Coronavirus and the CineWorld Unlimited card 26 March 2020 at 6:30PM in Going out deals 7 replies 1.2K views

Lol63

It may be a small worry in these times, but do you think it's right that CineWorld are planning to keep on taking the monthly direct debit for their "Unlimited" card during the Coronavirus shutdown? Quoting "reasons beyond our control" as their get-out clause. I wouldn't mind so much if I thought I was supporting their workers, but they've made a whole load of staff redundant without even waiting for the government support announcement.

Who else is planning to put a block on the direct debit?

Peter999_2

Cineworld are saying that they will still take the next direct debit but credit you with an extra month when they re-open.    If they can't re-open after a month they will stop taking the direct debit but will extend the subscription.

i.e. If your 12 month minimum subscription runs until December 2020.   You pay the subscription for March, but they give you a credit for a month.  If the cinema is still closed after a month then they stop taking the monthly direct debit and increase your minimum subscription month.   So if it is closed for 6 months then your 12 month minimum subscription now runs until June 2021 but you don't start paying again until they open.

I'm hoping this makes sense.    I myself have a unlimited card that I got as a Christmas present and they've promised they'll extend the months that they are closed for.     I think it's very fair to be honest.

https://www.cineworld.co.uk/blog/cineworld-cinemas-closure-faq-coronavirus-covid-19

DCFC79

OP why did you not read the t&cs.
Yes Ive got a card and yes its annoying that they are still going to take this months payment but as Peter says it means our subscriptions get extended.

DCFC79

Anvil1 said:

I have had an unlimited card since 2001 and are confused about the extend your 
Subscription bit, my subscription doesn’t have an end date
I am reluctant to cancel as I know I won’t rejoin , as a lot of new films no longer appeal
to me, I go and see a lot of films that I wouldn’t pay to see if I had to pay each time I 
go

Mine doesnt have an end date or dont believe it does so what I believe will happen we will get so many free months while the cinema is closed.
If no future films appeal to you then cancel.

owen-b

Lol63 said:

It may be a small worry in these times, but do you think it's right that CineWorld are planning to keep on taking the monthly direct debit for their "Unlimited" card during the Coronavirus shutdown? Quoting "reasons beyond our control" as their get-out clause. I wouldn't mind so much if I thought I was supporting their workers, but they've made a whole load of staff redundant without even waiting for the government support announcement.

Who else is planning to put a block on the direct debit?

I think it's absolutely appalling. Odeon are doing the same thing. They're reopening at a time when I do not feel at all safe to sit in the cinema for three hours inhaling everyone else's exhaled air. If I wasn't a member I could sit at home, save my money, and wait it out. As a Limitless member they're starting the clock on my membership as of mid-July whether I like it or not and that's not fair. 
I've started a petition asking to freeze or cancel my Limitless - it's for Odeon but I'd sign a Cineworld petition if someone started one!
Sign the petition here: http://chng.it/DCvyt5kx

owen-b

DCFC79 said:

OP why did you not read the t&cs.
Yes Ive got a card and yes its annoying that they are still going to take this months payment but as Peter says it means our subscriptions get extended.

What do the T&Cs say about cancelling and getting a refund if the world is hit by a pandemic that makes spending three hours in the cinema an actual health risk? 

adamp87

owen-b said:

DCFC79 said:

OP why did you not read the t&cs.
Yes Ive got a card and yes its annoying that they are still going to take this months payment but as Peter says it means our subscriptions get extended.

What do the T&Cs say about cancelling and getting a refund if the world is hit by a pandemic that makes spending three hours in the cinema an actual health risk? 

That’s irrespective. You signed up and agreed on the contract, unfortunate as it is the pandemic and your concerns aren’t a get out of jail clause.

You could ask them for a delay and see what happens, the same as if you were unable to pay your phone bill due to losing your job. They may or may not agree. It’s not the companies fault as much as it isn’t yours.

DCFC79

owen-b said:

DCFC79 said:

OP why did you not read the t&cs.
Yes Ive got a card and yes its annoying that they are still going to take this months payment but as Peter says it means our subscriptions get extended.

What do the T&Cs say about cancelling and getting a refund if the world is hit by a pandemic that makes spending three hours in the cinema an actual health risk? 

Not sure why you quoted me.

Cineworld have postponed opening until the end of July, they are putting in place precautions, cleaning is 1 of them, pay using contactless is another.
I can see face masks will be required to be worn and limited numbers in each screen.