Urgent Update: Omniplex Cinema Subscribers Face New Fees NOW

UPDATE: Cinema-goers in Ireland are facing unexpected additional fees when booking tickets through Omniplex, one of the country’s largest cinema chains. Subscribers to the Omnipass, priced at €17.99 per month at many locations, now find themselves charged extra to reserve seats outside the first four rows of the theater.

Omniplex, which operates 21 locations across Ireland, recently introduced these fees, ranging from €2 to €4 for preferred seating, alongside a €1 booking fee for all online ticket purchases. This move has sparked frustration among loyal subscribers like Amy Curran from Galway, who expressed her disbelief at having to choose from “the shit seats” despite paying a premium for membership.

“I’m paying the membership fee. I’m a ride or die. And [they] are going to make me sit in the shit seats?” Curran lamented. She believes that this pricing strategy could alienate dedicated customers.

Omniplex states that the introduction of these optional fees is necessary to maintain lower subscription costs amidst rising inflation and living expenses. The cinema chain claims to offer the “cheapest” film-pass program in the country, comparing its subscription prices to those of its two main competitors, which charge the same base rate of €17.99 without additional seat selection fees.

The impact of this new fee structure raises concerns about the future of cinema attendance, especially as competition from streaming services continues to grow. Stephen Ward, co-founder of the Clifden Film Society, highlighted the significant financial pressures on cinemas, stating, “The idea is to get the money in at the start to begin paying these costs.” He noted that smaller cinemas often struggle to break even due to high screening fees.

As Omniplex navigates this challenging landscape, the question remains: how will these additional fees affect customer loyalty? With many film enthusiasts expressing dissatisfaction, the pressure is on the chain to clarify its pricing policies and address subscriber concerns.

For now, customers are left weighing their options as they consider whether the benefits of the Omnipass outweigh the newly added costs. Watch for updates as this situation evolves, and consider sharing your thoughts on the impact of these changes on your cinema experience.