Google's AI Mode Adds Flight Price Tracking and Hotel Booking

Google has added flight price tracking and hotel booking to AI Mode, TechCrunch reported. The move pushes AI Mode beyond simply helping users find information toward becoming an "AI travel agent" that can handle parts of the trip-planning and booking process itself, the outlet said.

The first feature is flight price tracking. Once a user describes a destination and dates, AI Mode compares prices across more than 300 airlines and travel sites, then emails the user when prices change. TechCrunch reported the feature is available in more than 180 countries.

The second is hotel booking. AI Mode presents options with reviews and key details after the user describes their preferences conversationally, and once they pick one, a "Continue on Google" button lets them complete payment through Google Pay. It connects to ten major booking platforms — Booking.com, Expedia, Marriott, Hilton, IHG, and Choice Hotels among them — and TechCrunch reported that the actual booking and any customer service is still handled by the hotel or booking platform itself. The feature is rolling out first in the US in English, with broader regional and language coverage expected over the coming weeks.

The third is a miles/points calculator. TechCrunch's own example request reads: "I want to travel from Atlanta to Miami using my AA miles. Help me find some options for nonstop flights departing Oct 9 and returning on Oct 12." AI Mode then shows how many miles the trip would require, a feature the outlet said is already available worldwide. TechCrunch's report did not include a quote from a Google spokesperson or any mention of privacy safeguards.

In Korea

It isn't yet clear whether this update supports Korean the same way, but it illustrates a broader shift of AI search from providing information to handling actual transactions — bookings and payments. For Korean travel and hospitality businesses, whether their offerings appear in AI answers and convert into real bookings could become a factor that shapes future traffic and revenue.