Aviation is one of the biggest service sectors in the globe. It has been providing transport and goods exchange services but has also contributed to a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions (Carbon Emissions), thereby enabling climate change. The industry contributes a relatively modest proportion of global emissions, yet it presents one of the most significant challenges to decarbonization efforts.
The aviation industry contributes approximately 2–3 percent of CO2 emissions. The main source of carbon emissions in aviation is the burning of jet fuel, which releases CO2 and other pollutants into the air. Factors like the type of aircraft, the distance of the flight, and how efficiently the fuel usage influence the level of emissions. Although modern planes are designed to use fuel more efficiently, the increase in the number of flights often cancels out these efficiency gains.
An AI created photo displaying Alaska Airlines flight in a beautiful scenery
Airlines are increasingly offering flyers the chance to become “carbon neutral” travelers by purchasing carbon offsets. These offsets fund projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions elsewhere, like tree planting or renewable energy.
Over 30 airlines partnered with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) allow this directly or through third-party sellers. While still being popular, some airlines are even rewarding customers with points for offsetting their flights.
Despite the relatively poor acceptance of these services, the alternative has become more appealing since some airlines have begun rewarding customers who offset their carbon emissions with points.
Some of the airlines that give you points for offsetting carbon emissions are:
1. Alaska Airlines
“Alaska is the first U.S. airline to link guest participation in sustainability to loyalty with an accelerated path to elite status.”
An Alaska airlines Boeing 737 aircraft departing LAX
Among American airlines, Alaska Airlines is highly regarded and well-known for providing outstanding customer service. The Dow Jones Sustainability Index categorizes this airline to be one of the consistently leading US-based airlines with it being very fuel-efficient and working on increasing its reliance on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The airline offers a wide range of in-flight facilities to improve customer comfort and covers a large number of flights throughout North America. Travelers receiving SAF from Alaska Airlines receive 500 Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) for every $100 spent. Customers may choose to support SAF for 5%, 10%, or 20% of their flight’s emissions when booking on the airline’s website. Participants in this course can earn up to 5,000 EQMs each year.
2. Singapore Airlines
To help reduce your environmental impact, Singapore Airlines calculates the carbon emissions for each passenger on every flight. You can choose to offset your share of these emissions by purchasing carbon offsets. Tasman Environmental Markets then permanently removes the equivalent amount of carbon dioxide from the environment, effectively neutralizing the impact of your flight.
A Singapore Airlines Airbus A380-841 climbing after takeoff from Narita International Airport
Flyer points are awarded by Singapore Airlines to passengers who support Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). These miles may be used for travel, lodging, and other advantages. These contributions also collect Elite miles, which help unlock KrisFlyer Milestone Rewards and advance membership tiers. Bonus KrisFlyer points, Scoot gift cards, KrisPay miles, and KrisShop promo codes are among the rewards available for SAF donations, which benefit the environment and frequent travelers looking to maximize their loyalty benefits.
3. Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is known for its affordable flights and top-notch customer support. The airline has a peculiar boarding procedure and runs a wide network of domestic flights. Southwest is renowned for its liberal baggage policy, which includes free delivery on two checked bags.
A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-300 (N626SW) pictured before touching down on the runway at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States.
You get 20 Rapid Rewards points extra for every dollar you spend on carbon offsets, up to a monthly maximum of 50,000 points. Also, you will be able to get even more offsets and further support environmental programs since every dollar you spend on offsets will be matched with an additional $2 from Southwest Airlines.
4. Etihad Airways
Etihad aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, with significant changes to their operations and trialling innovative green technologies through their sustainability programme. The airline is rewarding environmentally friendly choices with its new “Conscious Choices” program.
A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft operated by Etihad Airways registered as A6-BLL spotted during landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka
You can earn Tier Miles towards higher tiers in the Etihad Guest program by making a difference. This includes minimizing luggage on your flight and purchasing sustainable products from the Reward Shop. Every eco-friendly action you take, from reducing baggage to supporting sustainable products, helps you earn Tier Miles and badges under “Conscious Choices”. By rewarding these behaviors, Etihad is making it easier for you to travel greener. At Veritas Tech Pilot Academy, for example, you may earn rewards for minimizing your daily and travel-related environmental impact.
5. Brussels Airlines
Brussels Airlines Airbus A319 in Germany
Brussels Airlines is recognized for its wide network that connects North America, Europe, and Africa. The airline offers a range of in-flight facilities together with exceptional customer service. Brussels Airlines, a Star Alliance member, has won various awards for the quality of its services.
Brussels Airlines is making it easier than ever to fly greener. Their Green Fares seamlessly offset your entire flight’s CO2 emissions. This is achieved through a combination of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which directly reduces emissions by 20%, and investments in high-quality climate projects like energy-saving cookers in Africa and peatland restoration in Europe. If you choose Green Fares, you can earn extra points and miles through Brussels Airlines. Business Green passengers in Europe get HON Circle Points, while European Economy Green passengers receive a 20% boost in miles and qualifying points. There is a nice deal of 10% additional points and miles for international trips.
To sum up, initiatives that encourage travelers to engage in sustainability measures are progressively complementing the airline sector’s efforts to lessen its carbon emissions. Airlines such as Etihad, Brussels Airlines, Alaska, Singapore, Southwest, and Singapore Airlines are leading the way in incorporating carbon offset programs into their loyalty programs. By providing real benefits, these efforts not only encourage travelers to reduce their emissions but also improve customer loyalty.
These airlines are establishing a standard for the industry by encouraging the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and supporting other environmentally friendly practices. Such initiatives could influence passengers’ selection of airlines significantly as they grow more aware of their environmental effects, which might speed up the transition to more environmentally friendly air travel.