Sometimes, air travel is unavoidable. Flights are unlikely to disappear entirely, but we all have a responsibility to consider our choices. Although flying impacts the climate, there are fortunately several ways to reduce your environmental footprint. By making more conscious decisions, you can help make a difference — and perhaps inspire others to do the same. Here are seven practical tips for more sustainable air travel:

Book direct flights – avoid stopovers

• Takeoff and landing are the most fuel-intensive phases of a flight. By choosing a direct route, you save time and reduce your CO₂ footprint.
• Avoid flights with stopovers whenever possible, even if it costs a bit more — otherwise, the environment pays the price.

Fly Economy Class and pack light

• A plane's total CO₂ emissions are divided among its passengers — and the more seats squeezed into a square meter, the lower the emissions per person. Economy Class is therefore the greenest choice.
• The heavier the aircraft, the more fuel it consumes. So pack light, and consider buying second-hand items at your destination. It's good for both the environment and your luggage space.

Choose the right airline

• Some airlines are ahead of others when it comes to sustainability. They invest in newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft, use green technology, and have concrete goals for reducing their CO₂ emissions.
• Take a bit of time to research an airline’s environmental profile before you book — and choose those that take climate responsibility seriously.

Support Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

• Sustainable Aviation Fuel — or SAF — can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel.
• Today, several airlines offer passengers the option to pay a bit extra to support the use of SAF. It’s a small price to pay for a major climate benefit.

Offset your flight’s carbon emissions

• Carbon offsetting isn’t a perfect solution — but it’s a step in the right direction.
• When you offset your emissions, you support projects that plant trees, protect rainforests, or develop renewable energy in developing countries.
• Always use reputable providers that ensure the projects truly make a difference.

Choose airports with green initiatives

• More and more airports are actively transitioning to greener practices — from solar panels and electric buses to waste sorting and sustainable construction.
• If possible, choose an airport with a documented focus on the environment and climate — both for departure and arrival.

Travel less often – but stay longer

• If you’re on exchange, you’ve already made a climate-friendly choice by taking one long trip instead of several short ones.
• Still, remember to consider how you travel during your stay — skip the flight for weekend trips, and take the train or bus instead. Ask yourself whether a trip home is truly necessary — or whether a virtual catch-up might do the trick.

Circle U is an alliance between nine European universities who have a strong collaboration on mobility, inclusion and sustainability. Below are calculated examples of how to travel most cheaply, quickly and sustainably to Circle U universities. Find out more about exchange opportunities to Circle U universities here.

*Flights are calculated with departure from Billund airport, with baggage included in the ticket price (15-23 kg).
** CO2 emission has been calculated on www.carbonfootprint.com

Flights have been found via momondo.com.
Bus and rail journeys have been found via DSB, Omio and Flixbus.