Air miles ban urged to curb CO2 emissions

AIR miles schemes should be banned because they encourage travellers to fly too much, says a report.

Passengers often take unnecessary flights to maintain their loyalty scheme status so it can cause even more damage to the environment, it warns.

Commissioned by the Government’s advisory committee on climate change, the report contains a number of proposals aimed at reducing the number of miles that are flown each year.

It also recommends an ‘escalating frequent flyer levy’, which would see the most regular passengers pay more in taxes to offset carbon dioxide emissions from their flights, reported The Times.

Adverts for flights should feature details about the emissions clearly so people can understand what the environmental costs of flying can be, it says.

Earlier this year, the CCC recommended that the UK should commit to a legally binding target to cut carbon dioxide emissions to net zero by 2050.

The Imperial College London report said more should be done to encourage people out of their cars and on to trains, suggesting a rail trip between London and Edinburgh should cost just £25.

But trade body Airlines UK said moves to restrict flights could damage the UK’s reputation and people may choose to fly from other countries instead.