British Airways now carbon offsetting all domestic flights
With the start of 2020, British Airways has begun its carbon offset initiative. As of the beginning of the year, all domestic flights operated by the airline are now carbon neutral.
The change is part of the airline's larger goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Many airlines — including British Airways — already offer customers the option to pay a small additional fee to offset the carbon impact of their flight during the booking process, though this is optional. British Airways will instead bear the cost of this for domestic flights at no additional cost to the passenger, including no rise in domestic airfares. The carbon reduction programs chosen by the airline include renewable energy, protection of rainforests and reforestation programs.
Related: Everything you need to know about carbon offsetting for your flights
BA operates up to 75 daily domestic flights from various London hubs to 10 UK cities including: Aberdeen (ABZ), Belfast City (BFS), Edinburgh (EDI), Glasgow (GLA), Isle of Man (IOM), Inverness (INV), Jersey (JER), Leeds (LBA), Manchester (MAN) and Newcastle (NCL).
With the new policy in effect, passengers flying internationally will continue to have the option to pay for their own carbon offsetting. The airline will continue to utilize its carbon offsetting tool, allowing passengers to calculate their emissions. According to a press release, BA said that passengers can expect to pay around $1.32 to offset a return flight between London and Madrid in economy. A flight between New York and London in business class will cost around $20.
"Solving the complex issue of climate change requires a multifaceted response, and offsetting emissions on all flights within the UK is just one step that we are adopting to reduce our environmental impact while more solutions to decarbonise are found", Alex Cruz, chairman and CEO of British Airways, said of the initiative.
Other European airlines have already begun similar carbon offset programs. Air France will also begin offsetting domestic flights this year, and low-cost giant EasyJet now offsets all flights, becoming the first major airline to do so.
Related: Why you might want to tour Europe by train, not plane
British Airways continues to invest in more fuel-efficient aircraft such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350 families, while retiring aircraft like the Boeing 747, which burn through more fuel.
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4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
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Why We Chose It
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees