Flight Carbon Footprint Calculator
Calculate CO₂ emissions from air travel and understand your flight's environmental impact
Flight Emissions Calculator
Lower occupancy increases emissions per passenger
CO₂ Emissions Results
Calculation Formula
Environmental Impact Context
Flight Emission Facts
Aviation accounts for ~2.5% of global CO₂ emissions
High altitude emissions have 2× climate impact
1 kg of jet fuel produces ~3 kg of CO₂
IPCC recommends max 2,500 kg CO₂/year per person
Reduce Flight Emissions
Choose direct flights when possible
Fly economy class (lower emissions per passenger)
Consider train or bus for shorter distances
Purchase verified carbon offsets
Extend stays to reduce frequency
Understanding Flight Carbon Footprint
Why Flight Emissions Matter
Aviation contributes significantly to climate change through CO₂ emissions released at high altitudes. The greenhouse effect is amplified at cruising altitude, making flight emissions particularly potent.
The IPCC Carbon Budget
To limit global warming to 2°C by 2050, the International Panel on Climate Change estimates each person can emit maximum 2,500 kg of CO₂ annually. A single long-haul flight can consume a large portion of this budget.
Calculation Methodology
CO₂ = Duration × 90 kg/hr × 2 ÷ Occupancy
• 90 kg/hr: Base emission per passenger
• 2: Radiative forcing factor
• Occupancy: Seat utilization rate
Key Factors
Distance: Longer flights produce exponentially more emissions
Aircraft type: Newer planes are more fuel-efficient
Load factor: Fuller planes mean lower per-passenger emissions
Class: Business/first class has 2-3× higher footprint