‘Greening’ Airline Travel Is A Major Challenge

By Meha Ahmad
‘Greening’ Airline Travel Is A Major Challenge
This June 9, 2019 photo shows Chieko Asakawa, left, getting her boarding pass at the United Airlines ticket counter in the Landside Terminal of Pittsburgh International Airport in Imperial, Pa. On June 5, 2019, United Airlines attempted to fly the greenest possible flight when one of its LA-bound Boeing 737s left O’Hare Airport. Gene J. Puskar / Associated Press
‘Greening’ Airline Travel Is A Major Challenge
This June 9, 2019 photo shows Chieko Asakawa, left, getting her boarding pass at the United Airlines ticket counter in the Landside Terminal of Pittsburgh International Airport in Imperial, Pa. On June 5, 2019, United Airlines attempted to fly the greenest possible flight when one of its LA-bound Boeing 737s left O’Hare Airport. Gene J. Puskar / Associated Press

‘Greening’ Airline Travel Is A Major Challenge

By Meha Ahmad
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As the results of climate change become more evident, some travelers are thinking twice about booking that weekend trip or that international flight, all in an effort to reduce their carbon footprints.

Frequent flyers are increasingly putting pressure on the airline industry to reduce carbon emissions, causing some airlines to look for creative ways to go green.

On June 5, United Airlines attempted to fly the greenest possible flight when one of its LA-bound Boeing 737s left O’Hare Airport powered by fuel mixed with biofuel, and in-flight meals were served without using any plastic. Some carriers are ditching plastic straws for biodegradable versions. 

But is that enough to change the air travel into an eco-friendly industry?

Morning Shift checks in with Chicago Tribune business reporter Lauren Zumbach.

GUEST: Lauren Zumbach, Chicago Tribune business reporter

LEARN MORE: Activists now ‘flight shame,’ citing jets’ environmental toll. But for fuel-guzzling airlines, going green is no easy task. (Chicago Tribune 6/14/19)