Save Money and Emissions: 4 Ways to Skip a Flight

Based on current projections, by 2050, aviation emissions will be tripled from 2020 to 2050. For many of us, skipping a flight is the single most impactful action we can take to lower our footprint.

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While aviation emissions make up only 3% of current emissions, research shows they could comprise 22% of global emissions in 2050, as more folks get on planes and other sectors decarbonize more quickly. Skipping just one flight a year does wonders for your carbon footprint,  collectively cuts back on airline demand, and builds demand for better infrastructure for ground transport.

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Depending on your flying habits, skipping a flight may be easier than you think.

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4 Ways to Fly Less

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These recommendations are even more accessible for short trips. About half of U.S. flights are under an hour. Replacing these short flights with cars, buses, or trains would dramatically cut the impact of aviation.

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1. Explore locally

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We take vacations to rest, recharge, and get inspired. But new, exhilarating experiences might be closer than you think.

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Exploring new places nearby can be easier on our wallets, our health, and the planet. 

When planning a trip, consider a local getaway first. You might find your favorite new destination is just a bus, train, or drive away.

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2. Combine Trips

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Cut down on flight time without cutting down on travel. When you opt for fewer, longer trips instead of several short getaways throughout the year, you can cut down on your flight emissions.

Skipping a single roundtrip, coast-to-coast flight from can save the equivalent of two-and-a-half months of automobile emissions (and saves money, too!).

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3. Take ground transport

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For trips under 500 miles, look into bus and train options. For a trip from NYC to D.C., public transit would cut your footprint by 85% compared to a flight.

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The best part? Trains and buses are usually cheaper and save you time by stopping directly in city centers.

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4. Savor the road trip

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Public transit not meeting your needs? You might save money and carbon by driving instead. The more efficient your car and the more folks you carpool with, the more you’ll save.

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5. Skip the work trip

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Approximately 30% of the flying that Americans do is for work. If you have a work trip coming up, ask to telecommute instead of flying. You’ll save the company money and time.

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Cutting down on work flights isn’t just good for your footprint. You can spend more time with friends and family and less time working from your laptop on a tray table. 

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Less reliance on planes builds support for public transit

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After Greta Thunberg’s no-fly protests in Sweden, Swedish air travel dropped  8% in 2019. Citing changing consumer behavior, France banned flights for routes with an equivalent train ride of 2.5 hours or less. When we opt for ground travel instead of air travel, we build demand for low-carbon travel.

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But, sometimes you just have to fly. When you do, lower your flight footprint with our guide: How to Fly Sustainably: 6 Tips to Cut Your Carbon “Flight” Print.