Theme park operator Six Flags has agreed to an $11 million class-action settlement regarding online processing fees charged when purchasing tickets for Southern California’s Knott’s Berry Farm and Northern California’s California’s Great America. As a result, more than 1.4 million California residents are now eligible to receive small cash refunds.
Plaintiff Sargis Isayan filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court in June 2024, alleging that Knott’s Berry Farm’s then-operator Cedar Fair (which later merged with Six Flags) engaged in ‘drip pricing’ by concealing a $9.99 processing fee until the final checkout step. While denying any wrongdoing, Six Flags agreed to the settlement to resolve the litigation.
Refund Eligibility and Conditions
To qualify for the settlement payout, California residents must meet the following criteria: Eligible facilities include Knott’s Berry Farm, Knott’s Soak City in Buena Park, and California’s Great America in Santa Clara. The purchase must have been made between June 28, 2020, and July 1, 2024, which aligns with the enactment date of California’s hidden fee transparency law, SB 478. Additionally, buyers must have purchased regular, non-season tickets through the official theme park websites, paid a processing fee, and provided a California billing ZIP code at the time of purchase.
How to Claim Your Refund
Eligible residents who submit a claim form online via the official settlement website at www.knottsgreatamericasettlement.com by Tuesday, December 22, will receive an $8 cash refund. This amount reflects the average processing fee charged on initial purchases during the qualifying period. Alternatively, those who do not file a separate cash claim will automatically receive an $8 credit valid for use on the Six Flags website. Individuals unsure of their eligibility can call 888-885-4303 for verification.
The final court approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for March 30 of next year. Meanwhile, Six Flags is pursuing the sale of seven parks amid recent roller coaster safety incidents and sluggish financial performance, and the Santa Clara Great America location included in this lawsuit is slated for permanent closure following Labor Day in 2027.
