Google AI Adds Flight, Hotel Features
Google's AI search tool now tracks flight prices in over 180 countries and books U.S. hotels, acting as an AI travel agent.
Google announced on Thursday that its AI Mode conversational search experience can now track flight prices and help users book hotels. The updates move the tool beyond simple information retrieval into handling parts of the actual trip-planning and booking process.
This expansion positions AI Mode as a form of AI travel agent. The company is integrating capabilities that allow it to manage tasks traditionally handled by users or dedicated booking platforms.
Flight Price Tracking and Booking
Users can describe their desired travel dates and destinations to AI Mode. The tool then displays available options with current prices sourced from over 300 airlines and travel sites. A user can proceed to build an itinerary directly within the interface.
If a user prefers to wait for a potential price drop, they can ask the AI to track specific flight prices. AI Mode will then send an email notification if prices change for the specified route and dates. Google states this flight price tracking feature is now available in more than 180 countries.
Hotel Discovery and Reservations
Hotel booking is being introduced through a conversational interface. Users state their trip details and preferences to receive a list of hotel options, complete with reviews and key factors.
Once a selection is made, users can ask AI Mode to assist with the booking. The process requires selecting a "Continue on Google" option that appears alongside Google's integrated partners. Google notes that the actual booking and any subsequent customer service are handled by the hotel or booking platform, not Google itself.
The hotel booking feature has started rolling out in the United States in English and will become available over the coming weeks. It includes offerings from a wide range of partners.
Points and Miles Display
A further update allows AI Mode to display costs in loyalty points or miles for both flights and hotels. A user can, for example, ask for options using specific airline miles for a given itinerary. The tool will then show how many miles are required to book matching flights. Google says this feature is available globally.
The tech giant's announcement, covered by TechCrunch, frames these additions as significant steps for its AI-powered search experience. The integration of booking flows and price tracking directly into a conversational AI represents a shift in how the tool is meant to be used. It is now capable of executing transactions, not just finding information.
