AMC Theaters Plans to Charge Subscription Fees for Premium Seating
AMC theaters are set to enhance the movie-going experience with the introduction of preferred premier seating later this year. This new offering will reserve the best seats in the house for members who pay a subscription fee, which may be in addition to standard ticket prices.
CEO Adam Aron announced during an earnings call, “Later this year, AMC will introduce preferred premier seating, where we will block and reserve the best seats in the house in our theaters to be accessed first only by our A-List and our Stubs Premiere members — that’s the two VIP tiers within our Stubs program — at no added charge at AMC. We will assure the best seats in our auditoriums are held, at first anyway, for our best customers.”
A Stubs Premiere subscription costs $17.99 annually, allowing patrons to reserve from the block of premier seating. However, they will still need to pay the full ticket price on most days.
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For those opting for the A-List subscription, prices range from $19.99 to $27.99, depending on location in the U.S. This subscription not only facilitates preferred seating reservations but also includes admission to four films per week, catering to frequent moviegoers. “If you spend more than, say, $200 at the movies every year, it might be a good deal for you—or if you want to ensure the best seats in the house,” one analyst noted.
Critics have likened this move to the additional fees seen in the airline industry, such as charges for checked bags or advanced seat selection. However, exhibitors argue they are offering a valued service tailored to different customer needs. Importantly, the Premiere and A-List subscriptions come with notable savings, including half-priced tickets on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, waived concession service fees, no added fees for premium formats, and eliminated online ticketing fees.
