlook the convenience fee?
1. Seamless Process
One of the major advantages of buying movie tickets through the AMC website or the app is it’s a seamless process. You won’t have to wait in long lines at the ticket counter. You can just buy your tickets from your computer or mobile phone, choose the schedule you want, select your seats and then make a payment.
2. Guaranteed Seats
Do you still remember how difficult it was to rush inside the theater and look for seats? This is especially true if the movie you want to watch is a blockbuster hit and you go to the cinema during peak hours. And it gets even worse if you’re going as a group. You might end up being seated separately. What a bummer.
By buying your tickets online in advance, you can secure your seat and not have to rush inside the theater like a madman. In fact, since you get to pick your seat in advance, you can simply enter the theater a minute or two before the show starts and your seat will be waiting for you.
3. Flexibility and Convenience
Finding the time to go to the theater to buy your tickets can be a hassle. But when you buy your tickets online or through their app, you can do so in just a matter of minutes. You can do it while commuting, taking your lunch break or while in bed. The website and app are available 24/7.
How to Avoid Paying Online AMC Ticket Purchase Fees
“I get it Sarah, buying AMC tickets online is very convenient but I still don’t want to pay the convenience fee. What are my options?”
Paying an extra dollar or two for each AMC theater movie ticket you buy online can seem like a lot of money. I can certainly empathize with those who complain about this. Remember, I used to avoid buying tickets online myself.
But there are ways you can still buy AMC tickets online without paying the convenience fee. You can do what I did – I signed up for AMC Stubs A-List.
This membership program costs $20 a month but before you start pulling your hair in frustration, hear me out.
AMC Stubs A-List lets you see up to 3 per week and in any format. Yes that includes 3D, IMAX 3D, Dolby Cinema, and RealD 3D. If you’re a movie buff like me, this “perk” alone will save you at least $40 per week or $160 per month.
That’s not all. As an A-Lister, you can buy your movie tickets online without paying a convenience fee.
Alternatively, if you’re not up for that kind of commitment, you can sign up for the AMC Stubs Premiere membership for just $15 per year and the online convenience fee will also be waived.
Also, if you’re an AMC Stubs Insider (no membership fee required for this tier), you can buy 4 or more tickets together and the convenience fee will also be waived.
Final Thoughts
For many, the idea of paying a convenience fee can be quite discouraging. But there are things you can do to avoid paying the fee, as discussed previously. So, consider those tips I’ve shared and hopefully you won’t have to pay the fees the next time you buy AMC tickets online.