The latest update introduces key features, flight price tracking, points and miles information for eligible flights and hotels, and direct hotel booking in AI mode for users in the US.
With this feature, travellers can get real-time data to compare flights and hotels, find the best recommendations across the web, and craft the perfect itinerary. Here’s a detail look into what the new Google AI travel features can do:
Track flight prices
It is quite frustrating to wait and track for the right airfare while planning a trip, but Google is now bringing its Google Flights price tracking feature into AI mode, allowing users to set up price alerts while chatting about their travel plans.
Travellers can tell AI mode their preferred destination and travel dates, and it will surface flight options using current information from more than 300 partner airlines and travel websites.
If you’re ready to book, you can build your full itinerary in AI mode and buy your tickets through the airline’s website or your preferred booking platform. Want to wait and see if prices drop? You can simply ask AI mode to track the prices.
Once tracking is confirmed, Google will send an email when there is a price change for the selected route and dates so you can jump on deals the moment they hit your inbox. The feature is now available across more than 180 countries and territories around the world.
Check how many points or miles you need
If you are a frequent flyer and hotel loyalty member, redeeming the hard-earned rewards is another great way to save on travel. AI mode in search can show you the cost in points or miles for flights and hotels.
Instead of searching separately for flights and then checking a loyalty programme for redemption rates, users can ask AI mode to find eligible options using their preferred points or miles. The system can show the number of miles required to book matching flights, based on the latest data directly from participating partners.
The same concept works for hotels. Users can specify where and when they are traveling and ask how many points they would need through a particular rewards programme. While booking, they can follow the link to the partner site and complete their rewards redemption.
Google says viewing points and miles rates in AI mode is now globally available, initially supporting programmes and companies including Alaska Airlines/Hawaiian Airlines, American Airlines, Choice Hotels International, Hilton and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. Additional partners, including Accor, Hyatt, LATAM Airlines and Lufthansa Group, are expected to be added in the coming weeks.
Book your dream hotel right in AI mode
Google is also making the hotel-booking process quick and effortless. Wondering how? Head over to AI mode in search, describe where you are going, dates and hotel preferences, and AI mode can display a visual selection of properties along with guest reviews, price comparison, and rewards.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Tell AI mode about your upcoming trip and your hotel preferences to get a visual list of options, complete with guest reviews and key factors to compare.
Step 2: Once you’ve found the right hotel, users can ask AI mode to help them complete the booking.
Step 3: Then, select ‘Continue on Google’ in the list of booking options.
Step 4: Upon this, the list of integrated partners, which include hotel chains and online travel sites, will appear on the screen.
Step 5: Now, just pick your room type, review details like the cancellation policy, and complete the booking securely via Google Pay.
Hotel booking through AI mode has started rolling out in the US in English. It will be available over the coming weeks with participating partners including, Booking.com, Choice Hotels International, Expedia, Hilton, Hotels.com, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, Priceline, Trip.com, and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.
