Air Travel and Carbon Emissions

Aircraft burn fuel at altitude and produce carbon dioxide as well as other climate effects. Per-passenger estimates divide the flight impact across travellers and may apply additional factors for high-altitude effects.

Short flights can have a high impact per kilometre because takeoff and landing use substantial fuel. Cabin class also matters because larger seat space allocates more of the aircraft footprint to each passenger.

Rail and coach travel are often lower-emission options where routes exist. Combining journeys, choosing direct flights, travelling economy, and flying less can also reduce impact.

CarbonCAM's current mobile release does not calculate flight emissions; these comparisons are informational.