Fandango is the go-to platform for securing your seats at the cinema, offering a seamless and convenient way to browse showtimes, theaters, and reserve tickets in advance. This guide will walk you through the entire process, ensuring you get the best seats and the most enjoyment out of your moviegoing experience.
Choosing Your Movie and Theater
The first step towards cinematic bliss is selecting the right movie and finding a theater that suits your needs. Fandango provides a user-friendly interface to make this process a breeze.
Browsing Movies and Showtimes
Upon visiting the Fandango website or opening the mobile app, you’ll be greeted with a curated selection of currently playing movies. You can filter these by genre, MPAA rating, or search directly for a specific title. Clicking on a movie poster will reveal:
- Synopsis: A brief overview of the plot.
- Trailers and Clips: Sneak peeks to whet your appetite.
- Cast and Crew Information: Discover who’s involved in the film.
- Showtimes: A comprehensive list of showtimes at nearby theaters.
Selecting a Theater and Show Time
Fandango automatically detects your location and displays theaters in your vicinity. You can also manually enter a zip code or city to search for theaters in a specific area. Once you’ve identified a theater, browse the available showtimes for your chosen movie. Consider factors like:
- Time of Day: Choose a showtime that fits your schedule.
- Screen Type: Some theaters offer IMAX, Dolby Cinema, or other premium formats.
- Seating Options: Select reserved seating if available to guarantee your preferred spot.
Securing Your Tickets
With your movie, theater, and showtime selected, it’s time to purchase your tickets.
Creating an Account or Guest Checkout
While a Fandango account isn’t strictly required, it’s highly recommended. Creating an account allows you to:
- Save your preferred payment methods: For faster checkout in the future.
- Track your purchase history: Easily access past tickets and receipts.
- Earn Fandango VIP points: Redeemable for discounts and other perks.
However, you can also opt for guest checkout if you prefer a one-time purchase.
Choosing Your Tickets and Seats
Once you’ve proceeded to the ticket selection screen, indicate the number of tickets you need. If reserved seating is available, you’ll be presented with a seating chart. Carefully select your desired seats, keeping in mind factors like proximity to the screen and aisle access.
Payment and Confirmation
Fandango accepts a variety of payment methods, including:
- Credit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover
- Debit Cards: With Visa or Mastercard logos
- PayPal: A convenient online payment system
- Fandango Gift Cards: Redeemable for tickets and concessions
- Promotional Codes: Enter any valid codes for discounts.
Review your order carefully before confirming your purchase. Ensure the movie, theater, showtime, and number of tickets are correct. Once you’re satisfied, complete the transaction and receive your confirmation.
Managing Your Tickets
After purchasing your tickets, you’ll receive a confirmation email and your tickets will be available in your Fandango account (if you have one).
Accessing Your Tickets
You can access your tickets in several ways:
- Fandango Mobile App: The most convenient option, allowing you to display your tickets directly from your phone.
- Email Confirmation: Print out the email confirmation or display it on your phone.
- Fandango Website: Log into your account and access your ticket history.
Redeeming Your Tickets at the Theater
When you arrive at the theater, simply present your ticket (either on your phone or as a printout) to the ticket taker. They will scan the barcode or QR code to validate your tickets and grant you entry to the theater.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This section addresses some common questions about buying movie tickets on Fandango.
What is Fandango VIP and how does it work?
Fandango VIP is a loyalty program that rewards frequent moviegoers. You earn points for every dollar you spend on tickets and concessions through Fandango. These points can then be redeemed for discounts on future purchases, exclusive offers, and other perks. Signing up is free and easy.
How do I use a Fandango gift card?
To use a Fandango gift card, simply enter the gift card number and PIN (if applicable) at the payment stage of the checkout process. The gift card amount will be deducted from your total purchase. If the gift card balance is less than the total, you can use another payment method to cover the remaining amount.
Can I get a refund if I can’t make it to the movie?
Fandango’s refund policy varies depending on the theater and the time of the request. Generally, refunds are possible up to a certain time before the scheduled showtime, typically a few hours. Check the specific terms and conditions on your ticket confirmation or contact Fandango customer service for assistance.
What does “reserved seating” mean?
Reserved seating allows you to choose your specific seats in advance when purchasing your tickets. This guarantees that you’ll have a preferred spot in the theater, eliminating the need to arrive early and compete for the best seats. Not all theaters offer reserved seating.
How do I find out if a movie is playing in IMAX or Dolby Cinema?
When browsing showtimes on Fandango, look for labels or icons indicating special formats like IMAX, Dolby Cinema, or 3D. These are usually displayed next to the showtime. You can also filter your search results to only show movies playing in specific formats.
What if I have trouble with the Fandango app or website?
If you encounter issues with the Fandango app or website, try the following:
- Check your internet connection: Ensure you have a stable internet connection.
- Clear your browser cache and cookies: This can resolve many common issues.
- Update the app: Make sure you have the latest version of the Fandango app installed.
- Contact Fandango customer service: They can provide further assistance.
Does Fandango charge extra fees?
Yes, Fandango typically charges a convenience fee per ticket. This fee covers the cost of providing the online ticketing service. The fee amount is usually displayed before you complete your purchase.
How can I use a promotional code on Fandango?
To use a promotional code, enter the code in the designated field during the checkout process. The discount associated with the code will be applied to your order total. Make sure the code is valid and hasn’t expired.
What is FandangoNow and how is it different from Fandango?
FandangoNow (now rebranded as Vudu after acquisition by Fandango) was a streaming service where you could rent or purchase movies and TV shows to watch at home. This is different from Fandango, which primarily focuses on selling tickets for movies playing in theaters.
Can I purchase concessions online through Fandango?
Currently, not all theaters allow online concession purchases through Fandango. However, this feature is becoming more common. Check the theater’s listing on Fandango to see if online concession ordering is available.
What do I do if my tickets are not scanning at the theater?
If your tickets are not scanning, first ensure that the barcode or QR code is clean and undamaged. Try adjusting the brightness on your phone screen or providing a printed copy of the ticket. If the problem persists, contact a theater employee for assistance. They can manually verify your ticket.
Is it safe to buy movie tickets online through Fandango?
Yes, Fandango uses secure encryption technology to protect your payment information. They are a reputable company with a long history of providing online ticketing services. You can be confident that your financial information is safe when purchasing tickets through Fandango.