AMC Theatres To Reserve Best Seats for Top Loyalty Members
AMC Theatres is enhancing its loyalty program perks by reserving its “best” seats exclusively for A-List and Stubs Premiere members, starting later in 2026. The move aims to reward frequent moviegoers while potentially incentivizing others to join the paid tiers.
A Shift in Seating Strategy
According to AMC Chairman Adam Aron, the company will “block and reserve the best seats in the house” for its A-List and Stubs Premiere subscribers. This change, announced on a recent earnings call via Variety, is designed to ensure that the most dedicated customers have first access to premium seating options.
Past Experiments and Current Approach
This decision follows a previous attempt by AMC to implement tiered pricing based on seat location through a program called Sightline at AMC. As reported by Consequence, that program, which charged non-members a premium for desirable seats, was discontinued after a few months. The current strategy appears to be a revised approach, offering preferred seating as a benefit to existing loyalty program members rather than a separate cost for all customers.
Loyalty Program Details
AMC’s A-List membership currently provides subscribers with the ability to attend up to four movies per week, along with other benefits, for a monthly fee. Paste Magazine notes that A-List pricing varies by state, ranging from $15 to $28 per month. The Stubs Premiere tier costs $17.99 annually and also grants access to the reserved premium seating, in addition to other perks. Deadline clarifies that Stubs Premiere members will still need to purchase tickets at the regular price.
What Defines “Best” Seats?
AMC has not yet specified which seats will be designated as “best,” leaving room for interpretation. However, the earlier Sightline pilot program focused on prime middle seats with unobstructed views, suggesting that similar locations may be prioritized in the modern system.
Recent Sales Strategies
This move comes after AMC implemented other strategies to boost sales, including offering 50% off tickets and concessions on Tuesdays and Wednesdays last summer. The company has also seen success with revival screenings of classic films.
The implementation of preferred premier seating is expected to roll out later in 2026.