Etiquette is the grace of society and the chaperon that enables us to flow together pleasurably and with ease. It’s not your mama’s movie going experience anymore; here is my etiquette tips for the modern movie goer.
Movie Theater Etiquette
The Rude Movie Goer
If you’re the victim of a rude “movie goer” DO NOT handle the situation yourself. Quietly, not to disturb others, find an usher or the management and let them handle the rude patron. If the problem persists, quietly exit the movie and inform the management. They should comp you for refreshments and movie passes for another time. This is inconvenient but preferable to having an incident with a stranger over a night out.
Ticket Purchase
Keep the line moving!
Prior to getting in-line decide on the movie you want to see and have your money ready to pay the ticket clerk.
Concession Stand
Same rules apply as with your ticket purchase; have your order and money ready for the cashier prior to getting in-line.
Seating
Unless the theater is packed, be sure to leave a buffer seat between your party and strangers.
Middle seats~ only sit in the middle of the row if you are sure you will not be getting up and down during the movie. Otherwise sit on an aisle seat that way you are not disrupting another movie going experience.
Some theaters have assigned seating this helps to eliminate most seating problems.
Mobile Devices
Turn them off when the previews begin, and leave them off during the movie. Don't check the time, text or use your mobile as a flashlight.
Conversations
Just don’t do it; no exceptions.
Exit the Theater
When the movie is over, clean up your mess. Take your empty boxes and cups to the garbage can near the doorway as you exit the movie.
Seinfeld
Jerry & Kramer at the Movies
If you’re the victim of a rude “movie goer” DO NOT handle the situation yourself. Quietly, not to disturb others, find an usher or the management and let them handle the rude patron. If the problem persists, quietly exit the movie and inform the management. They should comp you for refreshments and movie passes for another time. This is inconvenient but preferable to having an incident with a stranger over a night out.
Ticket Purchase
Keep the line moving!
Prior to getting in-line decide on the movie you want to see and have your money ready to pay the ticket clerk.
Concession Stand
Same rules apply as with your ticket purchase; have your order and money ready for the cashier prior to getting in-line.
Seating
Unless the theater is packed, be sure to leave a buffer seat between your party and strangers.
Middle seats~ only sit in the middle of the row if you are sure you will not be getting up and down during the movie. Otherwise sit on an aisle seat that way you are not disrupting another movie going experience.
Some theaters have assigned seating this helps to eliminate most seating problems.
Mobile Devices
Turn them off when the previews begin, and leave them off during the movie. Don't check the time, text or use your mobile as a flashlight.
Conversations
Just don’t do it; no exceptions.
Exit the Theater
When the movie is over, clean up your mess. Take your empty boxes and cups to the garbage can near the doorway as you exit the movie.
Seinfeld
Jerry & Kramer at the Movies
