That’s not an apt comparison and while I definitely think it should reach a point in ticket sales where they turn this feature off (about leaving single seats), we both know that people would absolutely leave single seats all over the place if they could (I do it when I go to the movies).
Im also fairly certain that this is analytically driven and been shown to cause less tickets to be sold, which is most likely worse for everyone (not just ticketmaster/the venue).
There are things to call out monopolies on or hate for big corporations, but this is an instance where it may actually be a better overall outcome.
Why not? I want space next to me when I fly. And if only a single seat is left I’d prefer to sit next to a friend rather than a stranger. Why are airlines allowed to break up couples and a show venue isn’t? And how is a movie different? Wouldn’t you feel frustrated if movie theaters had this policy?
Hell, why shouldn’t everything come in pairs? If I go to a restaurant with a friend and order 2 of the remaining 3 steaks, should they not sell them to me because it would require one lonely person to order the final one?
All cinemas I’ve booked tickets from (as in, directly, through their own system or via the phone all retro) have always done this. Maybe it’s different in the US, granted. But not leaving single seats open is a nearly universal rule here.
I mean they are fundamentaly different businesses. Additionally, given demand for flights, airlines know they’ll sell their seats regardless of configuration, because you’re primarily buying transit not an experience. However, for venues, they seem to believe that single seats won’t sell (and I suspect that’s backed by data they’ve collected).
Also, to be pedantic, restaurants do have stipulations about the quantity of steak you buy, it’s just broken down by Ounces. If they only sell 16oz steaks you probably aren’t going to be able to order a 10 Oz steak. If you wanted 10oz you’ll be stuck with an extra 6oz exactly like with the seats.
Do you think this should also apply to air travel?
That’s not an apt comparison and while I definitely think it should reach a point in ticket sales where they turn this feature off (about leaving single seats), we both know that people would absolutely leave single seats all over the place if they could (I do it when I go to the movies).
Im also fairly certain that this is analytically driven and been shown to cause less tickets to be sold, which is most likely worse for everyone (not just ticketmaster/the venue).
There are things to call out monopolies on or hate for big corporations, but this is an instance where it may actually be a better overall outcome.
Why not? I want space next to me when I fly. And if only a single seat is left I’d prefer to sit next to a friend rather than a stranger. Why are airlines allowed to break up couples and a show venue isn’t? And how is a movie different? Wouldn’t you feel frustrated if movie theaters had this policy?
Hell, why shouldn’t everything come in pairs? If I go to a restaurant with a friend and order 2 of the remaining 3 steaks, should they not sell them to me because it would require one lonely person to order the final one?
All cinemas I’ve booked tickets from (as in, directly, through their own system or via the phone all retro) have always done this. Maybe it’s different in the US, granted. But not leaving single seats open is a nearly universal rule here.
I mean they are fundamentaly different businesses. Additionally, given demand for flights, airlines know they’ll sell their seats regardless of configuration, because you’re primarily buying transit not an experience. However, for venues, they seem to believe that single seats won’t sell (and I suspect that’s backed by data they’ve collected).
Also, to be pedantic, restaurants do have stipulations about the quantity of steak you buy, it’s just broken down by Ounces. If they only sell 16oz steaks you probably aren’t going to be able to order a 10 Oz steak. If you wanted 10oz you’ll be stuck with an extra 6oz exactly like with the seats.