Google's AI Mode to let users track flight prices and book hotels
Google is expanding its AI Mode conversational search tool with new travel features, including flight price tracking, hotel booking, and the ability to view costs in points or miles. The updates push AI Mode toward becoming a kind of AI travel agent.
Google announced on Thursday that it is adding new travel planning and booking capabilities to AI Mode, its conversational search experience. The move signals Google's intent to shift AI Mode from a tool that simply helps users find information into one that can handle parts of the trip-planning and booking process itself.
Flight price tracking
Users can now describe when and where they want to fly, and AI Mode will surface the best available options using current prices pulled from more than 300 airlines and travel sites. Those ready to book can build an itinerary directly within AI Mode. Users who prefer to wait for a better deal can ask the tool to track prices for their chosen destination and dates, and they'll receive an email notification if prices change. Flight price tracking is now available in more than 180 countries.
Hotel booking
Users can describe their upcoming trip and hotel preferences to AI Mode and receive a list of options along with reviews and key details. Once a suitable hotel is found, users can ask AI Mode to help complete the booking by selecting "Continue on Google," which appears alongside Google's integrated partners. From there, they can choose a room, review details such as cancellation policy, and finalize the booking using Google Pay. Google notes that the actual booking and any customer service will be handled by the hotel or booking platform itself.
Hotel booking is rolling out first in the U.S. in English, with more offerings expected over the coming weeks from partners including Booking.com, Choice Hotels International, Expedia, Hilton, Hotels.com, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, Priceline, Trip.com, and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.
Prices in points or miles
Google also said AI Mode can now show the cost of flights and hotels in loyalty points or airline miles, letting users see, for example, how many miles a specific flight would require. This feature is now available globally.
