OPEN METHODOLOGY
How the FareTag score works
The A→E score measures the real flexibility of an airline fare on three axes: refund, change, and baggage. Here's how it's calculated, its sources, and its limits.
The scoring scale (100 points)
| Axis | Max | Logic |
|---|---|---|
| Refund | 40 | Full = 40 · Penalty (known amount) = 25 + bonus · Penalty (opaque) = 20 · Non-refundable = 0 · Not disclosed = 0 |
| Change | 30 | Free = 30 · Penalty (known amount) = 18 + bonus · Penalty (opaque) = 14 · Not allowed = 0 · Not disclosed = 0 |
| Checked baggage | 15 | 1+ included = 15 · Not included = 5 · Not disclosed = 0 |
| Completeness | 15 | 15 minus 10 per undisclosed axis. Strongly penalizes airlines that don't disclose their conditions. |
Proportional penalty bonus
When the penalty amount is known, a bonus is awarded if it represents less than 30% of the ticket price. The lower the penalty relative to the price, the higher the bonus. This distinguishes a €20 penalty on a €400 ticket (reasonable) from a €200 penalty on the same ticket (punitive).
Unknown and bad: two different things
An undisclosed axis scores 0 points — just like a confirmed bad axis (non-refundable, non-changeable). The difference lies in completeness: a fare with confirmed bad conditions keeps its 15 completeness points, while an incomplete fare is doubly penalized (0 on the axis + completeness penalty). Result: missing information is always ranked below confirmed bad. We refuse to flatter what we cannot verify.
Grade caps by incompleteness
Even if the raw score is high, the final grade is capped based on the number of undisclosed axes:
- 1 unknown axis: grade capped at B
- 2 unknown axes: grade capped at C
- 3 unknown axes: grade capped at D
This mechanism ensures no incomplete fare can receive the top grade. The numeric score remains unchanged (for comparison), only the letter is capped.
A→E scale
Data sources
FareTag cross-references two types of data:
- Structured data (API): fare conditions transmitted by airlines through distribution systems (NDC/GDS). This is the primary source, in real time.
- Editorial sheets: manual verifications on official airline websites, dated and sourced. Used to enrich data when the API doesn't disclose an axis.
Each editorial sheet is marked 'official source' or 'provisional' (secondary source). Sheets are dated and a warning badge appears if the verification is older than 6 months.
Known limitations
- The score does not cover: no-show fees, ticket validity, fuel surcharges, or miles/status credits.
- Conditions may vary by route, date, and booking channel.
- API data depends on what the airline discloses — 'not disclosed' axes are honestly flagged.
- The score is indicative and does not constitute legal advice. Check the airline's conditions before purchasing.
Independence
FareTag does not sell airline tickets and is not affiliated with any airline. The score is mechanically calculated from fare conditions, without human intervention or commercial bias.