You know what’s really rich? Not me, apparently. Despite paying through the nose for a lie-flat seat and a lukewarm glass of pre-takeoff fizz, I’ve now been told by a newly formed coalition of the obviously enlightened that I’m the carbon menace destroying the planet.
Yep. A group of countries (led by France, Kenya, Barbados, and a few others I didn’t realise had frequent flyer programmes) have come together at a fancy UN conference in Seville to propose a tax on premium flyers. First class, business class, private jets, they want us to bankroll climate justice now.
Because nothing screams “climate hero” like penalising the people who already pay triple to fly in peace.
In This Post
The ‘Solidarity’ Surcharge Nobody Asked For
They’re calling it the “Aviation Solidarity Coalition on Premium Flyers”, which sounds like a rejected Coldplay album. Backed by a bunch of climate groups and bureaucrats, it’s part of a grand plan to impose solidarity levies, basically, a feel-good tax to make up for the aviation sector’s carbon sins.
Apparently, the world’s top 1% of flyers are responsible for over half of aviation’s CO₂ emissions. Which is fair. But let’s not pretend I’m refuelling my Upper Class seat with coal and lighting cigars off jet engines. I’m flying commercial, not piloting Air Bezos.
And before you tell me this is just about private jets, no. They’ve lumped in first and business class, too. Because heaven forbid someone reclines into a bed without needing physio afterwards.
Flying Guilt-Free? Not Anymore.
Let’s look at the fuel situation. Kerosene, the stuff planes actually run on, is still largely tax-free, especially for international flights. In 2021, the average tax per tonne of CO₂ for kerosene was a laughable €9. Diesel? €79. Petrol? €68.
But instead of, I don’t know, taxing that, we’re going after premium tickets. Because God forbid you pay for space, service, or a menu with more than one carbohydrate option.
Apparently, Oxfam and Greenpeace asked around, and 75% of people think wealthier air travellers should pay more tax. That’s adorable. Let’s see how they feel about that after flying 10 hours to Bangkok, wedged between a toddler and someone eating egg mayo.
How Much Will It Raise? Who Knows. Let’s Tax Anyway.
Some Dutch consultants say this new premium flyer tax could raise €78 billion a year globally. That’s a lot of flat whites. The idea is to pump that into climate projects and something called “fair transitions” (read: no more Upper Class unless you bring a bike).
President Macron jumped on stage at the conference to say this is a “huge step forward.” He also said France “started it 20 years ago,” which is one way to admit to long-term sabotage of cabin class dignity.
The coalition now plans to push this through by COP30, trying to get as many governments as possible to introduce ticket levies and private jet taxes. They even want to set global rules through ICAO and figure out how to spend all that new money, ideally not on paper straws for business lounges.
My Seat Isn’t the Problem. Your System Is.
Here’s the thing. I don’t object to fighting climate change. I’m not saying we should all be flying aimlessly around the world, burning fuel like it’s 1999. But if we’re going to have an honest conversation about emissions, let’s start with:
- Taxing kerosene properly
- Putting limits on private aviation
- Maybe, just maybe, not demonising people who buy premium seats because they can or because their company paid
Newsflash: flying Upper Class doesn’t make me a villain. It makes me someone who didn’t want to play seat roulette next to the plane loo.
Final Approach (and No, I Won’t Apologise for the Champagne)
So no, I won’t be clapping for this “solidarity surcharge.” Not while aviation fuel gets off scot-free and half the world’s billionaires dodge taxes altogether.
I’ll keep sipping my pre-takeoff bubbles in Upper, thank you very much, because after this, I’ll need something stronger than water to wash down the guilt.
If saving the planet means taxing me every time I fly up front, fine. But don’t expect me to do it quietly.
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1 comment
First I’ve heard of this but it sure seems like an ill-conceived notion. If the top 1% cause half the emissions, why go after the other 99% and ignore the low hanging fruit?