Cineworld Unlimited members recently received an email informing them that they can no longer book tickets for other members. This means that each person must now book their own ticket, even if they plan to watch a film together. The change has caused a wave of customer frustration, with many taking to social media to express their disappointment. Some have called the decision the "dumbest of the year," and others have threatened to switch to rival cinema chains like Odeon or Vue. Concerns have also been raised about the practicality of strangers trying to sit together without prior coordination.
Previously, Cineworld Unlimited members could request multiple seats in a single booking, allowing them to easily reserve seats for friends or family. Now, each person must book separately, though the company claims that the new app and website allow users to change their seats after booking. This feature is meant to help people move closer to friends or family after tickets are purchased. However, some users remain skeptical, especially about the likelihood of finding seats together during busy times when tickets may sell out quickly.
One user, @Andysvaughan, humorously suggested that the change could lead to more conflicts among strangers trying to find seats together, writing, "Welcome to Cineworld — come and have a fight over seats with strangers." Others voiced concerns about the impact on accessibility. For instance, David Magee shared that his son, who uses a specialist pushchair requiring a disabled seat, may now have difficulty booking a seat next to the required space. Some users recommended applying for a CEA (Cinema Access Scheme) card, which allows disabled cinema-goers to get a free companion ticket for a small annual fee.
Cineworld explained that the change is part of an ongoing effort to improve its booking system, aiming to make the online experience faster and more user-friendly. The company acknowledged that some members preferred the previous system and noted that the ability to book for friends and family will not be available at first with the new platform. However, Cineworld said they are working on a better solution to address customer concerns.
Cineworld Changes Unlimited Membership Booking Rules, Sparks Customer Backlash
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