Alaska Airlines Adds SAF Credits Option to Bookings on Website

As part of its goal to get to net zero carbon emissions by 2040, Alaska Airlines is offering its passengers a new way to offset their carbon footprint when booking flights through its website.

Effective immediately, Alaska is adding the option to purchase sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) credits as part of all bookings made through its website.

SAF credits go towards the development of sustainable aviation fuel which is largely seen as one way the airline industry can cut its carbon footprint in the future. According to IATA, using SAFs can cut carbon emissions by 80% or more over its lifecycle.

The addition on Alaska’s website allows travelers to opt for SAFs worth 5%, 10%, or 20% of emissions. For instance, someone booking a flight from Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) to New York’s JFK International (JFK) will have the option to add SAF credits of $12.55 for 5%, $25.10 for 10%, or $50.20 for 20% of emissions.

The charge amount follows IATA’s CO2 calculation method  and, according to Alaska, is based on “aircraft fuel consumption, flight path, seat configuration, cabin class, and load factors sourced directly from Alaska’s operational data.”

Alaska will also reward Mileage Plan members who buy SAF credits with miles for each contribution—for every $100 spent on SAF credits, Alaska will reward 500 miles. It will cap the miles earned from SAF credits at 5,000 each year.