Leisure price index: Prices for travel and pets soar
The Comparis leisure price index measures how prices are changing for leisure activities in Switzerland. The index shows: Flight prices are 77% higher today than they were five years ago.
30.04.2026
iStock / byakkaya
1. How have leisure prices changed?
In March 2026, the prices for leisure goods in Switzerland, compared to the same month the previous year, had risen by 0.9%. This is shown by the Comparis leisure price index.
The most important points at a glance:
Compared to February 2026, the largest price increase was recorded for package holidays, at 5.2%.
For air travel, too, air travel you also have to dig deeper into your pockets than in the previous month: the costs have risen by 3.9%.
The sharpest fall was in prices for parahotels (down 20.9% compared to February 2026).
A lot cheaper have also other services for private transport (down 8.4%). Car rental and car sharing account for the largest share of the price decrease, with a fall of 22.1%.
In comparison with February 2026 In comparison with February 2026, prices in the leisure price index shopping basket have fallen by 0.3%. by 0.3%.
You can find more figures and background information on the study’s findings in the Comparis leisure price index March 2026.
The leisure price index shows the inflation of various leisure activities in Switzerland. It takes into account, among other things, the costs of travel, hotels, restaurant visits and cultural events.
What is the purpose of the leisure price index?
Leisure activities are among the central necessities of life: According to official figures, people in Switzerland spend around 11% of their household budget on leisure, culture, travel and eating out (as of 2019).
The problem: In other statistics, these important expenditure items are not taken sufficiently into account. The leisure price index sheds detailed light on these figures and provides a broader picture of price trends in Switzerland.
It’s calculated in collaboration with the KOF Swiss Economic Institute at ETH ZurichThe index complements the Comparis Consumer Price Index and the Comparis T&H index for transport and housing.
2. Leisure price index: this is the current index level
In March 2026, goods and services in the leisure price index were 0.9% more expensive than in the same month of the previous year.
General inflation according to the FSO’s National Consumer Price Index was 0.3%.
3. The full extent of the impact on travel prices is not yet apparent
Compared to February, the cost of package holidays has risen by 5.2%. For Flights you currently pay on average 3.9% more than a month ago.
Compared with five years ago, five years ago prices for package holidays have risen by 33% have risen. Flights are even 77% more expensive.
Comparis consumer finance expert Michael Kuhn explains:
As with package holidays, seasonal effects play a role in air travel. In addition, there is a large amount of pent-up demand, capacity and skilled labour shortages, general inflation and a high willingness to pay. However, that’s not the end of the story: flying is set to become even more expensive. The sharp rise in kerosene prices since the start of the Iran war will only have a delayed impact on ticket and package holiday prices.
In addition, the supply for both package holidays and flights will be reduced . Due to the higher kerosene prices, travel agencies are trying to reduce the number of bookings they accept. Airlines, to save by taking the following measures:
They are optimising their networks.
They cancel unprofitable flights.
They are taking fuel-intensive aircraft out of service.
They focus on a few hubs.
For package holidays, too, prices will also rise. This is because airfare prices drive up costs – albeit with a time lag, as prices are generally locked in for the short term. At the same time, supply is decreasing, and demand is shifting from crisis regions to safe destinations.
What this means for price trends is explained by Michael Kuhn:
For air travellers, this means higher ticket prices, less choice, last-minute flight changes or cancellations, and more indirect flights, i.e., longer journey times. However, since the desire to travel remains unchanged – despite reduced supply and simultaneously rising flight prices – package holidays also tend to become more expensive, and last-minute deals are likely to become less common. Michael Kuhn
How to save on travel
Last-minute deals are becoming less frequent and more expensive. Therefore, it’s best to book a few months in advance, especially for the summer and holiday periods.
Flexibility with travel dates can also save you money. This could mean, for example, departing on a Tuesday instead of a Saturday.
As airlines are reducing their services, it’s worth taking a look at:
Departures from smaller airports
Connections with a stopover. These are also often cheaper than direct flights.
Combinations of train and flight
As a result, you feel the impact of the reduced number of direct connections to a lesser extent.
Despite increased prices, package holidays can still offer advantages. These include, for example, price protection against further increases in flight prices as well as protection in the event of cancellations.
Nevertheless, it’s worth comparing them with individual bookings – sometimes it’s cheaper if you combine options yourself.
4. More pets, higher costs
Over the last five years, the costs for pets have also risen sharply. This includes the prices of pet supplies with an increase of 5%. veterinary treatment have risen by 13%. According to Michael Kuhn this is due to the following reasons:
Increased costs for transport and energy
Increased raw material prices
High willingness to pay
Increased demand for pets since the coronavirus pandemic
However, developments in medicine also play a role, according to Kuhn and play a role.
In veterinary care, similar factors are at play as in human medicine: diagnosis and treatment are becoming more complex, there are more specialised clinics, and there is a shortage of skilled workers and rising staff costs. However, unlike in human medicine, there is no binding fee system. Michael Kuhn
How to save on pet supplies and vet costs
You can prevent expensive treatments through regular vaccinations, dental care and check-ups. If detected early, veterinarians can treat many diseases significantly more cheaply.
As with humans, the same applies to animals: Treatment costs can vary greatly. For major procedures, it’s worth requesting a cost estimate. You should also consult a second practice. This creates transparency and can save you a lot of money.
Given the high cost of some treatments, it may be worth setting aside a small amount each month for pet-related expenses. You can also check whether a pet health insurance policy is worthwhile for you. This can help reduce the financial burden, especially in the event of unexpected operations.
5. Who is most affected by inflation in the leisure sector?
Over the past twelve months, the highest inflation in leisure goods was experienced by single-person households aged 65 and over. Compared to the previous year, the inflation rate was 1.4%.
From a purely mathematical perspective, by household type, couples with children experience the lowest inflation. With an index level of 111.4, the inflation among this group over the past twelve months was 0.7%.
This article was first published on 21.05.2024
