If you were someone that went to buy tickets for future showings this weekend at an AMC location, you might have noticed something odd. You see, the social distancing guidelines presented by the studio said that groups of people would be spaced out with a full row of empty seats in front of and behind them, as well as one seat buffers between groups horizontally. But when you buy tickets for this weekend’s films, the same-row buffer seats don’t seem to show up, with groups able to sit next to other groups with no problems. Well, according to AMC, that’s going to get fixed and it was the result of an unavoidable, unfortunate situation.
According to Variety, AMC is expected to change the ticket purchasing system to force an empty seat between groups of guests starting on Monday. So, yes, that means the folks going this weekend might have people sitting right next to them, whether they like it or not.
After the situation became fodder for social media folks upset that AMC was already breaking its own social distancing guidelines, the cinema chain spoke to Variety and explained why this weekend’s showings are being done this way. The company said the system needed to be up and running for them to test the new protocols for future showings. In fact, they expected the process to take up to two weeks, but they’re proud that it will only take one weekend before the new system can be implemented.
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Of course, that does nothing to help the folks this weekend. While the entire situation is still uncertain, the report claims that guests will have to abide by the AMC social distancing protocols even if they booked the exact seats they wanted on the online purchasing system. Basically, if you selected seats that were right next to another group, you’ll be expected to move and follow the new guidelines. Though, we’ll have to wait and see how this is actually enforced, as theaters are notoriously bad at enforcing any sort of guidelines.
And before you ask, don’t worry, the AMC social distancing ticket buying process will be implemented in time to buy tickets for “Tenet” and “The New Mutants.” So, while you’ll still be stuffed in a theater with dozens of other people regularly taking off their masks to eat and rink for two-plus hours, you’ll do so with an extra seat between you.