Many airline customers say they are willing to do more for the environment. However, at times, the desire to offset one's air travel is thwarted by an often hidden opt-in function requiring several additional steps. The Lufthansa Group is looking to change that. Two more of its airlines announced today that customers are now offered three different options for neutralizing the CO2 emissions from their flight - directly during the booking process.

Following the launch by parent carrier Lufthansa earlier this year, travelers with Brussels Airlines or Austrian Airlines can now choose to pay for the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), offset emissions through certified climate protection projects - or opt for a mix of both. 'Carbon-neutral' flying will also be rewarded with additional status and award miles.

Brussels Airlines aicraft on apron at airport
The airline has been no stranger to industrial action in recent years. Photo: Brussels Airlines 

Initial interest higher than expected

But will people go for it? The initial response is encouraging, with Brussels Airlines stating that since launching the option on its website last Thursday, the carrier had seen a preliminary conversion rate of nearly 7%, above its initial target of 5%. Peter Gerber, the CEO of Brussels Airlines, commented on his hopes for the new tool,

"So far, less than one percent of online bookers used to take advantage of our long standing option to fly carbon neutral. With the integration of the options in the booking transaction directly, I am sure that we will convince significantly more of our passengers to fly CO2-neutral and hereby making a contribution to more sustainable air travel."

Big jump from combination to pure SAF offsetting

The most expensive option is the first, meaning choosing to pay for SAF - which is also the most immediate and efficient. The Lufthansa Group will then make sure to use the corresponding amount of SAF across its flights to result in a 100% reduction in carbon emissions.

Brussels Airlines screen shot 'carbon neutral' flying options
SAF does add a significant amount in terms of price percentage. However, SAF/offset mix should be entirely attainable. Photo: Brussels Airlines

Meanwhile, offsetting means the equal amount of CO2 emissions will be compensated for via climate-friendly projects. Both Brussels Airlines and Austrian have offered examples of costs for a few highly trafficked short-haul routes from their hubs and what the screen will look like when arriving at the option.

24 - Fly carbon neutral booking form Austrian Airlines
Photo: Austrian Airlines 

Austrian Airlines' Chief Commercial Officer, Michael Trestl, commented on the new function for climate-conscious customers,

“By integrating the options for carbon-neutral flying into the booking process, it will be easier for our guests to contribute to sustainable travel and to discover the world in a carbon-neutral way. We are the only Austrian airline using sustainable aviation fuel in flight operations to make carbon-neutral flying possible for our guests."

As seen in the examples above, SAF is much more expensive than mere offsets. However, it is directly efficient in that it immediately reduces the amount of CO2 emissions produced. With climate project offsets, albeit one of the few tools currently at our disposal, we are still polluting just as much, crossing our fingers and hoping that someone somewhere else will deal with the problem. Furthermore, by purchasing SAF, travelers can help stimulate the much-needed scaling up of supply.

Do you usually offset your flight? Do you think that having the option to do so readily available during the booking process will make you more inclined to do so? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.