Planning a trip could soon become much easier with Google’s latest AI update.
Google has added several travel-focused features to AI Mode, allowing users to search for flights and hotels, track changing ticket prices and even get help with hotel bookings.
The update could reduce the need to jump between multiple travel websites and apps while planning a holiday.
Track Flight Prices Without Checking Again and Again
Google has now brought its flight price tracking feature into AI Mode for Google Flights.
Users simply need to tell AI Mode their destination and travel dates.
It can then show available flights and prices from more than 300 airlines and travel partners.
Not ready to book yet? There is another useful option.
Users can ask AI Mode to track flight prices for their trip. Google will then send an email alert when the prices change.
The flight price tracking feature is available across more than 180 countries and territories.
Check Flight and Hotel Prices Using Points or Miles
The new update could also be useful for travellers who collect airline or hotel loyalty points.
Users can tell AI Mode their destination, travel dates and the loyalty programme they want to use.
AI Mode can then show available flights or hotels along with the points or miles required.
This could make it easier to compare whether using reward points is a better option than paying in cash.
Google says the points-and-miles feature is available globally, although it will initially support only selected airline and hotel partners.
AI Mode Can Also Help Find and Book Hotels
Google is taking the travel experience a step further by adding hotel booking capabilities to AI Mode.
Users can enter details such as their destination, travel dates and preferred hotel type.
AI Mode can then show different hotel options along with information such as guest reviews, helping users compare their choices.
Once they find a suitable hotel, users can ask AI Mode to help continue the booking process.
With supported partners, the “Continue on Google” option can help users select a room, check cancellation policies and make payments using Google Pay.
However, the actual booking and customer service will still be handled by the respective hotel or booking platform.
Hotel Booking Feature Is Currently Limited to the US
There is one important limitation.
The AI Mode hotel booking feature is currently being rolled out in the US and in English.
Google has partnered with several major travel and hotel companies, including Booking.com, Expedia, Hilton, Marriott International, Hotels.com, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Priceline, Trip.com and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.
Google says the feature will be expanded to more users in the coming weeks.
What Does This Mean for Travellers?
Google is clearly trying to turn AI Mode into a more complete travel-planning assistant.
Instead of separately searching for flights, monitoring prices, checking reward points and comparing hotels, users may increasingly be able to handle these tasks from one place.
For now, some features are limited by country, language and supported partners. But as Google expands them, planning and booking a trip could become much simpler.
