Associations of Perceived Environmental Impacts of Air Travel with Offsetting Behaviors and Subjective Well-being

Evidence from a Frequent Flyer Program Member Survey in Japan

Abstract

This study examined how air passengers in Japan perceive the environmental impacts of air travel and how it is related to their offsetting behaviors and subjective well-being. The analysis of questionnaire data from 1,624 customer loyalty program members of a domestic airline company showed that the perceived environmental impacts of air travel were positively associated with pro-environmental behaviors in daily life and traveling domains, pro-social behaviors, and willingness to pay for carbon offsetting. Additionally, pro-social behaviors and willingness to pay for carbon offsetting were positively related to subjective well-being. The study also explored potential direct and alternative approaches to achieve sustainability in air transport.