Picture this: You're excited about the latest blockbuster, you've gathered your friends, and you're ready to book your tickets online through Fandango. But then, you see it - the dreaded convenience fee! It might not seem like much at first, but over time, these fees can really add up. But don't worry, we've got you covered. In this article, we'll share some savvy tips and tricks to help you dodge those pesky Fandango convenience fees and save some cash on your movie excursions.
Understanding Fandango and Its Convenience Fee
Fandango is a popular online ticketing hub that allows you to purchase movie tickets in advance, saving you the hassle of standing in line at the theater. However, this convenience comes at a cost - a convenience fee that typically ranges from $1.79 to $2.29 per ticket, depending on your location and the type of movie you're seeing. But fear not, there are several ways to get this fee waived.
AMC Stubs
AMC Stubs is a loyalty program offered by AMC Theatres, one of the largest movie theater chains in the United States. The program has three tiers: AMC Stubs Insider, AMC Stubs Premiere, and AMC Stubs A-List, each offering different levels of benefits.
AMC Stubs Insider is the free tier of the program. While it doesn't offer a waiver for Fandango's convenience fees, it does provide benefits like free refills on large popcorns, a birthday gift of a large popcorn, and the ability to earn points towards $5 rewards.
AMC Stubs Premiere, which costs $15 per year, offers more benefits. In addition to the Insider benefits, Premiere members enjoy free upgrades on popcorn and soda, priority lanes at the box office and concessions, and most importantly, no online ticketing fees when booking through AMC's website or mobile app. This means that if you frequently watch movies at AMC Theatres and book your tickets online, the Premiere membership can quickly pay for itself in convenience fee savings.
AMC Stubs A-List is the top tier of the program and costs between $19.95 and $23.95 per month depending on your location. A-List members can see up to three movies per week at AMC theatres, and the membership includes all the benefits of the Premiere membership, including no online ticketing fees.
If you're a frequent moviegoer and AMC is your theater of choice, joining the AMC Stubs program can be a great way to avoid Fandango's convenience fees and enjoy other perks.
Retail Me Not
Retail Me Not is a well-known online platform that offers a wide range of coupons and promo codes for various retailers, including Fandango. By subscribing to their mailing list, you can receive notifications about the latest deals and discounts. They occasionally offer codes that can help you waive or reduce Fandango's convenience fees. However, these offers can be time-sensitive, so it's crucial to act quickly when you spot a good deal.
Coupon Chief
Coupon Chief is another reliable source for online coupons and discount codes. Like Retail Me Not, they also offer occasional discounts for Fandango purchases. The site is easy to navigate, and you can sign up for alerts to stay updated on the latest deals. Remember to check the validity of the coupons and read the terms and conditions before using them to ensure they apply to your purchase.
Slick Deals
Slick Deals is a community-driven deal-sharing website where users post and share the best deals they find on the internet, including those for Fandango. The site has a dedicated section for coupons where you can find promo codes for a variety of retailers. By signing up for their email alerts, you can receive notifications about the latest Fandango deals. Be sure to check the comments section for each deal, as other users often share their experiences, which can help you determine the reliability of the offer.
Remember, while these sites can be a great resource for discounts, it's important to ensure you're using valid, up-to-date codes. Always double-check the terms and conditions of each coupon, and be wary of sites that require you to download anything or input sensitive personal information.
Join the Fandango VIP Club
Fandango's rewards program, Fandango VIP, offers a host of benefits to its members. Not only do you earn points with every purchase, but you also get access to advanced screenings, exclusive movie gear, and discounted streaming movies. The points you accumulate can be used for discounts on movie tickets, potentially offsetting or even exceeding the convenience fee.
Buy Directly from the Theater's Website
Some theaters allow you to purchase tickets directly from their websites, bypassing Fandango and its convenience fee. However, do note that some of these theaters may charge their own convenience fees, so it's worth comparing prices. Joining the theater's rewards club could also help you get these fees waived.
Go Old School and Buy In-Person
If all else fails, consider buying your tickets the old-fashioned way - in person at the theater. Yes, it requires a bit more planning and effort, but it's a surefire way to avoid any online convenience fees.
Additional Ways to Save on Movie Outings
Beyond avoiding convenience fees, there are other strategies to save money on your movie outings. Consider going on discount days when tickets are cheaper, keeping snack purchases to a minimum, and making the most of your theater's rewards program. Every little bit helps!
Take Away
While Fandango's convenience fee can be a bit of a downer, there are plenty of ways to dodge it and save money on your movie outings. Whether you're using online coupons, joining Fandango VIP, buying directly from the theater's website, or purchasing tickets in person, you can enjoy your movie experience without the extra cost. Happy movie-going!
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