Let’s be honest: air travel is one of the most challenging parts of sustainable travel. While planes are efficient for moving large numbers of people long distances, they are also a major contributor to carbon emissions, especially on short-haul routes. Yet for many trips, flying remains the most practical option — particularly when crossing oceans or reaching remote destinations.

The good news is that when you do need to fly, you can make smarter, greener choices to reduce your impact. Even better, there are times when you can skip flying altogether and embrace lower-emission alternatives. Here’s how to balance eco-conscious decisions with the realities of global travel, while keeping your budget in check.

Prioritize Nonstop Flights

It might seem like a small detail, but nonstop flights are significantly more fuel-efficient than connecting ones. Takeoff and landing are the most energy-intensive parts of any flight, so fewer connections mean fewer emissions. While direct flights sometimes come with a higher upfront cost, they can save you time, reduce the carbon footprint of your journey, and lower the likelihood of delays and extra airport emissions.

If you’re looking to save on direct flights, leverage cashback apps like Fluz or Rakuten. With Fluz, you can purchase discounted gift cards for airlines and travel booking platforms, earning instant cashback to soften the cost of a nonstop fare.

Choose Airlines That Prioritize Sustainability

Not all airlines are created equal when it comes to environmental responsibility. Some carriers are making serious investments in fuel-efficient aircraft, sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), and carbon offset programs. For example:

• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has been a leader in SAF use.
• United Airlines has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.
• Lufthansa offers passengers the ability to pay extra to contribute to sustainable fuel purchases and carbon offsets.

Before booking, research airline sustainability efforts to make a more informed choice.

Book Through Cashback Apps and Eco-Conscious Platforms

When shopping for flights, use cashback apps like Fluz and Rakuten. These platforms reward you for spending on travel booking sites, allowing you to offset part of the cost while supporting more sustainable airlines. It’s an easy way to stretch your budget while making mindful travel decisions.

Some booking platforms also highlight airlines’ environmental efforts directly in search results, making it easier to choose greener options.

Fly Economy Class

While not always popular to mention, flying economy class is actually an eco-friendlier choice. Because more passengers share the same flight’s emissions, the per-person carbon footprint is lower than in premium cabins. Think of it as ride-sharing at 30,000 feet.

If comfort is a concern, focus on booking flights with modern aircraft that offer better seating ergonomics and improved air quality.

Pack Light

The lighter the aircraft, the less fuel it burns. Packing only what you need not only saves you from baggage fees but also contributes to the overall efficiency of the flight. Streamlined packing is a small but meaningful way to reduce your impact.

Consider Alternatives When Possible

For shorter trips, trains, buses, and even car-sharing can offer lower-emission alternatives to flying. In fact, trains in many regions — such as Europe and parts of Asia — often have a smaller carbon footprint per passenger and can be just as fast when factoring in airport wait times.

If your destination is reachable overland, explore these options first. They often come with the added benefit of scenic views and a more relaxed travel pace.

Offset When Flying Is Unavoidable

If you must fly, consider offsetting your emissions through reputable programs. Services like Gold Standard and Cool Effect invest in renewable energy projects and verified carbon reduction efforts.

Some airlines allow you to purchase offsets directly during booking, simplifying the process.

Flying may never be fully sustainable, but with thoughtful choices, you can reduce its impact on your journey. From booking nonstop flights and flying economy to using cashback apps like Fluz and supporting airlines that invest in cleaner technologies, every action counts.