Abstract:
Google announced on Thursday local time that it will launch more travel planning and booking functions for its conversational search experience AI Mode. In the future, users can use this service to track air ticket prices, book hotels, and check the points or miles required for air tickets and hotels, further expanding AI Mode from an information retrieval tool to an "AI travel assistant" that can participate in the itinerary planning and booking process.
In terms of air tickets, users can directly ask AI Mode explains the origin, destination and travel time, and the system will display available flights and real-time prices based on the latest information from more than 300 airlines and travel websites. If the user has determined the itinerary, they can also build a travel plan directly in AI Mode; if they want to wait for price reductions, they can make requests such as "track these air ticket prices".
After tracking is enabled, once the fare corresponding to the destination and date set by the user changes, the system will send a reminder via email. Google said that AI Mode’s air ticket price tracking function currently covers more than 180 countries and regions.
The hotel reservation function is also launched in the form of conversation. Users can introduce their upcoming travel plans and accommodation preferences to AI Mode, and the system will list hotel options that meet the requirements and provide reviews and other key reference information. After selecting a hotel, users can ask AI Mode to assist in completing the booking process.
When entering the pre-order stage, users need to select the "Continue on Google" option next to the Google integration partner. Users can then select a specific room type, view booking details such as cancellation policies, and complete payment using Google Pay. Google pointed out that the actual booking fulfillment and customer service will still be the responsibility of the hotel or the corresponding booking platform.
At present, the AI Mode hotel reservation service has begun to be gradually launched for English-speaking users in the United States. In the next few weeks, it will gradually support listings provided by partners such as Booking.com, Choice Hotels International, Expedia, Hilton, Hotels.com, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts Group, Marriott International, Priceline, Trip.com and Wyndham Hotels and Resorts.
In addition, AI Mode now supports displaying air ticket and hotel prices by points or miles. For example, a user can ask: "I want to use American Airlines AA miles to fly from Atlanta to Miami. Please help me find a direct flight departing on October 9 and returning on October 12." The system will then display the number of miles required for the qualifying flight. This feature is now available globally.
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