Stuck on the waitlist? Learn typical wait times, proven strategies to get activated faster, and smart alternatives while you wait.
The Amazon Flex waitlist is a queue system used when there are more approved drivers than available delivery opportunities in a specific area. Being waitlisted means you've passed all requirements and background checks but must wait for an opening before you can start delivering.
Waitlist times vary dramatically by location. Here's the current breakdown based on driver reports and market analysis:
| Wait Time | Cities | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate - 1 Week |
Phoenix, AZ Jacksonville, FL Memphis, TN Oklahoma City, OK Tucson, AZ |
• Growing markets • High turnover • Expanding delivery areas |
| 1-4 Weeks |
Houston, TX Atlanta, GA Dallas, TX San Antonio, TX Charlotte, NC Nashville, TN |
• Moderate demand • Seasonal variations • Regular openings |
| 1-3 Months |
Chicago, IL Miami, FL Philadelphia, PA Denver, CO Portland, OR Austin, TX |
• High competition • Established markets • Lower turnover |
| 3-6+ Months |
Los Angeles, CA New York City, NY San Francisco, CA Seattle, WA Boston, MA Washington, DC |
• Oversaturated • Premium markets • Very low turnover |
Important Note:
These are estimates based on driver reports. Actual wait times can vary based on season, local events, and Amazon's operational needs. Holiday seasons typically see faster activation.
Spots can open at any time without notification. Many drivers report getting activated after randomly checking the app.
Ensure you don't miss activation opportunities by having all alerts enabled.
Different delivery types have separate waitlists. Apply for all to increase chances.
Adjacent markets often have shorter waitlists. You can change your location in the app.
Certain times of year see increased driver demand and faster activation.
Expired documents can push you back in the queue or cause deactivation.
Read guides, watch YouTube tutorials, join forums
Familiarize yourself with neighborhoods, apartments, and traffic patterns
Set aside 25-30% for taxes, learn about deductions
Stride for mileage, GasBuddy for cheap gas, apartment guide apps
Reality: Amazon uses a complex algorithm considering location needs, vehicle type, availability, and other factors. Someone who applied after you might get activated first.
Reality: Driver support cannot influence waitlist positions. The system is automated and support agents have no control over activation.
Reality: Amazon detects duplicate accounts through SSN and other identifiers. This will result in permanent ban from the platform.
Reality: Being waitlisted means you passed all requirements. It's purely a capacity issue in your market, not a reflection on your qualifications.
Reality: While you can't directly control activation, checking daily, maintaining updated documents, and showing flexibility can improve your chances when spots open.
"I was checking the app 3 times daily. One random Tuesday at 2 PM, the 'Get Started' button appeared. No email, no notification. Daily checking paid off!"
"Applied for a suburb 30 miles away instead of downtown. Got activated in 2 weeks, then transferred to my preferred area after 3 months."
"Got activated right before Thanksgiving. I think they needed extra drivers for Black Friday. Timing is everything!"
"Signed up for all delivery types including Whole Foods. Got activated for WF first, then packages opened up 2 months later."
The Amazon Flex waitlist ranges from immediate activation to over 6 months, depending on your city. Fast-growing markets like Phoenix may have no wait, while saturated cities like San Francisco often have 3-6 month waits. The average across all markets is 2-8 weeks.
No, Amazon doesn't provide waitlist positions or rankings. You'll only know you're on the waitlist from the initial email, and you'll be notified when activated. There's no way to check your place in line.
Amazon's algorithm considers multiple factors including: delivery area needs, vehicle type (SUVs get priority), availability settings, delivery type preferences, and seasonal demand. It's not a simple first-come-first-served queue.
No, do not reapply. Your application is already approved and in the queue. Reapplying could reset your position or flag your account as duplicate, potentially resulting in permanent rejection.
Yes, you can change your delivery area in the app settings. However, this may reset your waitlist position in the new area. Consider applying to nearby suburbs or adjacent cities that might have shorter waits.
Yes, waitlists often clear during peak seasons like holidays (October-December), Prime Day (July), and back-to-school (August-September). Bad weather events and major local events can also trigger temporary activations.
Activation doesn't typically expire, but it's best to complete onboarding quickly. Check your spam folder regularly and keep the app installed. Some drivers report finding activation available in the app without receiving an email.
No, there's no guarantee. In extremely saturated markets, some applicants wait indefinitely. If you've been waiting over 6 months, consider applying to nearby cities or focusing on alternative delivery platforms.
Yes, absolutely. Amazon Flex drivers are independent contractors, and there's no exclusivity requirement. Most drivers work for multiple platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Instacart while waiting or even after activation.
Yes, drivers with larger vehicles (SUVs, vans) often get activated faster because they can handle more delivery types including oversized packages. If you have access to a larger vehicle, update your application to potentially reduce wait time.