Truth-Hierarchy Evaluation Methodology
How RIASTRIP Compare audits 2–3 flight options using deterministic rules, explicit assumptions, and verified facts — never synthetic scores or fabricated probabilities.
The RIASTRIP Truth Hierarchy
Every attribute in a comparison is classified into one of four immutable states. We never substitute missing data with zero or an invented estimate.
Directly supplied by the traveler or extracted from verified airline reservation text (e.g. flight numbers, scheduled local departure/arrival times, operating carriers).
Calculated via mathematical and logical rules (e.g. self-transfer risk, layover duration buffer, terminal changes, overnight red-eye rollover).
Estimates bound to explicit, versioned assumptions (e.g. plausible baggage fees, inter-terminal transit costs). Always tagged with their heuristic source.
If baggage rules, protection status, or exact airport terminals cannot be verified, they remain explicitly flagged as UNKNOWN without guesswork.
The 5 Evaluation Dimensions
1. Connection & Transfer Friction (LOW / MODERATE / HIGH / SEVERE / UNKNOWN)
Evaluates physical layover risk and transfer complexity. Evaluates minimum connection time thresholds (tight layovers under 60–90 min), inter-terminal transit requirements, cross-city airport transfers, and whether tickets are protected on a single booking or represent high-risk self-transfers.
2. Schedule Strain Indicators (LOW / MODERATE / HIGH / SEVERE)
Measures objective schedule inconvenience: red-eye flight segments crossing midnight, ultra-early departures (before 06:00 local), late-night arrivals (after 23:00 local), and multi-day layovers.
3. Plausible Additional-Cost Range
Provides a transparent itemized cost ledger combining the baseline ticket price with plausible extra out-of-pocket costs: unbundled checked/carry-on baggage fees, ground airport transfer fares, and overnight connection accommodations when flights span across calendar days.
4. Arrival-Day Usability
Assesses whether the arrival schedule preserves the destination day for rest, meetings, or leisure, or whether extreme overnight travel results in an unusable recovery day.
5. Traveler Preference Sensitivity
Discloses the exact trade-off point where a competing flight option becomes more attractive (e.g. “Option B is $40 cheaper but requires an unassisted terminal transfer”). If two options are within $15 and 30 minutes with identical friction, the engine issues an honest TIE instead of picking an arbitrary winner.
- RIASTRIP Compare is an independent pre-booking decision tool operated by RIAS TRIP PRIVATE LIMITED.
- We do not sell airline tickets, issue boarding passes, or act as an accredited travel agency or insurer.
- Cost ranges reflect published baseline heuristics and user-selected options; final airfares and baggage policies are subject to airline terms at checkout.
- Travelers are responsible for verifying passport validity, visa prerequisites, and transit country entry regulations.