IELTS Writing Task 2: Taxing air travel

Flying is one of the most polluting ways to travel, and the number of flights continues to rise. One proposed solution is to raise taxes on air tickets so that fewer people can afford to fly. I partly agree with this idea, but I believe a general tax would be unfair unless it is carefully designed.

There is a good argument for making flights more expensive. At present, a ticket to another country can cost less than a train journey within one's own, even though the plane does far more damage to the climate. When something harmful is cheap, people use it without thinking. A higher price would encourage travellers to take fewer short trips and to choose the train where one is available, and the money raised could be spent on cleaner transport.

However, a simple tax on every ticket has serious weaknesses. Wealthy passengers would hardly notice the extra cost and would continue to fly as often as before, while families on low incomes might lose their one holiday a year. People who live far from relatives, including many migrants, would find it harder to visit them. Countries that depend on tourism could also suffer if visitor numbers fell sharply.

For these reasons, I think the tax should rise with the number of flights a person takes. The first return flight each year could be taxed lightly, with the rate increasing for each additional journey. This would target frequent flyers, who are responsible for a large share of emissions, without punishing occasional travellers. Governments should also invest in fast rail links so that people have a real alternative.

In conclusion, I agree that flying should cost more, but only if the burden falls mainly on those who fly most. A fair system, combined with better railways, would reduce pollution without limiting travel to the rich.