General philosophy message board for Discussion and debate on other philosophical issues not directly related to veganism. Metaphysics, religion, theist vs. atheist debates, politics, general science discussion, etc.
Jebus wrote: ↑Tue Nov 07, 2017 10:32 pm
Is this calculation done with the same aircraft? Longer flights usually use bigger planes that carry more passengers.
I live on a small island in a middle of an ocean so not flying long haul would greatly reduce my life quality (and that of my aging parents). However, I agree that it doesn't make much sense for someone living in the U.S. who has barely been outside his own state to travel to another country. Anyone who wants to see the world should try to do it as one long round the world flight so as to avoid the return flight for each destination.
As a related question, should one try to book direct flights as much as possible even though it is sometimes cheaper to book a connecting flight? I'm guessing airlines make these connecting flights cheaper when they are trying to fill up empty planes.
I don't know exactly which aircraft but as a broad rule I think the size of the aircraft does not have a big effect on the emissions per passenger. The total emissions fora bigger aircraft are more, but that's more passengers to divide it between.
I did do a round the world flight in 2003-2004 so UK-Africa-Australia-New Zealand-South America-UK.
For your situation, I suggest you try to compromise by visiting for longer periods but less often so that the total time spent with your parents is the same.
Jebus wrote: ↑Tue Nov 07, 2017 10:32 pm
As a related question, should one try to book direct flights as much as possible even though it is sometimes cheaper to book a connecting flight? I'm guessing airlines make these connecting flights cheaper when they are trying to fill up empty planes.
I'd go with what's cheaper; a full plane is better than empty seats, as you said if it's cheaper the airline probably knows what they're doing. Fuel is a major cost for them so they're always trying to save there.
Direct flights will be better for the environment I think because of shorter distance travelled. Also, they use less airport facilities (the airport itself also has a carbon footprint).
However I would not worry too much about these details. The key point is just to fly as little as possible and to travel as small a distance as possible.