Travelling Green

The impact of global tourism on the environment is a large concern. Governments, businesses and the public are all making efforts to reduce the effect of travel on the planet. The EU has committed to reducing carbon emissions by 60% by 2050, Silverjet have become the first airline to introduce a mandatory carbon offset charge in their ticket price while Boeing and Airbus are battling to create a more fuel-efficient plane.

If you're concerned about the impact that your holiday is having on the environment, you could make a start by looking at the option of car sharing. Car sharing to the airport is not just a great idea for passengers, many UK Airports are championing schemes for their staff.

Airports lead the way ...

BAA, who operate 7 UK airports, encourage their staff to enter a car sharing scheme by offering benefits across all their sites. Along with priority parking bays for staff that car share, BAA offer an array of discounts on motoring products such as breakdown cover, and leisure activities. The incentives work. BAA's car sharing scheme across its London Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports is the largest in Europe with an impressive 6,000 members. Head of Transport at Stansted, Nicola Hooper, stated BAA's intentions to minimise the environmental impact along with their aim to "increase membership at Stansted by 10% over the next 5 years."

BAA Airports are not alone in implementing car share schemes. East Midlands, Exeter, Liverpool's John Lennon Airport, Luton, Manchester and Norwich Airport are amongst other UK airports operating car sharing schemes for their staff.

Halve your costs...

Sharing a car to the airport isn't something isolated to airport staff. Car sharing to the airport is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and the environmental impact of your holiday. It's also a great way to save money. If you know someone who's taking a holiday or business trip on the same flight as you, car sharing could halve the parking costs that would be acquired separately. There's also plenty to do before your flight with duty free shopping or relaxing in a low cost airport lounge with Holiday Extras, so even if you're not on the same flight as someone else, car sharing is still a great idea.

Alternatives...

If car sharing to the airport isn't an option you can use, there are still other ways to reduce your carbon footprint with Holiday Extras before you get on your plane.

Avoid driving all the way to the airport when you park off-site and transfer to the terminal building. Airparks with Holiday Extras create the perfect opportunity with transfers included from secured parking sites at Birmingham Airport, Luton Airport, Manchester Airport, East Midlands Airport and Cardiff Airport.

For further travel news and updates with fantastic offers on airport parking, hotels and lounges, remember to check back with Holiday Extras.