Planning a trip? Google AI Mode now lets you track flights, use miles and book hotels

Planning a trip could soon require fewer separate searches, with Google bringing more travel tools into AI Mode in Search. The latest update adds features for tracking airfare, checking loyalty rewards and, for users in the US, booking hotels without leaving the AI Mode experience.

The tools are designed to let travellers handle several parts of trip planning through a conversational search experience.

Track flight prices in AI Mode

Google is integrating its Google Flights price-tracking feature into AI Mode. Travellers can provide a destination and travel dates, browse available options and ask AI Mode to monitor fares.

Flight information is sourced from more than 300 partner airlines and travel websites. Once price tracking is enabled, Google will send an email when there is a change in the fare for the selected route and dates.

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

Check flights and hotels using points

The update also brings loyalty rewards into AI Mode. Users can ask the system to find eligible flights using their preferred points or miles and check how many rewards are needed for a particular option.

The feature also works for hotels, allowing travellers to enter their destination and dates and find out how many points may be required through a participating loyalty programme.

Google said the feature is globally available, with initial support for programmes and companies including Alaska Airlines/Hawaiian Airlines, American Airlines, Choice Hotels International, Hilton and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.

Accor, Hyatt, LATAM Airlines and Lufthansa Group are among the additional partners expected to be added.

Book hotels without leaving AI Mode

Google is also making hotel searches and bookings more closely connected to AI Mode. Travellers can describe their destination, dates and preferred hotel features, after which the system can show properties along with guest reviews and other information for comparison.

For participating partners, users can select ‘Continue on Google’ to proceed through room selection, booking details and cancellation policies before completing the reservation using Google Pay.

Hotel booking through AI Mode is initially rolling out in the US in English. Participating partners include Booking.com, Expedia, Hilton, Hotels.com, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, Priceline, Trip.com and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.