🏳️🌈 The BFS Core 4 Scoring Rubric (Detailed for Publication)
Welcome to Sights, Flights, and BFS! Our mission is to provide consistent, honest, and highly relevant reviews for the LGBTQ+ traveler. Our BFS Score is derived from a 1 to 5 star rating across four universal categories that we apply to every flight, event, cruise, and sight we review.
Calculation: The Final BFS Score is the average of the four category ratings.
1. 🏳️⚧️ Inclusivity & Safety (The Essential Score)
This is the most crucial metric, evaluating the emotional and physical comfort, safety, and affirming nature of the experience for LGBTQ+ travelers.
| Stars | Description | Detailed Indicators (What We Look For) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Excellent (Affirming & Safe) | Explicit, public anti-discrimination policies covering gender identity and sexual orientation. Staff are proactively trained (e.g., mention of pronouns, self-ID on bookings). The Vibe is explicitly welcoming and joyful. PDA feels 100% safe. Trans/Non-Binary travelers are fully affirmed. |
| 4 | Very Good (Welcoming & Safe) | Implied or clear anti-discrimination policies. Staff are polite, professional, and correct when prompted, showing a clear culture of acceptance. PDA feels safe in public areas. The environment is neutral-to-positive and does not require self-monitoring. |
| 3 | Average (Tolerant/Neutral) | No open hostility, but no proactive effort on inclusion. Staff are transactional and polite but may show subtle awkwardness (microaggressions). Safety is generally good, but discretion is advisable for PDA. Identity issues may cause minor, short-lived delays. |
| 2 | Poor (Uncomfortable/Wary) | Visible staff discomfort or lack of training. Clear signs of local prejudice in or around the venue (e.g., being stared at). Self-censorship is required; PDA is strongly advised against. Legal context requires caution. |
| 1 | Unacceptable (Hostile/Unsafe) | Openly hostile, discriminatory, or genuinely unsafe environment. Explicit policies that exclude or marginalize. Staff may be actively rude. Immediate need to conceal one's identity for safety. |
2. 🛠️ Functionality & Comfort (The Infrastructure Score)
This measures the tangible quality, reliability, and physical comfort of the product itself (e.g., the aircraft, ship cabin, venue, or attraction).
| Stars | Description | Detailed Indicators (What We Look For) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Excellent (Flawless) | Facilities are modern, spotless, and state-of-the-art. All core amenities work perfectly (Wi-Fi, IFE, hot water, AC). The core product (e.g., seat, bed) offers exceptional, generous comfort. Seamless accessibility for all mobility needs. |
| 4 | Very Good (Highly Reliable) | High quality and well-maintained. All key features worked without issue. Very comfortable experience that meets or exceeds expectations for the price point and class. |
| 3 | Average (Adequate) | Functional, but perhaps dated, worn, or basic. Minor, non-critical issues (e.g., slow Wi-Fi, minor cosmetic damage, cramped seating). Meets minimum functional requirements but nothing more. |
| 2 | Poor (Failing) | Multiple or critical component failures (e.g., broken seat, non-functioning entertainment, repeated major delays). Noticeable lack of cleanliness. Comfort is significantly compromised, impacting the core experience. |
| 1 | Unacceptable (Unsafe/Unusable) | Facilities are unsanitary, broken, or pose a safety risk. The core product was fundamentally unusable or highly unreliable, completely failing to deliver the promised infrastructure. |
3. 🤝 Service (The Human Interaction Score)
This focuses on the quality of the human interaction, professionalism, attentiveness, and responsiveness from all staff and crew involved.
| Stars | Description | Detailed Indicators (What We Look For) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Excellent (Personalized) | Staff are proactive, anticipate needs, and offer a genuinely personalized experience. They add value (e.g., unique local tips, extra touches). Highly knowledgeable, warm, and friendly. Issues are resolved instantly and flawlessly. |
| 4 | Very Good (Attentive) | Staff are consistently attentive and professional. Requests are handled quickly and correctly. Warm, welcoming demeanor, and effective communication throughout the process. |
| 3 | Average (Transactional) | Staff are polite, but the interaction is purely functional and impersonal. Requests are eventually met, but without any warmth, enthusiasm, or follow-up. Service is slow but eventually delivered. |
| 2 | Poor (Inattentive) | Difficulty getting staff attention or repeated failed attempts to communicate. Requests are forgotten or delayed. Staff appear disengaged, rushed, or unprofessional. Minor issues are handled poorly or not at all. |
| 1 | Unacceptable (Hostile/Rude) | Staff were actively rude, dismissive, or openly unprofessional. Deliberate refusal of service or aggressive/unpleasant handling of a major issue. |
4. 💰 Value for Money (The Cost-Benefit Score)
This measures the perceived worthiness of the experience relative to its cost, factoring in quality, exclusivity, and any hidden fees.
| Stars | Description | Detailed Indicators (What We Look For) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Excellent (A Steal) | The experience far exceeded expectations for the price paid. Zero hidden costs. Would actively recommend to others as a fantastic bargain based on the total experience (Service + Comfort + Safety). |
| 4 | Very Good (Worth It) | The experience delivered exactly what was promised for the price. Cost felt justified and fair. Any premium was clearly worth the quality delivered. |
| 3 | Average (Fair Price) | The experience was adequate for the cost. Neither a bargain nor overpriced. The expected baseline of quality for the sector was met. |
| 2 | Poor (Overpriced) | The quality of service/comfort/inclusivity did not meet the price point. Too many unexpected hidden fees or mandatory upcharges that detracted from the perceived value. |
| 1 | Unacceptable (Rip-Off) | Grossly overpriced relative to the quality delivered. The experience was poor, unsafe, or non-functional, making the cost feel like a complete waste of money. |