Going flight free in 2026: The people who have inspired me to stay grounded
- Eveline Vouillemin
- 6 days ago
- 7 min read
Flight Free UK is a campaign group, inspired by the Swedish "Flygfritt" (flight-free) movement, that challenges people to take a year off flying to reduce emissions and shift the norm away from aviation.
I took the flight free pledge in 2022, and 2024, and will be taking it again this year, keeping myself firmly grounded in 2026 for the following reasons:
The Environment: Flying less is one of the easiest ways to make a significant reduction to your carbon footprint and taking a flight free year is a chance to open your eyes to amazing alternative modes of transport. Other options such as train, bus and coach travel are dramatically more sustainable than flying. Use the Trainline journey calculator to find out just how much carbon you could save by choosing to travel by train.
Justice: Only around 10% of the world's population has ever been on a plane and 1% of people cause 50% of global aviation emissions but the consequences of rising emissions are felt by everyone all over the world. In the UK, only around half of us fly in any given year, but the negative effects of increased emissions, air pollution and noise pollution are felt by all of us. Therefore, choosing to stay grounded is not only a positive choice for the climate but also for each other.
Social and Systemic Change: If lots of us take this pledge together, we can completely shift the social norms around flying. This will also have an impact at a higher level. As consumers, we have real power, and the choices we make can influence government policy and industry choices.
I have also been hugely inspired by others who promote alternatives to flying, shine a light on the joy of overland travel and campaign for more sustainable travel options. A number of these individuals have shared with me what they love about flight free travel and why they think taking the flight free pledge is a fantastic thing to do:
Anna Hughes, Director of Flight Free UK
"Slow travel gives a more enriching experience. Avoiding airport stress helps you feel calmer and more present. Taking flights off the table actually helps with your fomo! Rather than feel like you're missing out, you start to concentrate on the amazing places that you can get to without flying. Travelling by train is time well spent, with time to read, sleep, work, or watch the world go by in comfort - not the quick packed-in rush of air travel. Knowing you're part of the solution gives a huge positive glow.
And it gives a huge amount to others too: quieter skies (and less stress and health issues) for those living near airports; protecting wildlife that is harmed by airports and airport expansion; reducing greenhouse gas emissions and therefore reducing the awful impacts of climate change that we are seeing at home and around the world.
Taking a flight-free pledge is a fantastic way to significantly reduce your own emissions, experience travel in a new and positive way, and be part of a radical movement for change."
Eveline Haugaard, The Rail Voyage
"For as long as I can remember, I've found trains deeply romantic. There's something special about boarding a night train, getting cosy under the duvet, being rocked to sleep and waking up somewhere new.
When you travel by train, the experience starts when you board. Seeing landscapes change and small villages appear, at the same time as getting quality time with yourself or a loved one"
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Monisha Rajesh, Journalist and Travel Writer
"Back in 2010 I spent four months travelling around India by train and it was the first time I'd ever spent such a long time travelling overland without a single flight involved. In that time I came to understand so much more about the country than if I had chosen any other kind of transport.
By sitting at the window I came to see how the landscape changes, how villages grew into towns, how cities continued to function through the night while others slept. I had a much better sense of space and distance and of borders, where one state ended and another began.
Above all I got to come face to face with people from every demographic in a way that would have otherwise been impossible. I was able to talk to people on these long train journeys, finding out information about hotels, restaurants and unknown beaches that I would never have found in a guidebook. I learnt about politics, cultural practices and language and was able to glean stories from people in the comfort of a moving train.
After that I never really wanted to travel any other way. I spent eight months travelling around the world by train for my second book, Around the World in 80 Trains and after that I knew that moving overland was the only way to really understand the world and the people within it."
The Sustainable Travel Guide
"What I like about travelling by train or bike is that you get to see so much more of the places you visit. In fact, taking international trains and seeing the landscape and architecture gradually change gives you a very different perspective on borders. The slow journey (rather than stepping off a plane into a suddenly very different environment) helps to see how everything is connected, instead of divided by sometimes arbitrary lines."
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Train X Europe
"Travelling overland gives me time to myself and space that flying doesn't. I feel so relieved knowing I've avoided a whole heap of carbon emissions and I also get to carry things with me in a way that's more relaxed. Want to grab a drink before stepping aboard? No problem! Other than Eurostar, there's no security to go through, and I've seen some amazing views.
Honestly, the carbon bit is the most important for your impact on everyone else, but it's the least important for your experience as a traveller. Trains and ferries just give you a bit more dignity, and you have so much more flexibility.
We need to keep fighting for more options, cheaper services, and more taxes on flying, but we already have a lot of great options. You don't need to use them all every year, just start substituting flights and altering plans wherever possible. Start small and work up from there!"
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No Fly Traveller
"My love for travelling overland was born from a fear of flying, but I never anticipated the niche and beautiful little world that I would find along the tracks of Europe.
Whenever I have helped someone with their first no fly trip, they have always expressed their surprise at how much they have enjoyed the actual journey. In particular, the views and the people who they have met.
We have all been led to believe that we need to get to our destination as quickly as possible to start our holiday / trips. What is the rush? Why don't we make the journey part of our experiences?
My advice to you is to try a little trip, enjoy the leg room, the freedom to roam, and take large amounts of luggage if you want to...if it's not for you, no big deal but I think you might find you'll become more curious about our little world."
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Shreya Somani, Train Navigator
"I love overland travel because it's the ultimate trade-up. We swap the major hassles of flying like long security lines, baggage restrictions, and cramped seats, for stunning, uninterrupted landscapes. You don't just fly over a region. You get to witness its slow and beautiful transition, all while significantly reducing your environmental impact. It is, quite simply, the most effortless, responsible, and immersive way to explore nature without doing it harm."
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Chantelle, Communications Team at Flight Free UK
"Taking the flight free pledge completely changed how I think about travel. Once I realised the real impact flying has on the environment, I started seeing the journey itself as part of the adventure. Travelling slower allowed me to explore more places, be creative with my routes, and align my love of travel with my values. It's shown me that meaningful, exciting travel doesn't have to come at the planet's expense."
The Non Flying Scotsman
"As a flight free traveller of many years, I have realised that this method of travelling isn’t just about getting to a destination, it becomes a way of life. Sustainable travel teaches respect for the world we live in and allows you to visit places that you never thought were possible. I highly recommend adopting this travel method for 2026 and seeing where your next adventure will take you."
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Flight Free UK recognises that everyone has different needs and situations. It may not be possible for everyone to stop flying. You may have family on the other side of the world and sometimes your work might require a flight. So, for those who can’t be completely flight free for a year, they also offer a ‘free choice’ pledge. For example, you could pledge to take no flights in Europe or you could choose not to take any holiday flights.
For me, taking the pledge feels like an empowering step towards being part of building a more hopeful, just, and greener future and I am looking forward to staying grounded this year. Could you join me by taking the flight free pledge in 2026?
By Eveline Vouillemin ©