Flight Emissions Calculator — CO₂ by Distance, Seat Class & Legs

How This Flight Emissions Calculator Works

This tool estimates per-passenger CO₂ emissions for a flight itinerary. Enter the distance for each leg, choose a seat class, optionally pick an aircraft preset, and (if you wish) apply an RFI (radiative forcing index) toggle to reflect the additional warming effects of contrails and high-altitude emissions. The calculator is designed to be non-judgmental and educational, giving clear, comparable numbers that help you make informed choices.

What’s being calculated?

• Base emissions per kilometer: A typical per-passenger factor varies by distance band (short, medium, long), reflecting differences in climb/cruise/landing shares and aircraft size.
• Seat class multiplier: Premium cabins occupy more space per passenger and usually have higher weight per seat. The model scales economy → premium accordingly.
• Aircraft preset (optional): If you know the plane type, you can select a preset (e.g., A320neo, 787, A350, 737NG, 777, 747). Each applies an efficiency multiplier relative to a “typical” baseline for that distance.
• RFI toggle: Multiplying by an RFI (e.g., 1.7–2.0) is a common way to approximate non-CO₂ warming (contrails, NO_x, water vapor) from high-altitude flight. It does not change CO₂ itself—only the estimated warming impact.

Distance and legs

Emissions scale with distance, but not perfectly linearly. Short hops have proportionally more fuel burn during climb and takeoff; longer sectors benefit from cruise efficiency. That’s why the calculator uses distance bands. If you’re comparing routes, enter the legs individually (e.g., A → B → C) to see how connections affect totals.

Assumptions & limitations

• Averages, not airline-specific: Real-world outcomes depend on aircraft variant, engine type, seating density, cargo load, and airline operations. Presets narrow the gap, but values remain estimates.
• Seat occupancy (load factor): Per-passenger numbers implicitly assume a typical load factor. Very empty or very full flights change the math.
• Routing: Distances here represent the flown distance. If you only know a straight-line (great-circle) figure, actual routing, winds, and holding can add a margin.
• CO₂ vs. CO₂e: The baseline output is CO₂. Turning on RFI is a simple way to approximate broader CO₂e-like warming effects, but methodologies vary.
• SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel): Use of SAF can lower lifecycle emissions, but availability and blends differ by route and airline; this tool does not model SAF shares by default.

Interpreting results

Numbers are shown per passenger, per leg and combined for the itinerary. For round trips, either enter both directions as two legs or simply double a one-way result. The RFI switch is optional: showing both values (with and without RFI) can be useful in reports or classroom settings.

Ways to reduce your footprint

• Prefer nonstop flights or fewer legs where possible.
• Choose newer, more efficient aircraft (e.g., A320neo, 787, A350) when you have that information.
• Consider economy seating when practical; per-passenger emissions are lower.
• Support airlines or programs that invest in SAF and efficiency improvements.

Privacy and transparency

This calculator is private by design—all computation runs in your browser. No flight details are uploaded. The intent is clarity: simple inputs, realistic multipliers, and an RFI option so you can present results with the level of caution you prefer.

FAQs

What inputs do I need?

Enter the distance for each leg and choose a seat class. Add legs as needed, set passengers, and choose one-way or return. Optionally include non-CO₂ effects (RFI).

Can I switch km and miles?

Yes — choose your unit in the Trip inputs. The calculator converts internally.

Are these exact numbers?

No. These are simplified estimates for planning/awareness. Aircraft, routing, weather, and operations can change real-world results.