Flying is the fastest way to travel long distances, but it’s also a hassle, physically uncomfortable for many of us, harms communities near airports, and generates huge emissions.

Traveling longer distances by train, bus, bike, and even a personalcar is much more climate-friendly—and usually more pleasant, too. Instead of prioritizing speed, find ways to make the journey part of theadventure rather than something to endure.

Just how bad is flying for the climate? Not only do airplanes use jet fuel, but emissions at high altitude are three to five times worse than emissions at ground level. Beyond carbon dioxide, airplanes emit particles, nitrogen oxides, and sulfates that trap heat and have a much more damaging effect at cruising altitude.

One roundtrip flight from New York to Europe or California creates a warming effect equivalent to 2-3 tons of carbon dioxide per passenger. Scientists say we need to emit less than 3 tons of carbon dioxide per person per year; you can easily spend your entire annual carbon budget on a single roundtrip flight.

Unfortunately, unlike other areas of carbon emissions, air travel isn’t likely to become more climate-friendly any time soon, even with tremendous political will. There aren’t eco-friendly, effective alternatives to jet fuel yet, and there’s no way to reduce the climate effects of flying without them.

Many climate activists and scientists grapple with the knowledge that flying is so devastating for the climate while also recognizing the need to visit the people we love, and that traveling makes us better world citizens. One compromise is to reserve flying for what many describe as “love miles,” the flights that help you strengthen relationships, and for once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.

Before you book your next flight, consider alternatives:

• Take a bus or train instead. Especially for trips that are under 300 miles, a bus or train may even be faster once you consider security lines.
• Vacation closer to home. Travel by train, bus, car, or bike and explore the wonders of cities, mountains, lakes, beaches, or forests nearby. Have you enjoyed all that your region has to offer?
• Schedule a teleconference instead.

When you need to fly, reduce the impact:

• Consolidate trips. Make the most of the trip to get the greatest value from the carbon you’ve spent. Use ground transportation such as trains, buses, cars, and bikes for regional travel at your destination.
• Fly direct. Airplanes use much more fuel during takeoff than during the flight itself. Choose direct flights whenever possible to reduce the number of takeoffs.
• Invest in climate solutions. It’s better not to generate the carbon at all, but if you must fly, invest in climate solutions to mitigate the effects of your flight. See Reconsider carbon offsets .

Go Further

• Let Congress, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) know that you expect the United States to require cleaner jet fuels and more efficient airplanes.
• Support high-speed rail and investments in reliable public transportation options at the city, county, regional, state, and federal levels.
• Let airlines and the cities you fly to know that you expect direct flights with efficient bus and train options to get you the rest of the way.