Oh, you thought you don’t have so much influence on sustainability, huh? Newsflash: As a travel manager, you hold the reins to much more than just logistics. You have the power to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of your company’s travel, particularly when it comes to aviation.

It’s not about being a buzzkill, it’s about being a business-savvy, planet-conscious trailblazer. So, buckle up because here’s a list of practical (and impactful) things you can do today to reduce travel emissions.

Travel only if absolutely essential (and meaningful)

Your travellers need to understand that not every meeting is a “get on a plane” moment. Start by challenging the necessity of each trip. Can that 30-minute panel be a virtual meeting? Then don’t book a flight.

Incorporate this into a travel policy that makes it crystal clear when travel is essential. And let’s be real, sending someone across the globe for a quick speaking gig isn’t it. On the flip side, that once-in-a-lifetime business deal? Get on that plane!

Double up

Combine business with business or mix in some pleasure. Encourage clients to extend their business trips for a mini-vacation. Group multiple meetings in one area to reduce flights. Fewer trips mean lower CO₂ emissions. It’s smart, sustainable, and who doesn’t love turning a business trip into a mini getaway?

Stay regional

Reduce distance by staying closer to home. Why travel internationally when you can arrange regional meet-ups instead? One regional meet-up can benefit the entire global team. Think global, act local.

Train over plane

Reduce flight distance by taking the train, especially for European domestic trips. I mean, do you really need to fly for a short hop if you can also conveniently travel with less security checks and waiting times in the airports.

Travel light

Every kilogram counts.Pack light, travel smarter and your footprint will shrink. It’s simple: every kilo you bring on board adds about 100 grams of CO₂ per hour flown. That shampoo bottle you toss in your bag for your trip from Amsterdam to New York? That adds about 250 grams of CO₂ to your flights. That might not seem like a lot, but it is responsible for unnecessary fuel burn. So ditch the extra shoes, clothes, and (big) bottles, because as they say anyway: ‘Good things come in small packages’.

Prioritise economy seats

Choosing economy seats significantly reduces your CO₂ footprint, as business class seats have 2.5 times the impact. Save the luxury for your destination instead of on the plane.

Ramp up the additional Alternative Aviation Fuel (AAF)

AAF also known as Sustainable Aviation Fuels, SAF or Renewable Aviation Fuels is crucial for reducing CO₂ emissions – if you buy enough of it!

The small percentages mandated by regulations, such as the EU regulations, are insufficient for substantial impact. Volume is key, so be a big spender and get your hands on as much alternative aviation fuel as possible. Some airlines, like KLM, offer it in the booking flow, but else you can also purchase it at providers like https://www.flyonsaf.com/.

Fly on newer, more general aircraft

Avoid flying on very large or very small planes. Medium-sized jets are the most efficient options available. Opt for the latest generation aircraft as they’re more modern, fuel-efficient, and your choice for those aircraft encourages airlines to invest in fleet renewal.

Use the tools available

Sighing by the idea of all the extra effort required to make smarter travel choices or feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry, you don’t need to research every aspect of sustainable travel yourself. There are convenient tools available to help you make better decisions easily.

For instance, Google Flights includes an advanced model that displays the most sustainable options during flight comparisons. Use these resources to make sustainable travel simpler and more achievable.

Simplify the message

In short: reduce trips, distance and weight as much as possible, make smarter aviation choice for seats, aircraft and fuel, and make sure that the most sustainable travel option is the most obvious one to select. Make sustainable choices convenient and inspire your clients and colleagues.