First-class air passengers costing world more: World Bank

If you are feeling jealous of those people lucky enough to be sitting at the pointy end of the plane? Well, you shouldn't be.

According to a study by the World Bank, you may be happy to learn that they're ruining the world, the Daily Telegraph reported.

It turns out first-class air passengers have a carbon footprint nine times larger than those crammed into cattle-class seats.

It's a complicated calculation looking at a range of factors including how much room each class of passenger takes up - for every person in first class, you could fit approximately six in economy class.

It also factors in global airline fuel consumption and passenger miles flown. When less passengers can fit on a plane, more fuel is burnt per person to get to a destination.

Those flying in luxury are also more likely to carry more bags, adding more weight and consuming more fuel.

Those in business class have a carbon footprint three times larger than those in economy.

The World Bank used these figures to probe the air travel habits of its employees and to calculate the company's total carbon footprint.

So next time you squeeze into your economy class seat, just think of how you're doing the world a favour.