Google adds flight tracking, rewards and hotel booking to AI Mode in Search

MUMBAI: Google is giving travel planning a smarter route. Google has introduced three new travel features in AI Mode in Search, allowing users to track flight prices, check the cost of flights and hotels in points or miles, and book hotels directly through an AI-powered conversation.

The upgrades are designed to bring more of the travel planning and booking process into AI Mode, reducing the need to jump between different search results, travel websites and booking platforms.

Track flight prices through AI Mode

Google is bringing its popular Google Flights price-tracking feature into AI Mode, allowing users to set up fare alerts while chatting with the search tool.

Users can describe their preferred destination and travel dates, after which AI Mode will display available flight options and current prices sourced from more than 300 partner airlines and travel sites.

Travellers who are not ready to book can simply ask AI Mode to track the prices. Once the tracking is confirmed, Google will send an email when prices change for the selected destination and dates, allowing users to decide when to book.

The flight price-tracking feature is now available in more than 180 countries and territories.

For users ready to travel, AI Mode can also help build a complete itinerary, with ticket purchases completed through the airline’s website or the user’s preferred booking platform.

Check points and miles before booking

The second update targets frequent travellers who prefer to use loyalty rewards instead of cash.

AI Mode can now show the number of points or miles required for eligible flights and hotels, using the latest information supplied by participating partners.

Users can ask for options based on a particular rewards programme, destination and travel dates. Once they select an option, AI Mode directs them to the partner website to complete the rewards redemption.

Google said the points and miles feature is now available globally, initially supporting programmes linked to Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, American Airlines, Choice Hotels International, Hilton and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.

Support for Accor, Flying Blue, Hyatt, LATAM Airlines and Lufthansa Group is expected to be added in the coming weeks.

Hotel booking comes to AI Mode

Google is also bringing hotel reservations directly into AI Mode, allowing users to discover, compare and book hotels within the same conversation.

Travellers can describe their trip and hotel preferences, with AI Mode presenting a visual selection of properties along with guest reviews and key factors for comparison.

Once a hotel is selected, users can ask AI Mode to help complete the booking. Selecting “Continue on Google” from the booking options takes users through room selection, booking details and cancellation policies before payment is completed securely through Google Pay.

The hotel or booking platform remains the merchant of record and handles customer service after the booking.

Hotel booking through AI Mode has started rolling out in the US in English. Google said the feature will expand over the coming weeks and will initially work with partners including Booking.com, Choice Hotels International, Expedia, Hilton, Hotels.com, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, Priceline, Trip.com and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.

The latest additions expand Google’s push to make AI Mode more than a conventional search interface. By bringing fare alerts, loyalty rewards and hotel reservations into the same conversational experience, Google is positioning Search as a more active travel-planning companion, from the first price check to the final booking.