Residents of California who purchased tickets online for Knott’s Berry Farm or California’s Great America between 2020 and 2024 may be eligible for cash payments as part of a recent settlement regarding undisclosed processing fees. The amusement park operator has agreed to a payout of £11.2 million as part of a class-action lawsuit, although it did not admit any wrongdoing in the case.
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The lawsuit originated in June 2024, when Sargis Isayan brought the legal action against Cedar Fair, L.P., the operator of the aforementioned parks. This lawsuit coincided with Cedar Fair’s merger with Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, which took place shortly after in July 2024.
According to court documents, Isayan claimed the company engaged in “drip pricing,” a practice where hidden fees are added late in the checkout process. It was alleged that these processing fees provided no genuine value to consumers. Isayan argued that once customers had invested time and effort into selecting their tickets, they were less likely to abandon their purchases, resulting in a total price that was higher than initially advertised.
California law mandates that businesses disclose all fees before a transaction is completed. Despite not accepting liability, Six Flags agreed to settle the case, providing compensation to eligible customers who purchased non-season tickets online to either Knott’s Berry Farm or California’s Great America and incurred a processing fee during this timeframe.
Approximately 1,405,235 customers are thought to be included in the settlement class. Each qualifying individual who submits a valid claim form will receive a cash payment of £8. However, individuals who do not file a claim will instead obtain an £8 credit voucher for future purchases at any of Six Flags’ parks, which can be used online and remains valid for 36 months from its issue date.
The deadline for submitting claims for this cash payment is 22 December. Interested parties can access the claim forms at the designated settlement website, www.knottsgreatamericasettlement.com.
A final court hearing to approve the settlement is slated for 30 March 2027. Legal representatives from both Six Flags and Isayan have been contacted for further comments regarding the case.
For residents who experienced these additional charges while buying tickets, these developments may present an opportunity to receive some monetary reimbursement. It is recommended that eligible customers act before the submission deadline to ensure their participation in the settlement.
As news of the settlement permeates, it serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency in pricing, particularly in the entertainment and leisure sectors where families often make significant financial commitments. The ruling could impact future practices in the ticketing industry, pushing for clearer communication regarding all costs associated with purchases.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed about such developments, as settlements can pave the way for more consumer-friendly policies in the future.
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