Google expands AI mode with new tools for smarter travel planning

13:30

By: Azzat Manal

Google expands AI mode with new tools for smarter travel planning

Google is expanding the capabilities of its AI Mode in Search with a new set of travel-planning features designed to make it easier for users to organize trips, monitor prices and find accommodation.

The new tools allow travelers to search for flights by entering their destination and preferred travel dates directly into AI Mode. Google can then display options gathered from more than 300 airlines and travel websites, giving users a broader overview of available fares.

One of the main additions is a flight price-tracking feature. After selecting a destination and travel period, users can activate price alerts and receive email notifications when fares change. The feature is currently available across the regions and languages where AI Mode is offered, with the exception of countries and territories within the European Economic Area.

Google is also introducing new ways to search for travel costs using loyalty points and airline miles. Travelers can use AI Mode to estimate the number of miles required for flights or check hotel prices through available rewards programs. This could make the service particularly useful for frequent travelers who rely on loyalty schemes to reduce travel expenses.

The company has further expanded hotel-booking capabilities within AI Mode. Users can provide details about their trip and accommodation preferences, after which the system can present hotel options along with guest ratings and reviews. In supported cases, travelers can complete their bookings using Google Pay.

The initiative reflects Google's broader strategy of integrating artificial intelligence into everyday search and travel services. Instead of requiring users to move between multiple websites and applications, AI Mode is designed to bring flight searches, price monitoring, loyalty information and hotel reservations into a more unified experience.

As competition increases among online travel platforms and technology companies, AI-powered travel planning could become an increasingly important tool for consumers looking for convenient ways to compare prices and organize their journeys.