The Bureau of Labor Statistics released the May consumer price index summary yesterday and within it was a piece of data that has gone somewhat unnoticed.

The index for lodging away from home rose 2.0 percent and has increased 4.0 percent over the last three months. The index for airline fares rose sharply in May; its 5.8 percent increase was the largest since July 1999.

And…

The index for all items less food and energy has risen 2.0 percent over the last 12 months; this is the highest figure since February 2013. The 12-month increase in the shelter index reached 2.9 percent in May, its highest level since March 2008. The index for airline fares has increased 4.7 percent over the span, and the medical care index has risen 2.8 percent. Indexes that have risen more modestly over the past 12 months include apparel (0.8 percent), new vehicles (0.5 percent), and used cars and trucks (0.2 percent).

Airline prices are on the rise and with oil prices likely to rise in the coming weeks there will be little relief. But hey, consolidation is a good thing. Right?