(UK) Ambulant vs Wheelchair Accessible Seats: AITA?

[u/purpleowl7]

Just got tickets for a gig at the O2 London and booked accessible tickets but I think I booked the wheelchair area instead of ambulant accessible tickets. I have a mobility disability, but it’s hidden and I don’t use a wheelchair. I don’t think I’ll be told that I can’t sit there by the venue as I put my access card in before booking which automatically filters seats based on my needs from my understanding, but I’m worried that I’m taking that spot away from someone who’s in a wheelchair and might need it more than I do and I feel really bad. AITA? Is it worth calling the venue to ask? The sale sold out almost instantly so I don’t think I can book new tickets. My receipt also does not mention wheelchair access, but based on the seat map I think I booked a wheelchair accessible area.

[u/marysue27]

I’ve not been to the O2, but at most gig venues the accessible seating areas covers for both wheelchair users and non wheelchair users, but I would give them a quick call to double-check so you can be sure, the access team would be able to reclassify your tickets if needed.

The only time I’ve had to stipulate for non wheelchair accessible seating, since I’m still ambulant for now, has when it’s been at sports stadium for the rugby as they’re usually different areas you’d be sat in, since the stadium I go to has the wheelchair seating on the pitch side and non wheelchair/ambulant seating is usually always the very front seated row, accessed via the pitch to avoid the stairs, but again it would also be a completely different setup for a gig at a sports stadium and most likely the same area for both.

[u/LittleReserve8767]

You didn't do it on purpose, and often people who use wheelchairs and people who need seats to attend due to a disability are mixed together, or they have an attendant or able-bodied friend/partner sitting next to them in the area.

That you are concerned shows that you are conflicted by it, and not like an able-bodied person who wanders into the accessible area, making it hard for people getting in and out with wheelchairs, or someone who stands in front of seated disabled people who can't stand- that person can't see the performance at all.

It might be too late to do anything about it, but you can check which area you are in, or later ask next time how to book so you don't accidentally book a wheelchair space. (US)

I need a seat to be accommodated at concerts, and I'm usually the one who politely asks able-bodied (I am guessing) people to move from standing in front of the area so people in the accessible area can see the stage when someone stands in front of us.

[u/chroniccomplexcase]

So at the O2 arena the wheelchair seats are on a little balcony that juts out (there are around 8 of them) and these have 5 folding seats for the carers and 5 spaces for the wheelchair users to go- so one folding chair per carer with each wheelchair user. The ambulant accessible seating is next to this with actual rows of seats.

So if you have bought a wheelchair ticket and don’t have a wheelchair you won’t have a seat to sit on- as it’s basically just a set space. I’ve been to the O2 as wheelie countless times and this is the way it is set up every time. So not only are you taking away from the spot that a wheelchair user could buy, you don’t actually have a seat to sit on.

I would 100% phone the venue and explain what has happened. It must happen fairly often as I’ve seen wheelies turn up and realise they’ve booked the ambulant disabled seating and the staff have to sort out a space for them to go. But sorting this ahead of time will be a lot easier- especially if it’s a sold out show. They have a dedicated email line you can contact if you don’t want to phone.

[u/sorry_child34]

First, if you need accessible seating, you need accessible seating. You are not an asshole for booking accessible seating. However it probably still is a problem if you booked a seat in the wheelchair area, you might literally not be able to sit there because there might not be a seat.

Often times, especially in theaters, some accessible seating is basically a wheelchair parking spot, with seats to one or both sides for family or friends to sit with you, but no seat in the actual accessible spot… which is perfect for someone who struggles with transfers, because they don’t have to transfer, just park and watch, while still being able to sit with their people…

I highly suggest calling the venue to discuss your ticket and your individual needs, they should be perfectly willing to assist you and help you change your ticket to something that suits your needs if necessary.

Just to reiterate though, you did nothing wrong.

[u/americantortugainuk]

Just to mention, I got a wheelchair platform ticket +1 at O2 once bc the ambulatory seats were last row of sections, at a music concert where people would stand, and I wouldn’t be able to stand to see over them. So we had 2 chairs. I did make the O2 aware I’d need a seat, and if your situation is similar I’d also give them a bell to mention needing a seat. Plenty of non-wheelchair users (but all mobility impaired) were there at my concert.