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How Six Flags' Flash Pass Works

Tips and info to get the most out of the Flash Pass Q-bot program

By Arthur Levine, About.com

Six Flags Flash PassSix Flags 2006. Used with permission.
  • Rent a Q-bot at the Flash Pass booth near the front of the park. Up to six people in one party can use one Q-bot.
    TIP: Get to the park early and rent the Q-bot as soon as you get there because parks have a limited supply and will sell out on busy days.
  • Plan a rough itinerary for your day. Estimate the waits between rides. Very popular rides may have two- or three-hour waits. Plan to eat lunch or go to the waterpark during the long waits.
    TIP: If you are not sure about estimated wait times, ask a Six Flags employee.
  • Go to the attractions in the order you want to ride them and make your reservations using the Q-bot. Note that you can make as many reservations as you wish, but the Q-bot will only schedule one ride at a time.
    TIP: If you want to take a long break, say to enjoy the waterpark for a few hours, make reservations for the rides you want to ride before the break. Later in the day, perhaps while you are in the waterpark, send a member of your party to make reservations for the remaining rides. Otherwise, the Q-bot may schedule a ride before you are ready for it.
  • To make a reservation, hold the Q-bot up to the reservation slot in front of the ride. The Q-bot will beep and display, "Ride Reserved."
  • Soon after making the first reservation, the Q-bot will display the scheduled time for your first ride. You have a ten-minute window.
    TIP: Don't miss a ride. If you show up later than ten minutes after the appointed time, you lose the reservation and have to start over again. If you want to get in line for another ride, ask the attendant to estimate the wait time and make sure you leave enough wiggle room to make your Flash Pass reservation.
  • A few minutes before your scheduled time, the Q-bot will vibrate, beep, and remind you to head over to the ride.
  • To check in, follow the Flash Pass signs and find the Q-bot "Enter" terminal (it's different than the one used to make reservations). Point your Q-bot up to the enter slot. The Q-bot will beep and display "Enjoy Your Ride." Proceed to the ride and show the operator your validated Q-bot.
    TIP: Each ride handles Flash Pass a little differently. On some rides, it may be possible to request a front- or back-row seat for a coaster. Ask the ride operator who checks your Q-bot.
    TIP: If the ride will get you wet (or if you go to the waterpark), place the Q-bot in the provided plastic bag or the device may get ruined.
  • To cancel a ride, go to the ride's reservation terminal, and place the Q-bot up to the slot until it displays, "Hold to Cancel." Keep it there a little longer until it confirms, "Ride Cancelled."

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