Over the last five years, flight prices have exploded: Today, one pays nearly 70% more for a flight than in 2021. This is shown by the Comparis Leisure Price Index. "Flying is likely to become even more expensive over the next twelve months - especially in Business Class," says Comparis finance expert Michael Kuhn. In contrast to flights, hotel prices increased by 13.6% over the same period. Moreover, prices in the para-hospitality sector have even dropped: Camping, holiday apartments, and BnB are slightly cheaper today than five years ago (minus 2.8%).
The Comparis Leisure Index is also rising faster this month than the national consumer price index (CPI) of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), which includes all consumer prices, not just leisure goods. The CPI did not change from May to June.
Holidays and mobility drive prices up in June
The rise in the Comparis Leisure Index from May to June can be attributed to various products becoming more expensive. Prices for other individual mobility services - such as car rentals and car sharing - rose the most, by 4.6% (May: plus 3.2%).
Consumers also have to pay more for para-hospitality (such as holiday apartments, camping, etc.). Prices climbed by 3.9% in June. "Seasonal holiday effects are at play here: There is more demand and many providers temporarily increase prices - especially the closer the arrival date gets," explains Comparis finance expert Michael Kuhn. "Additionally, operating costs are rising; from higher energy costs to higher wages to increased insurance and maintenance prices."
The steepest price declines in June
In June, some products became cheaper: for example, image and sound carriers by 5.8%. Prices for TV, audio, and video equipment also fell (minus 1.9%), photo and video equipment (minus 0.9%), as well as toys and hobby goods (minus 0.8%).
For air travel, consumers paid 7.3% less than in May - but still 3.4% more than in June 2025. "After the very high prices in April 2026, various tariffs were adjusted in May and June as booking willingness declined due to increased ticket prices, geopolitical uncertainty, and concerns over kerosene supply. Furthermore, additional capacity and more competition on specific routes resulted in lower prices," explains Kuhn.
According to Eurocontrol, the flight supply increased: Between June 29 and July 5, an average of 36,055 flights per day were conducted within the European flight network. That was 3.4% more than the same week last year. Low-cost traffic also rose. In the current year, 8% more low-cost flights were carried out than in the same period in 2025. More than one in three flights (36%) fell into this segment.
Kuhn states, "The demand for air travel is high and allows low-cost carriers further growth. With their low rates, they dampen the rise of ticket prices - but can hardly bring about a lasting trend reversal."
"Flying will probably become even more expensive in the long run"
Rather, long-term comparison shows that air travel prices have literally exploded compared to June 2021, with a price increase of 68%. "But this is not the end of the line: Flying is likely to become even more expensive over the next 12 months. Especially tickets for Business Class are expected to rise. The supply remains limited, competition is lower, and customers are less sensitive to price changes. At the same time, willingness to pay is higher," comments Kuhn.
"The main drivers for rising flight prices are the high costs of fuel, personnel, and maintenance, as well as ongoing supply issues with new aircraft. This is particularly felt in long-haul flights. In addition, airlines specifically reduce their capacity on less profitable routes."
Staying at a campsite has become cheaper
Hotel prices have risen by 13.6% over the past five years. Para-hospitality, such as camping and staying in holiday apartments or BnBs, is even cheaper today than five years ago (minus 2.8%).
Inflation hits single elderly households the hardest
Single households aged 65 and over have experienced the highest inflation over the past 12 months. They currently feel an inflation rate of 1% compared to the previous year. In June, their cost of living increased by another 0.2% compared to the previous month.
Comparing household types, couples with children experienced the lowest inflation. With an index level of 111.9, they have felt inflation of 0.6% over the past 12 months.
Italian Switzerland: Lowest annual inflation, strongest monthly increase
Among language regions, German and Romansh Switzerland recorded the highest inflation compared to the previous year, at 0.7%. Compared to the previous month, the price level rose by 0.2% in June.
Italian Switzerland exhibited the lowest inflation compared to the previous year, at 0.4%. However, prices there rose the most compared to the previous month - by 0.7%.
Tips for consumers
Utilize temporary price drops:
Flight prices undergo extreme fluctuations. If the kerosene price falls or the flight supply rises - as before the summer holidays - prices can temporarily drop. Those who are flexible and compare dates can take advantage of such price valleys before the long-term upward trend makes flight tickets more expensive again.
Use flight days and off-peak seasons:
Besides the booking time, the flight day determines the price. Flights in the middle of the week (e.g., Tuesday or Wednesday) are often cheaper than on weekends. Those not tied to school holidays should schedule bookings for the off-season.
Calculate travel with your own vehicle:
Ancillary costs for individual transport and cars are rising. For car trips to the holidays, fuel prices, tolls, and parking fees should be calculated in advance to realistically estimate the total travel price.
*Comparis Leisure Price Index
The national consumer price index (CPI) measures price changes based on a representative shopping basket of around 1,050 goods and services. A sustained decrease in monetary value or an increase in the average price level denotes inflation. The CPI was restructured at the beginning of 2026 and includes 13 main categories - including, for the first time, the main category of insurance and financial services. Large expenditure items, such as social insurance premiums or direct taxes, are not captured. Therefore, the CPI does not reflect the actual perceived inflation experienced by consumers.
The Comparis Leisure Price Index, in collaboration with the KOF Institute of ETH Zurich, exclusively maps inflation in the fields of leisure and culture, restaurants and hotels, and travel. It also specifically considers certain household groups, income classes, and language regions. Important note: Figures marked with an (*) have been directly computed by the Federal Statistical Office (CPI/FSO) or are based on CPI/FSO data.
The data basis for the Comparis Leisure Price Index consists of the national consumer price index (CPI) and the Household Budget Survey (HABE). The weightings for the new price indices are constructed from the HABE. Then, chained Laspeyres indices are calculated with the CPI price series. The index basis is December 2017 (equivalent to 100%).
Further information:
Michael Kuhn
Consumer Finance Expert
Phone: 044 360 53 91
Email: media@comparis.ch
comparis.ch