How flying affects the planet
Planes release a lot of CO₂, especially on long-haul flights. One transatlantic flight can produce more carbon per person than many of us do in months. This is why flying often comes up as a major contributor to climate change.
It depends on how you travel
Not all travel is equal. The environmental impact depends on distance, type of transport, and how full it is:
Short trips: Driving a car with just one or two people can sometimes have a bigger carbon footprint than a short flight.
Long trips: Trains, coaches, or ferries usually produce far less CO₂ than flying.
Full flights: A packed plane spreads emissions across more passengers, reducing the per-person impact.
Flying can be greener!
The aviation industry is starting to take sustainability seriously:
- Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) can cut emissions by up to 80%.
- Electric and hybrid planes are being developed for short-haul journeys.
- Optimised flight paths and operational changes reduce fuel use.
How you can travel more responsibly:
Even if flying is necessary, you can lower your impact with simple steps:
- Choose direct flights - take-offs and landings burn the most fuel.
- Fly economy - more people per plane means a smaller carbon footprint per traveller.
- Offset your carbon through verified schemes to support environmental projects.
Flying isn’t automatically the worst option for the environment, but it usually has a bigger impact than trains or coaches, especially for short trips. The key is making informed choices. Sometimes driving is better, sometimes flying makes sense, just travel smart and stay eco-friendly.
Thanks for reading!
One Tree Travel 🌳
