Another line cutting question

[leaf_eater]

I went to a play this weekend with a group of six total. Since it was general seating and a sold out show, two people went early to save a row of seats for us all. When my group of three arrived, the theater doors had not been opened yet and our two friends were near the front of the  line. There were about 30 people behind them. I didn't think it was okay for us to join them at the front of the line. One in my group agreed while the other didn't, but we all waited at the end of the line. When the last friend arrived, he joined the two up front. I noticed several other "spot holders" had small groups join them. The waiting was indoors and there was a refreshment stand so people were having drinks and snacks, then joining the line.

We did all get to sit together, the play was wonderful and we had a great time. But would it have been okay or not to join our friends at the front? I thought not as it seemed rude to the people who arrived early to get the best choice of seats even though the outcome was the same as if we had been all been in line together. Everyone but the one friend seemed to think I was being "too nice" about not cutting. If it matters, the up front three didn't go for the best seats. They sat every other seat in a back row so they didn't technically even save seats, they just bet that no one would sit between two strangers.

[ZipTheWonder]

I think the fact that you've referred to this as "line cutting" answers your own question! 

If you (generic) have create some kind of system to circumvent a first-come-first-served arrangment, you are "line cutting."  Most places with this kind of seating don't permit "line cutting" or seat-saving.  If you want the first choice of seats, arrive in time to be at the head of the line.  If your group wants to sit together, join the line together. 

[blue_bunny_paz]

This is why I like theatres with reserved seating, as it saves all manner of problems!
I'm always a bit sceptical about having no seating arrangements as you will often end up with groups here and there and odd seats free.

Since the seat-savers didn't go for the best seats I would say it's probably acceptable, as long as the group didn't leave, for example, one seat on either side. and you said there were only 30 people in front of you, so I assume you turned up reasonably early. I would say it's rude for someone to save a huge number of seats, particularly if they did it just so the other members of the group could turn up late.

[Bijou]

I would say it's rude for someone to save a huge number of seats, particularly if they did it just so the other members of the group could turn up late.

That is one of the things that gripes me about plays.  When you see empty seats in a good area, go to sit down and notice that one person has put various things on the seats to save them. 

[CrayonOutlines]

I think it'd be okay for ONE additional person to join someone at the front of the line, but two or more should do as you did and just go to the back of the line. 

A similar thing happened to my mom and me once when we were in line to place our order for lunch.  There was more than one line and we picked the one we did based on how many people were already in it.  I wasn't too upset when a woman joined the man in line in front of us, but was VERY perturbed when their TWO friends joined them.  I think I made a comment about where the end of the line was, but the man in the Entitled Couple (the ones who cut in line) was SO RUDE.  He made some comment about his time being more valuable because he had to get back to work (he was in dress pants and a button-down shirt and my mom and I were dressed casually).  And I responded, "Oh, my bad.  I'm here because I evacuated New Orleans because of the hurricane."  (It was a year before Katrina -- Hurricane Ivan that time and I was in Houston at my mom's house because of it.)  The jerk's wife became very apologetic, but, of course, not sorry enough to go to the back of the line.  Anyway, I was super peeved and applaud your good sense not to cut in line.

[Slartibartfast]

I'd be a bit peeved if I had been waiting in line.  Honestly, though, if your friends at the front were able to buy six tickets instead of just two, and could "save" seats (I've never seen a non-sold-out performance of anything where people didn't honor "saved" seats), it wouldn't have mattered whether you cut in line with them or not.  You could get your tickets before those other people just by having your friends buy them for you.  Unless there's an explicit policy against saving tickets or seats for other people, it's fair game.

[RandomAngel]

Honestly, though, if your friends at the front were able to buy six tickets instead of just two, and could "save" seats (I've never seen a non-sold-out performance of anything where people didn't honor "saved" seats), it wouldn't have mattered whether you cut in line with them or not.

This is very true.  People between you and your friends in line were in exactly the same position, seating-wise, regardless of whether you joined your friends or not, because your friends were taking six seats either way.

At that point, the only real issue is whether it is more important to you to maintain the appearance of propriety, or to be able to talk with your friends while you wait.