What To Do

Start with the Right Website

The only open reputable flight emissions model that we currently know about is the Travel Impact Model.  This model takes all of the factors discussed in our interactive tool into account, aircraft type, cabin class, passenger load, and routing.  The following websites are associated with the Travel Impact Model.

  • Google Flights - Allows sorting by emissions.  "Best" options may take emissions into account.
  • Skyscanner - Has a low emissions button that eliminates any high emissions flights.
  • Expedia - Currently does not display or sort by emissions.
  • Booking.Com Currently does not display or sort by emissions.
  • Trip.com Currently does not display or sort by emissions.

Currently Flights.Google has the most transparent flexible emissions interface of the booking tools listed above and so we'll use this in our examples below.

Then Pay Attention to Emissions

Consider Flights with Green Emissions Markings

If a flight with a green emissions tag has a price and timing that works for your itinerary, choose it.

United flight from SFO to RDU with lower emissions.

Avoid Higher Emissions if Possible

Google does not currently flag flights that have emissions that are significantly above average but try to avoid these flights.

Delta flight from SFO to RDU with high emissions

Consider Sorting By Emissions

If you want to go further, use the option in Google Flights to sort by emissions.

A list of flights with a dropdown box for sorting with emissions checked.

Consider Other Travel Modes

Use our travel tool to compare the impacts of another practical mode of transportation with flying. (We know there are often not better alternatives.)

Either Share or Give Us Feedback

If FlyBetter makes sense and inspires you to take action, share it with someone else.  If it doesn't make sense, please write a note of feedback describing your confusion and we will reach out to try to either improve our site, clear up your confusion or both.