Google adds flight tracking and hotel booking to AI Mode

Google is rolling out new travel features in AI Mode, its conversational interface. The tool now tracks flight prices in over 180 countries, begins offering hotel bookings in the United States, and displays costs in points or miles everywhere. The company announced these additions on Thursday.

Global Availability and Hotel Partners

The display of costs in points or miles for flights and hotels is now accessible worldwide. Hotel booking via AI Mode has started to be deployed in the United States in English, with offers to be presented in the coming weeks from partners such as Booking.com, Choice Hotels International, Expedia, Hilton, Hotels.com, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, Priceline, Trip.com, and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. Additionally, flight price tracking is available in over 180 countries.

Flights: Guided Search, Itineraries, and Email Alerts

Users can inform AI Mode of their travel dates and destinations to receive the best options, with updated fares from over 300 airlines and travel sites. They can build their itinerary directly in AI Mode if they wish to book, or ask the tool to track flight prices. If there is a price change for the selected destination and dates, an email is sent to the user. Flight price tracking is part of the new features announced.

Hotels: From Selection to Confirmation with Google Pay

To book a hotel, AI Mode offers a conversational experience that takes into account the user's preferences, with a list of options including reviews and important criteria. After selecting a hotel, the user clicks on the Continue on Google option, then can choose a room, review information such as the cancellation policy, and finalize the booking with Google Pay. The booking and customer service are then handled by the hotel or the partner platform. AI Mode also allows users to see the cost in points or miles for hotels and indicates the number of miles required for flight bookings.