The New York Times reported yesterday that American Airlines canceled nearly 1100 flights due to technical problems with a fleet of its planes.

As a traveler, I empathize with everyone whose flights got called off, but as an environmentalist I can’t help but think it’s not all bad.

photo credit: Cubbie_n_Vegas

According to the Carbon Footprint calculator, a direct flight from New York City to San Francisco creates 1.048 tons of CO2. Let’s assume that’s about average, considering some of these flights are likely international. At that rate, the 1100 canceled flights mean 1150 fewer tons of CO2 were emitted yesterday.

And while United, Delta, JetBlue, and US Airways are pledging to cut back on flights and fuel usage, American is dragging its feet.

So maybe it’s a little environmental karma for AA?