How We Rank Travel Deals
Transparency is core to everything we do. This page explains exactly how TravelDealForge orders, scores, and presents results across every travel vertical — so you know precisely why one deal appears above another.
Last updated: 1 June 2025
Core Ranking Principles
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Commissions Excluded
Affiliate commission rates are never used as a ranking input. A provider paying us more does not rank higher.
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Multi-Factor Scoring
Every result is scored across 4-6 weighted factors specific to the vertical. No single factor dominates.
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Real-Time Data
Prices and availability are refreshed via live API feeds. Stale data is automatically flagged and removed.
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Fully Transparent
The factor weights below are the actual weights used in production. We publish them so you can verify our approach.
How the Algorithm Works
- Data ingestion — Our backend pipelines pull live pricing, availability, reviews, and metadata from 500+ provider APIs every few minutes.
- Normalisation — Raw data is cleaned and normalised into a standard schema so every provider is compared on equal footing (e.g., taxes included, same currency, same date range).
- Scoring — Each result receives a composite score based on the weighted factors listed below for its vertical. Weights reflect what matters most to travellers based on aggregated search behaviour and feedback.
- Deduplication — Identical deals from different aggregators are merged, keeping the best price and most comprehensive metadata.
- Presentation — Results are displayed in score order by default. Users can re-sort by price, rating, distance, or departure time at any point.
Ranking Factors by Vertical
✈️Flights
| Factor | Weight |
|---|---|
| Total price (inc. taxes & fees) | 35% |
| Number of stops & journey time | 25% |
| Airline on-time performance & reviews | 20% |
| Baggage & fare flexibility | 10% |
| Search relevance (dates, airports) | 10% |
🏨Hotels
| Factor | Weight |
|---|---|
| Nightly rate (best available) | 30% |
| Guest review score (aggregated) | 25% |
| Distance to city centre / POI | 20% |
| Star rating & amenities | 15% |
| Cancellation flexibility | 10% |
🏕️Holiday Parks
| Factor | Weight |
|---|---|
| Price per night | 30% |
| Guest & family reviews | 25% |
| Park facilities & on-site activities | 20% |
| Location & accessibility | 15% |
| Pet-friendly & accessibility options | 10% |
🎭Tours & Activities
| Factor | Weight |
|---|---|
| Price per person | 25% |
| Verified traveller rating | 30% |
| Experience uniqueness & depth | 20% |
| Cancellation & refund policy | 15% |
| Provider reliability score | 10% |
🚢Cruises
| Factor | Weight |
|---|---|
| Per-person fare (inc. port charges) | 30% |
| Itinerary quality & ports of call | 25% |
| Cruise line reputation & reviews | 20% |
| Ship facilities & cabin type | 15% |
| Departure accessibility | 10% |
🚗Car Hire
| Factor | Weight |
|---|---|
| Total rental cost (inc. insurance) | 35% |
| Pick-up/drop-off convenience | 20% |
| Vehicle category & condition | 20% |
| Provider review score | 15% |
| Fuel policy & mileage terms | 10% |
🛡️Travel Insurance
| Factor | Weight |
|---|---|
| Premium cost vs. coverage amount | 30% |
| Medical & evacuation limits | 25% |
| Claim approval rate & speed | 20% |
| Customer reviews | 15% |
| Policy flexibility (annual vs. single) | 10% |
What We Do Not Do
- No pay-for-position — Providers cannot buy a higher default ranking. Sponsored results, where used, are clearly marked.
- No hidden factors — There are no undisclosed signals influencing order. The weights above are the production weights.
- No suppression of negative results — If a provider has poor reviews or high hidden fees, this is reflected in its score.
- No self-preferencing — TravelDealForge does not sell its own travel products. We are a neutral comparison platform.
Data Sources
Our ranking data comes from:
- Direct API integrations with providers including Expedia, Booking.com, Viator, Tiqets, GetYourGuide, Skyscanner, CruiseDirect, and 500+ others.
- Aggregated review scores from Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and provider-native review systems.
- Government & official sources for visa requirements, travel advisories, and destination safety data.
- Our own first-hand testing of selected accommodations, tours, and transportation services.
Feedback & Methodology Updates
Our ranking methodology is reviewed quarterly and updated when travel industry dynamics change or when we receive substantive feedback.
If you have questions about our methodology or believe a ranking is unfair, contact our team. We publish significant methodology changes on this page with a changelog below.