Executive Travel : Travel Costs Up 4.1% in July; Air Fares Rose the Most, 7.9%

The cost of travel rose 4.1% in July from the same month a year ago, according to a study conducted by the Travel Industry Assn. of America.

The cost of travel rose faster than the 2.8% increase in the consumer price index, the Washington-based association said.

Air fares rose the most, jumping 7.9% from a year earlier, followed by gasoline, which increased 3.1%. Overall transportation costs gained 5.7%.

The cost of lodging increased 5.2% in July from a year earlier, food prices were up 2.5% and entertainment costs rose 3.6%.

In the first seven months of the year, the overall cost of travel rose 2.8%, compared to an increase of 2.9% in the consumer price index, the association said.

Gasoline prices rose 5.8% in the first seven months and air fares increased 0.9%. Overall transportation costs increased 2.8%.

Lodging costs were up 3.5%, food prices gained 2.2% and entertainment costs rose 3.3%.

The Travel Industry Assn.’s membership includes representatives from government agencies and the hotel, airline, rental car, and travel agency industries, among others.