Greener Choice

What is a ‘Greener Choice’? 

We label a flight as a Greener Choice when we estimate it emits less CO2 than the average aircraft for that route. It’s one of the ways we’re helping travellers to make more informed decisions about the environmental impact of their flights. 

How is it calculated? 

First, we look at the aircraft model, where newer, more efficient planes score higher.  

Then we look at distance travelled, and whether the route is direct or not. Direct flights  
will do better due to fewer fuel-intensive take-offs and landings. 

Finally, we consider seat capacity, where the more seats a flight has, the lower the fuel consumption per seat on board. 

Based on these considerations, if a flight emits at least 4% less CO2 than the average for its route, we’ll mark it as a Greener Choice. 

How do you ensure your information is correct? 

We get our data from various industry sources, and we’re continually improving these calculations. Sometimes we have to estimate – but because industry data is getting better all the time, our calculations are becoming more accurate. 

What happens when we add a new aircraft?  

We're continually working to update our data as frequently as possible, and part of our plan is  
to work with partners like yourself to ensure the data is more accessible.  

Our long-term goal is to provide travellers with a more complete picture of how our partners are working to reduce their emissions across the business.  

What’s the average percentage of Greener Choice route coverage?  

Currently, the average route coverage for our partners is 21%. If you’re below 25%, you can get in touch with your commercial manager to discuss ways to improve your score.  

NEW Greener Choices Filter

Is this a test, or is it live throughout the product and all markets?   

The filter is live on our website across all markets, and is launching in the app in March. 

How will the filter impact me if I only have a small percentage of greener routes? 

Some travellers are currently using the lower emissions filter on the web. This could cause a small impact if you have a low percentage of routes marked as a Greener Choice. 

We’re continually trying to refine our algorithm and add more data points, and will eventually be able to offer partner recommendations on how you can improve your score.  

Is this filter driven by traveller demand or Skyscanner? 

Due to the success of our Greener Choice feature on day view, and partners requesting a filter, we made it live after a successful trial on the web.  

Did you consider sorting instead of using a filter? 

Yes – we have tested sorting in the past, but found that filtering was the best way to highlight the Greener Choice feature.  

How many travellers do you expect to use this new filter? 

At the moment, usage is low. But once we start telling more people about it and adoption grows, we see it becoming an increasingly important tool in helping people plan and book their travel, and in helping lower their emissions over time.