[Jill_the_Pill]

Many people arrive late, while the theater is already dark. It is easier to grab an empty seat than fumble around trying to identify the right number. Some theaters used to have ushers with flashlights, but they wouldn’t want to pay them now.

[hutzlibu]

Well, the solution is simply, don't be late and don't disturb all the others.

I also am quite late in many situations, but in a theather you just go, if you can manage to be seated, before it gets dark. Everything else is just rude.

[Jill_the_Pill]

Well, it's a bit rude how much of our time they waste with previews and ads. If coming on time meant just seeing the movie, I would agree with you.

For live plays, with assigned seats and no captive marketing, people do come on time generally.