Google is turning trip planning into a conversation, with new tools that could change when travelers search, compare, and book.
Google has expanded AI Mode’s capabilities for travel planning. Conversational search can now help track flight prices, find and book hotels, and calculate the cost of flights and accommodation in loyalty program miles or points.
Tracking Flight Prices in AI Mode
Users can describe their itinerary, specify dates and their destination. AI Mode will then offer available flight options with current fares from more than 300 airlines and travel services.
If it is still too early to buy tickets, the tool allows users to enable price tracking for a specific flight. If the price changes, Google will send an email notification.
The flight fare tracking feature in Google AI Mode is available in more than 180 countries.
Calculating Travel Costs in Miles and Points
AI Mode can also show how much flights and accommodation will cost when paid for with miles or points. To do this, users need to specify the loyalty program, itinerary, travel dates, and other details.
The ability to calculate prices in points and miles works globally and may be useful for travelers who accumulate rewards from airlines, hotel chains, or travel platforms.
Booking Hotels Through Google AI Mode
Google has also begun rolling out hotel bookings through conversations with AI Mode. Users simply need to specify a city or other destination, travel dates, and accommodation preferences.
The system will suggest suitable hotels, displaying key terms and reviews. After selecting an option, users need to choose “Continue on Google,” select a room, review the cancellation policy, and pay for the booking through Google Pay.
The hotel itself or a partner platform will handle the booking process and subsequent customer support. The rollout of hotel booking in English has begun in the United States.
Over the coming weeks, the service is expected to offer options from Booking.com, Choice Hotels International, Expedia, Hilton, Hotels.com, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, Priceline, Trip.com, and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. AI Mode’s new capabilities are intended to bring search, price comparison, and travel booking together in a single Google conversation.