Is Sustainable Air Travel Possible?

IS SUSTAINABLE AIR TRAVEL POSSIBLE?

Introduction

As we enter the fourth year of the pandemic, people are really trying to go back to the “old normal”; one part of this is flying as a mode of travelling. Now, we understand the reason behind this (flying saves time, is comfortable etc.) but there is also a real need to think about our carbon footprint and its effect on the planet. Stats say that global aviation is responsible for only 2% of human-caused C02 emissions. This figure, though low, belies the fact that we are burning fossil fuels at a rate that is damning and unsustainable. Moreover, the estimated demand for air travel is expected to grow over the next few years. So, the question of the hour truly is can we truly make air travel sustainable? Today, we’ll try and find an answer to this.

What is so novel about sustainable flying?

Truth be told, sustainable air travel is nothing particularly unique; it is just another way of trying to live a more conscious life here on this planet Earth. For years now, climate change, carbon emissions, and global warming have been on the agenda. With the pandemic and extreme weather conditions in the past few years, the need to act has become imperative. But for so much talk and summits, people are becoming less and less engaged. And they cannot really be blamed because it is not really feasible to know what each different term means and how you can employ that in daily life. So for your and the planet’s sake, we have listed here a few simple ways that can make flying more eco-friendly.

Tips for Sustainable Flying

1. Opt for direct flights

Try to select a flight as direct as feasible. If you opt for connecting flights, you fly a greater distance, thus wasting more fuel.

2. Go for budget airlines

While people often believe that budget flights are the less environmentally friendly airfare choices, it is not the case. Budget air carriers operate in a greener fashion because they carry a greater number of passengers per flight and often have the latest aircraft that are more fuel-efficient.

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3. Travel economy class

We may prefer first-class luxury, but economy class is the more environmentally conscious and cost-friendly option. Business and first-class seats take up more space inside the carrier, the chairs tend to be more comfortable and heavier, and the free refreshments that you receive on flight add to the aircraft's weight.

4. Travel light

The more you load an aircraft, the more gas it uses, which results in more greenhouse gases emission. Lighter items will produce fewer emissions. So you see, travelling light is not just good for your shoulders, it is great for Mother Earth’s lungs as well! Also, wherever possible, carry bio-degradable and sustainable products. Visit our page and browse through a range of eco-friendly items.

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5. Travel long

Rather than taking two weeks off this year, why not take one two-week vacation instead? Though we know that it will not be possible for everyone, this is better for the environment.

If you have recently come back from your holiday trip and are now feeling guilty about your long flight, be assured that that is not our aim.

Conclusion

Besides the benefits mentioned right at the beginning, air travel bridges the gap between isolated islands and communities and builds the economy through tourism.

We are only pointing out that sustainable air travel is not impossible and with sustainable flying habits, we can all do our bit in halting and even reversing the steps of climate change!