Do you ever have interesting conversations with people sitting in the waiting room? I sure do. The last time I went to get my car serviced, I saw a woman reading “Gone Girl.” I asked if she had seen the movie.
She replied, “No, movies cost too much money for me. They are expensive! It costs $11 to go. I got this book from the library and there were 80 people on the waiting list for it!”
That’s some library waiting list. Wow!
She proceeded to say, “The only way I got this copy was because everyone wanted the regular book. I saw the large print version available and got that one.”
That’s smart thinking I thought and smiled. Perhaps she wasn’t missing anything since most people say the book is better than the movie anyway.
Still I couldn’t shake the fact that she thought it cost $11 to watch a movie.
So I said, “You don’t have to pay $11 to watch a movie.” Next she exclaimed, If I was in Florida I wouldn’t have to.”
Then, I proceeded to tell her how she could catch a flick on a budget right here and right now. She was as they say “all ears.”
Here are five ways to save money on your next movie ticket:
- Watch the movie earlier in the day – Many movie theatres offer lower priced tickets for early showings. For example, the woman I met lived in Arlington Heights, IL. The closest movie theatre to her offered tickets as low as $6 for morning movies. Some theatres have first showings priced even lower at $4.50. Matinee pricing is also lower in the $7 to $8 range at her theatre.
- Check out discount offers for seniors and students – Movie theatres usually offer discounted tickets to seniors and students. These offers may be on specific days or only during certain showtimes, but they typically save you $1 – $2 on your movie ticket.
- Buy movie passes at wholesale clubs (BJ’s, Costco, Sam’s) – Do you have a wholesale membership? Put it to use and buy your movie tickets there. Some people claim to have saved as much as 25% off. Purchasing your ticket wholesale can save you time in line and money at the ticket office. What a great value!
- Buy movie passes at work – Some companies offer discounted movie passes up to 35% off retail. This can save you some serious bucks at the movie theater. Take note of any movie pass restrictions ahead of time.
- Don’t pay convenience fees for tickets online – Purchasing tickets online is convenient, but that convenience comes with price. $$ Convenience fees can amount to another $1 or more on top for each ticket purchased. Save yourself some money and buy it at the box office!
Do you have any tips to save money on movie tickets?
Photo: ToastyKen
We are military and most movie theaters give a military discount! We ask everywhere. You never know when you can get a discount.
First of all Nate, I’d like to thank you for your service. I did not know that movie theaters gave military discounts. Thanks for adding that one. You’re absolutely right “You never know when you can get a discount” unless you ask/check. 🙂