Google is adding a new way for users to plan and book trips through AI Mode, a conversational search experience, the company announced Thursday. Users will be able to track flight prices in AI mode, book hotels, and view flight and hotel costs in points and miles.
These updates indicate that Google is positioning AI Mode as a sort of AI travel agent, moving beyond simply helping users find information and actually handling parts of the travel planning and booking process itself.
Users will be able to tell AI Mode when and where they want to fly, and the tool will show them the best options available at the latest prices from over 300 airlines and travel sites. When you’re ready to book, you can create an itinerary in AI mode. If you want to wait to see if prices go down, you can ask something like, “Track the prices of these tickets.”
You will receive an email if the price changes for the destination and dates you entered. Airline ticket price tracking in AI mode is currently available in over 180 countries.
When it comes to hotel bookings, users can find and book their next hotel through a conversation with an AI mode. Users can tell AI Mode their upcoming travel and hotel preferences and get a list of options along with reviews and key factors.
Once you find a hotel you like, you can let AI Mode help you complete the reservation. Next, you’ll need to select the (Continue with Google) option, which will appear alongside Google’s integration partners, such as hotel chains and travel sites.
From there, you can select your room, review details such as cancellation policies, and complete your reservation with Google Pay. The tech giant says the hotel or booking platform will handle reservations and customer service.
Hotel booking in AI mode is starting to roll out in English in the US and will be available in the coming weeks on Booking.com, Choice Hotels International, Expedia, Hilton, Hotels.com, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, Priceline, Trip.com, and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.
Google also announced that you can now see the cost of flights and hotels in points and miles in AI mode by asking questions like, “I’d like to use AA Miles to travel from Atlanta to Miami. Please help me find options for a nonstop flight departing on October 9th and returning on October 12th.”
Users will be shown the number of miles they need to book a matching flight. This update is now available worldwide.
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