Six Flags Flash Pass: Everything You Need to Know Before Buying

by Theme Park Center September 23, 2023

A Flash Pass is one of the most popular passes at every Six Flags park.

In this guide, we'll explain what a Six Flags Flash Pass is, the different types of Flash Passes available, and if it's worth it.

What is a Six Flags Flash Pass?

A Six Flags Flash Pass is an additional cost that provides visitors access to a separate and quicker line for the most popular rides.

six flags flash pass wristband at entrance of ride

The Flash Pass entrance will lead to a different line and/or allow you to cut the regular line.

Depending on which Six Flags location you visit, you may receive a Flash Pass wristband or Flash Pass watch.

All Types of Flash Passes

There are three types of Flash passes including:

Regular Flash Pass (Least Expensive)
Gold Flash Pass
Platinum Flash Pass (Most Expensive & Least Amount of Wait)

The type of Flash Pass that you purchase determines how long you must wait to use it (wait times).

Six Flags uses an algorithm that gives a wait time, and based on which Flash Pass you have, it will determine the amount of time it takes for you to use it.

For example, if the wait time is 30 minutes, the passes would work like this:

Regular Flash Pass - You'll wait the full 30 minutes, however it will be virtually and you'll be told when it's your turn to ride (through the app or watch)
Gold Flash Pass - You'll only wait 15 minutes (15 minutes less)
Platinum Flash Pass - You'll only wait 3 minutes (27 minutes less)

1. Regular Flash Pass

The Regular Flash Pass will hold your place in line virtually, meaning that you're able to continue doing whatever you want until you're notified that it's your turn.

2. Gold Flash Pass

Rather than needing to wait the full waiting period, the Gold Flash Pass will be up to 50% faster.

3. Platinum Flash Pass

The Platinum Flash Pass is the fastest, as it can reduce your wait time by up to 90%.

Flash Pass Prices Change By the Day

It's important to know that Flash Passes vary in price depending on which day you decide to go.

In general, the busier the park is when you're planning to visit, the higher the Flash Pass cost.

For example, the Summer months and the weekends tend to be more expensive than weekdays.

How Does a Flash Pass Work?

Your experience in using a Flash Pass may vary slightly depending on which park you're visiting, but luckily for you, we've covered both cases.

Flash Pass Wristband

At Six Flags Great Adventure, for example, visitors can purchase the Flash Pass through the Six Flags App, or at the park inside the Flash Pass headquarters.

We ended up purchasing inside of the Flash Pass headquarters, but we'd recommend doing it through the app.

There's a line to wait in, and once you get to the staff, they'll simply assist you in navigating through the app to purchase the Flash Pass.

Once you've entered your personal information and payment details in the app, your phone will receive a prompt to receive a wristband from the staff.

Each wristband has a wristband number, and you'll enter your wristband number inside of the app, and then click the save wristband button.

After this is complete, you can stay inside the app and reserve rides directly from there.

The app will give you an approximate estimated time of when you can use your Flash Pass for each ride, and remind you when it is near your ride time through a notification.

When it is your time to ride, you'll head straight to the Flash Pass entrance of the ride, show your wristband, and enjoy the ride.

Flash Pass Watch

In other parks, you'll be provided with a touchscreen watch that grants you entry to the quicker lines.

This touchscreen watch is what you will also use to make reservations for rides.

flash pass watch

From this watch, you will be able to see which rides you have reserved, change your reservations to another ride, or even cancel your reservation for a ride.

After you've reserved a ride, you can see the wait time for the ride directly on the watch.

Whenever your ride is ready, your watch will receive a notification.

Wait times will vary depending on which version of the Flash Pass you've chosen, and how busy the park is.

Reserve Your Next Ride After Checking In

After you've reserved your ride, and you've walked over to the ride and checked in with the ride attendant, immediately reserve your next ride!

By the time you've exited your current ride, and begin walking over, you'll receive a notification (through your watch or app) that your next ride is ready to go.

Don't Lose the Flash Pass Watch

If you lose the Flash Pass watch that was provided to you, you will have to pay a $70 fee to replace it.

So.. Make sure that you have the watch strapped on tightly!

Know About the All-Season Flash Pass

For Season Pass Holders or those considering a Six Flags Season Pass, you should know that you can purchase the Flash Pass for the entire season as an add-on.

This means that you can skip the lines for an entire year with The Flash Pass on any regular operating day at your specific Six Flags (the term of your associated Annual Pass).

Being able to skip the line at your favorite rides every time that you visit, is one of the best experiences that you can have at any theme park.

Only the Platinum and Gold passes are available for the entire season.

How to Purchase & Use a Flash Pass

Purchase the Flash Pass online directly from the Six Flags site.
Print your Flash Pass voucher
Once you arrive at the park, head to the Flash Pass sales center (or Guest Services) to retrieve your watch
Enjoy your favorite rides with minimal to no wait time
Return the watch before leaving the park

Use the Flash Pass Entrance

If you've never used a Flash Pass before, finding the entrance can be a bit challenging at times.

Typically there will be multiple Flash Pass signs in front of the ride entrance and around the ride itself.

If you're unsure where to go, don't hesitate to ask a parking attendant to point you to the right area.

Flash Passes Are Non-Refundable

It's very important to know that once you've purchased a Flash Pass, you can't return it, or receive a refund.

You'll want to ensure that you're well informed before deciding to purchase this pass, as well as be sure that you're available to go to the park on the date that you've chosen.

Flash Passes Vary By Park

The rides included with the Flash Pass at each Six Flags park are different.

Flash Pass For Each Six Flags Park

Below, we've created a guide for each Six Flags park, that will show you exactly which rides the Flash Pass works for.

Is a Flash Pass Worth It?

If you're visiting on a weekend, especially during the busier months of the year, a Flash Pass is absolutely worth it.

When the park is busy, ride wait times can be several hours. You can avoid dealing with that by investing in a Flash Pass.

If you're visiting on a weekday, a Flash Pass may not be worth it as ride wait times are traditionally much shorter, and you won't need to wait in line for a long period.