Imagine settling into your seat at a Regal Cinemas theater, popcorn in hand, ready for the movie to start. You’ve purchased your ticket online, thinking you’ve paid the advertised price, only to discover later an additional booking fee tacked on—unbeknownst to you. Did Regal Cinemas pull a fast one on moviegoers?

This exact scenario ignited the recent Regal Cinema class action settlement, offering affected customers a share of a $2.5 million compensation fund. If you’ve encountered these hidden charges, your time for justice—and compensation—has arrived.

Detailed Background of the Regal Cinema Class Action and Key Claims

The class action lawsuit against Regal Cinemas, formally known as Jones v. Regal Cinemas, Inc., centers on allegations that the company failed to properly disclose booking fees for electronic ticket purchases made through its website. This case brings to light important issues regarding transparent pricing and consumer rights under New York law.

Regal Cinemas Class Action Lawsuit: What Exactly Happened?

The lawsuit was initiated by Tim Jones, who purchased electronic tickets for a movie screening at a Regal Cinemas theater in New York State. Jones alleged that during the online purchasing process, Regal displayed the ticket price without including an additional $1.80 booking fee. This fee was only revealed at the final stages of checkout, after seat selection and just before payment. Jones contended that this practice was misleading, as consumers were not informed of the total ticket cost, inclusive of all fees, upfront.

Key Claims of the Case

The primary claim in the lawsuit was that Regal Cinemas violated New York’s Arts and Cultural Affairs Law (ACAL) § 25.07(4). This statute mandates that operators of entertainment venues must disclose the total cost of a ticket, including all ancillary fees, in a clear and conspicuous manner before the ticket is selected for purchase. The law also stipulates that the ticket price should not increase during the purchasing process. ​

Jones argued that Regal’s practice of adding a booking fee at the end of the transaction violated these provisions. He claimed that consumers were effectively “ambushed” by the additional fee after they had already invested time in selecting their seats and were under pressure to complete the purchase due to time constraints imposed by the website. This, he asserted, constituted a deceptive business practice that harmed consumers by not providing full pricing transparency upfront. ​

Involved Parties

• Plaintiff: Tim Jones, representing himself and other similarly affected consumers.​
• Defendant: Regal Cinemas, Inc., a major movie theater chain operating in numerous locations across the United States, including New York State.​
• Plaintiff’s Legal Representation: Bursor & Fisher, P.A., a law firm specializing in consumer class action lawsuits.
• Defendant’s Legal Representation: Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP, a global law firm with expertise in defending corporate clients.

Legal Proceedings and Settlement

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Regal Cinemas denied any wrongdoing but agreed to a settlement to avoid the uncertainties and expenses associated with prolonged litigation. The settlement includes a $2.5 million fund to compensate affected consumers and mandates that Regal must clearly disclose total ticket costs, including any booking fees before consumers select tickets for purchase in New York. ​

This case underscores the importance of transparent pricing in the entertainment industry and serves as a reminder for companies to adhere strictly to consumer protection laws to avoid similar legal challenges.

Are You Eligible for Compensation?

You might be wondering, “Do I qualify for a piece of this settlement?” Let’s break it down:

• Purchase Details: You bought electronic tickets for a movie at a Regal Cinemas theater in New York State.
• Platform Used: The tickets were purchased through Regal’s official website using the guest checkout option.​
• Time Frame: Your purchase occurred between July 31, 2023, and July 15, 2024.​
• Booking Fee: A booking fee was charged during your transaction.​

It’s important to note that members of the Regal Crown Club program are not eligible for this settlement. This distinction ensures that the settlement benefits those who were most affected by the undisclosed fees.

Potential Compensation: What’s in It for You?

The settlement fund totals $2.5 million, but what does that mean for individual claimants? The exact amount you’ll receive depends on several factors, including the total number of valid claims submitted and the amount you paid in booking fees. While precise figures aren’t guaranteed, estimates suggest that individual payouts could range from $5 to $25 per ticket. These payments will be distributed proportionally, reflecting the booking fees each claimant paid.

How to File a Claim in the Regal Cinema Class Action

Ready to stake your claim? Follow these simple steps:

Filing Online

• Visit the official settlement website: regalticketfeesettlement.com
• Enter the Unique ID provided in your settlement notice (if available).
• Complete your details and choose a preferred payment method (PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, or check).
• Submit your claim online and keep your confirmation handy.

Filing by Mail

• Download and print the claim form from the official website.
• Fill out all necessary details.
• Mail your completed form to:

Regal Ticket Fees Settlement Administrator
P.O. Box 2935
Portland, OR 97208-2935

All claims must be submitted online or postmarked by April 21, 2025. Act swiftly—don’t leave money on the table.

Simplify Your Claim Process with Sparrow

Navigating the claim process for the Regal Cinema class action settlement can be time-consuming, especially if you’re unsure about the required documentation. This is where Sparrow steps in to make things easier. Sparrow is a platform dedicated to helping individuals discover and claim funds from class action settlements, often without the need for extensive proof.

Joining Sparrow, you can access a streamlined process where the platform identifies eligible claims on your behalf and assists in filing them efficiently. The average Sparrow user claims over $345 per year through various settlements. To learn more and get started, visit Sparrow.​

Important Deadlines in the Regal Cinemas Ticket Fees Litigation

Stay mindful of these key dates to protect your rights in the settlement process:

• Claim Submission Deadline: April 21, 2025
• Exclusion/Objection Deadline: February 14, 2025 (Passed)
• Final Approval Hearing: March 5, 2025 (Concluded)

Missing these deadlines could forfeit your compensation rights, so act now and secure your piece of the Regal Cinema class action settlement.

Conclusion: Take Action Now

This Regal Cinema class action settlement represents a significant victory for consumer rights, emphasizing the importance of transparent pricing in the entertainment industry. If you meet the eligibility criteria, don’t miss this opportunity to claim your share of the settlement. Filing is straightforward, and with the deadline approaching on April 21, 2025, prompt action is essential.

For more details and to access the claim form, visit the official settlement website at regalticketfeesettlement.com. Stand up for your rights and ensure you’re compensated for any undisclosed fees you’ve paid.