Google Search AI Mode gains flight price tracking, conversion to points/miles and hotel booking
Google is adding flight price tracking with email alerts (180+ countries), prices displayed in points/miles with selected partners and hotel booking (currently only in the USA, in English) to AI Mode in Search – all without leaving the conversation.
Google is expanding AI Mode in Search with three new travel features. The first is flight price tracking, brought over from Google Flights – users describe where and when they want to fly, and AI Mode offers current prices from more than 300 partner airlines and travel websites; after tracking is confirmed, an email alert arrives when the price changes. According to the company, the feature is available in more than 180 countries and territories.
The second addition is the display of flight and hotel prices in loyalty program points or miles. According to the company, the feature is available globally and is launching with support for programs from Alaska Airlines / Hawaiian Airlines, American Airlines, Choice Hotels International, Hilton and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts; according to the company, Accor, Flying Blue, Hyatt, LATAM Airlines and Lufthansa Group are expected to be added in the coming weeks.
The third feature is hotel booking directly within the AI Mode interface – users describe their trip and preferences, receive a list of hotels with reviews and, after making a selection, can complete the booking through the “Continue on Google” option and pay via Google Pay. According to the company, the hotel or booking platform becomes the merchant of record for these bookings and also handles customer service. According to the company, this feature is currently launching only in the USA in English, with partners Booking.com, Choice Hotels International, Expedia, Hilton, Hotels.com, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, Priceline, Trip.com and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.
Why it matters
The features allow users to plan and book a trip in a single conversation – track drops in flight prices, compare the use of points/miles and book a hotel directly, without switching between Google Flights, loyalty program apps and hotel websites. For airlines, hotel chains and travel platforms, this is a new direct distribution channel in Search; joining as an integrated partner (for hotels, currently only ten named companies in the USA; for points/miles, five partners with more planned) may affect visibility relative to competitors outside the program.
Two audiences, two different impacts
What this means
For individuals
Within a single conversation in AI Mode, users can set up flight price tracking with email alerts, find out the price of a flight or hotel in points or miles and complete a hotel booking directly, without having to switch between apps.
For a business
A new distribution channel is emerging directly within Google Search for airlines, hotel chains and travel platforms; companies that are not among the integrated partners (e.g. for hotels, currently only ten named chains and OTA in the USA) face a risk of lower visibility compared with competitors that have joined the program.
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