Claire Rowe
Associate Editor
Loyola University Chicago School of Law, J.D. 2026
As the planet grapples with the alarming effects of climate change, a glaring disparity emerges: while everyday Americans are held accountable for their environmental impact, the ultra-wealthy continue to fly under the radar in their private jets. This contradiction highlights the urgent need for change in the approach to private air travel and its contribution to global warming. If society truly cares about the planet’s future, regulatory bodies need to stop turning a blind eye and hold those who are contributing to the same standard.
Aviation and CO2
Global warming and climate change are pressing issues that are impacting the planet, and most Americans are aware of the growing problem. Over the past few decades, these changes have intensified, driven largely by human activities. Greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide, are a key factor in climate change. While they naturally exist in the atmosphere, industrial activities, vehicle emissions, and advancements in technology have caused their levels to rise significantly, leading to warmer temperatures.
The aviation industry accounts for 2.5% of world CO2 emissions. Even though CO2 makes up a smaller portion of what airplanes emit, it has a big impact because it stays in the atmosphere for a long time and traps heat effectively. This, combined with the other pollutants planes release, have strong warming effects, making air travel a significant contributor to climate change.
A private jet can emit two tons of CO2 per hour. While the average person emits 16 tons of CO2 in their lifetime, a private jet can emit two tons of CO2 per hour. This means that a one-way trip to Europe could account for one person’s lifetime emissions. Private jets are up to fourteen times more polluting than commercial planes, and just 1% of people cause 50% of global aviation emissions.
Problematic jet use: the top offenders
Celebrities frequently overuse private jets; Hollywood celebrities like Floyd Mayweather, Kim Kardashian, and Oprah Winfrey also rank among the top private jet users, taking hundreds of flights each year, often for short-haul distances. Taylor Swift was one of the most notable offenders. In 2022 alone, her private jet use was estimated to produce around 8,300 tons of carbon emissions, which is roughly 1,800 times the annual emissions of the average person. Earlier this year, she sparked controversy when her plane was documented taking a 13-minute, 28-mile flight from St. Louis, Illinois, to St. Louis, Missouri.
Corporations also frequently rely on private jets. A study found that 65% of major U.S. companies regularly use private air travel, with some even budgeting specifically for air travel. In August 2024, Starbucks made headlines for allocating substantial funds from the corporate budget to private jet expenses exclusively for its CEO, Brian Niccol, to use as his daily commute. Instead of relocating from Newport Beach to the Seattle headquarters, Niccol opts to “super commute” thousands of miles weekly using the company jet. Ironically, this decision comes at a time when Starbucks publicly emphasizes its commitment to sustainability, which includes reducing plastic straws, utilizing recyclable cups, and ethical sourcing of products.
Lack of federal regulations
In the U.S., there are currently no federal restrictions on private jet usage. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) finalized a rule back in January of 2024, requiring airplanes to incorporate fuel efficient technologies that must be certified, these are mostly for larger aircrafts. The FAA has made a public commitment to reduce greenhouse gases through their climate action plan, though private jet usage was never mentioned in the 40- page report.
Surprisingly, the only U.S. regulatory body taking action on this issue is the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In early 2024, the IRS announced plans to increase audits of high-income groups. Businesses can deduct the use of private jets as a tax write-off, classifying it as a “necessary business expense.” The IRS aims to crack down on companies that are not meeting their tax obligations, potentially costing them tens of thousands of dollars.
In Europe, however, some countries have begun to target problematic private jet usage head-on. In May 2023, France announced a ban on short-haul flights, and Spain is considering a similar measure for 2024. France has prohibited flights where a train alternative exists that takes less than two and a half hours. The country’s transport minister stated that France cannot accept the use of private jets by the ultra-wealthy while the public is facing necessary cutbacks due to concerns about climate change.
Call for action
Instead of incentivizing private jet usage with tax breaks, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the FAA should impose restrictions on private air travel for individuals. The EPA’s mandate is to prevent environmental harm, yet it allows the ultra-wealthy to contribute significantly to climate change while the average American can face fines for minor infractions, such as violating recycling laws.
It’s surprising that the FAA released a climate report without addressing jet usage, despite acknowledging its environmental impact. Both the EPA and FAA are aware of the adverse effects of high pollution levels, yet this issue is overlooked when it involves the ultra-wealthy. Climate change presents serious risks, and while average Americans face strict regulations, the flexibility afforded to the elite suggests a need to reassess priorities. Adopting approaches like those in France could be worth considering in order to achieve meaningful environmental progress.