In this article I give you tips to fly more sustainable. Flying is not at all sustainable and it leads to high carbon emissions. That said, we still like to visit far away destinations, visit family and explore the world. I’m not going to tell you, you should never board a flight again. I’m not here to guilt trip you. But there are a few easy ways to limit your impact as a conscious traveller.

Book direct flights

If you book flights with one (or more) stop-overs the distance is increasing. Which leads to higher carbon emissions. The ascent and descent of an airplane always causes higher carbon emissions. Booking one flight is often more expensive but better for the environment. This is a personal choice of course. I prefer to book direct flights because of the convenience. And I also like to arrive faster and without a few hours stop-over.

Book a flight with a sustainable airline

Try to book flights with airlines that use sustainable bio-jet fuel instead of the conventional fuel. Use of bio-jet fuel reduces CO2 emissions. Since 2011 the Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM) uses bio-friendly fuel for certain commercial routes. For their cargo flights they use light weight materials. En example are leightweight cargo nets. Lesser weight means lower consumption of fuel. The greatest reduction in CO2 emissions is the renewal of airplanes in KLM’s fleet. The new aircrafts use less fuel. They say that the fuel reduction, of new aircrafts, is between 35% and 40%.

Fly economy class

Business class chairs take up more space compared to the economy class chairs. More people can fly in economy class and therefore, relatively speaking, less pollution. Business class customers also receive amenity kits with a toothbrush, soap and other items. The gesture is nice but most of these items are used once and thrown away.

Avoid air travel for short distances

Take less domestic flights and travel by train or bus. In Europe we travel a lot by plane for mostly short distances. I have done this too, when travelling to Krakow in March 2020. Yet, in January 2020 I went to England to visit family. Instead of flying, I tagged along with my cousin and jumped in her car. A few days later I travelled from London to Paris by train instead of booking a flight. And again I travelled by train from Paris to Antwerp. Not booking flights, but going by train reduces the CO2 emission.

Print you boarding pass

Other tips to fly more sustainable is to avoid printing boarding passes and tickets. Download the airline app and use the digital boarding pass on your phone. It saves paper and you only use it ones. I’m surprised to see how many people still print their boarding passes. If we all change this, we can save millions of sheets of paper and therefor trees.

Pack lighter

The heavier the more fuel an airplane needs to take off. A pair of jeans less or few socks is not going to make a big difference when they throw your backpack into the luggage cabin. But when 300 people on board pack less, it can make a difference. Did you ever notice that some flights take off fast, while others are much slower? When flying to Asia, or more specifically India, you will be surprised how many suitcases, bags, packages and boxes people carry around. The overhead compartments are full and the cabin crew often has to send suitcases to the luggage cabin below. Pack light, your spine will be more than happy about that too!

CO2 Zero

At some airlines, like KLM, it’s possible to pay a small fee to compensate your share of the C02 footprint. The compensation service for passengers is called CO2 Zero. When you contribute you invest in CO2 reduction projects like planting trees.

Lower your waste during your flight

Some airports and airlines recycle the waste left by us. Meals, drinks, packaging and wet-towels are all contributing to the amount of waste. We, as passengers, don’t often think about the amount of waste we leave behind. Intercontinental flights are long and you need to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration. Try to re-use your plastic cup. Or bring your own reusable water bottle instead. Use your own headphones, if possible, when watching an in-flight movie. Every small effort counts.

In The World’s Jungle – Travel blog

Read other articles about travelling in Asia. Go and explore the jungles of Borneo, such as Bako and Niah Nationals Parks. Or admire the temples in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Are you searching for practical travel info? Read articles about how to set up a travel budget, how to plan a long term trip or download your personal packing list. Don’t forget to check out the best travel apps.

Are you an architecture lover? Read the beginners guide to architecture and learn more about the different European styles. Are you interested in religion? I have written beginners guide to Hinduism and Buddhism and learn more about the Asian and Indian culture.

Perhaps you have other tips to fly more sustainable? Feel free to share them in the comments. For more tips about sustainable check out the article how to make your trip more sustainable.

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