‘Flight shaming’ is gaining traction and it could cost airlines billions, says Citi
By Pippa Stevens @PIPPASTEVENS13
Consumers are paying more attention to their carbon footprint and it could cost airlines billions of dollars, Citi said in a note to clients.
The firm said Tuesday that “flight shaming,” which it defines as “the inherent guilt that an individual feels as a result of one’s aviation-related carbon footprint” is causing consumers to explore alternate modes of transportation when possible, and also to look for ways to offset their carbon emissions.
Citi estimates that over the next five years the cost of carbon offsetting economy flights will grow to $3.8 billion per year. It will either be absorbed by the consumer or the airline. But really the airline gets hit in both scenarios since if the price is absorbed by passengers, the higher cost could…