Seat Poaching on Coasters

Why let an empty seat go to waste! Recycle!

I'm all for seat poaching. We are considerate about it though. Most times we always get out and wait for the air gates to close before getting back in. The only times we stay in is when it's completely empty and no one is approaching the station.

The thing I have a problem with is when the reride rules in a park vary from ride to ride or day to day. At Dorney, they won't allow rerides at all and that's fine. We know that and accept it. On the other hand, Hershey has no rules for rerides. According to the ride operations manager, it's up to the ops on each ride. That's what I consider wrong--either you allow it or you don't.

I agree nothing pisses me off then watching back to back B&M trains have two riders in my row.

Choice E is not seat poaching, its helping the line move faster and is a perk for single riders, anyone who objects to it is crazy.

Although this is not poaching..this topic does bring to mind one thing that I wish I would see more of...Combining singles. It bothers me seeing a train go out with 3 or 4 rows of single riders on them. Unless you are in a "coveted" row (such as the front or back row), then it would seem to make sense that singles sit together so that more people can get on.

For that reason, I actually like when people do what ApolloAndy described in "E".

Just my 2 cents..
Sean

At both of my local California parks (SFMM & KBF) if there's nobody in line, they don't even ask you to get off. Poached lots, regret it none. If people want to fill only 2 seats on a 4 seat B&M, then i'm going. Same with single riders, but i ussually ask if they don't mind me riding with them, before just sitting down.

From being on the operator side before...

The biggest problem with "seat poaching" is that it can lead to physical confrontations between guests. I had no problem letting people have re-rides if there was no one waiting for their row, but if you allow one row to switch into the empty row, then why can't everyone ride? Why do you get to ride instead of someone else?

Saying that "you traveled a long way to get there" doesn't mean you have a right to re-ride. If the coaster has 20 seats, and there are four open seats for the next train, that means only four people will be able to re-ride. It got to be such a problem that there were times that a train would roll into the station and we would hold the air gates to clear people off the ride... and some still went and sat in the train and refused to move!!

If the ride ops are okay with it, there is no problem with doing it, but don't try to sneak around the rules.

At GAdv. I've witnessed a huge problem on all the B&M's with empty rows. Doubles sitting right behind each other is not an uncommon sight, unfortunately.

Glad to see that there are others who do as I do. Seems like Scenario C pricks a few nerves, and I rarely do it, unless things fall into place where it can be done without a scene.

Funny how when I started this thread, I had no idea what I wanted to call the activity, but I think the word poach (+6) is a great word and although usually referred to taking someones fish or game, it still somehow seems appropriate here.

Not too sure about Mike's Acronym for it though.

Brian, who falls under verrry few of ACE's stereotypes. :) I'm no EmGee ;) Moosh.

Edit : D'oh. A quick search yields results showing that Andy came up with the term. Bravi! *** Edited 5/25/2004 4:03:03 AM UTC by Homey G.***

I had a great experience in the UK - forget which park - I asked a boy (12 yrs. old, maybe) if I could "ride with him" on a woodie, he said no, that he'd rather ride alone. Before I could even say anything, the ride operator came over and told the BOY "you've got it backwards, lad - this gentleman is going to ride by HIMself" - and he physically threw the boy out by his collar!

I guess we know how THAT operator felt about "wasted seats"! (I wonder if that boy will ever try to refuse a seat next to him again?)

PS - I was NOT happy that the kid got ousted - just a funny story OTHERWISE. *** Edited 5/25/2004 4:39:31 AM UTC by Fubar***

I was at BGW 4 years ago and I rode Alpengeist 9 times without getting off because there was people waiting for the front seats before closing time.Normally I look for single riders and ask the people in front of me to ride ahead of them.

What about poaching eggs or fish....;)

bill, watches entirely too much Cooking Network....

...though apparently not enough to know it's called the Food Network ;)

Rachel Ray would be sooo disappointed.

-dmv, back to storm watching :)

A: I've certainly done it, although only when I am absolutely sure I am not taking a seat away from someone else. I will sometimes ask so I don't feel like a jerk.

B: Same as above.

C: Absolutely never in a full station. BAD karma.

D: Only if I ask the 3 sitting there if they mind.

Pickled Orafice Attention Craving HomeyG?

Brian, i have one question for you. See if you can correctly guess my answers to your question. I'm sure you know what they are.

Well, I'm laugh Kris. Kinda hard actually, so yeah, I think I know. :)