Travel search engine Kayak will now allow users to research trips before booking using AI. The company this week launched an “AI Mode” feature that lets users ask travel-related questions as well as compare and book flights, hotels and cars through an AI chatbot integrated on the company’s website.
The feature is currently available on both desktop and mobile web, and leverages Kayak’s integration with ChatGPT to deliver relevant results.
The rollout follows the company’s April launch Kayak.ai, Created as a testing ground for working with AI technology. That site combined Kayak’s data and tools with OpenAI’s technology, giving its technology team the opportunity to try out AI features before bringing them to Kayak.com.
Essentially, the AI Mode feature provides the same functionality as the Kayak.AI website but now built directly into Kayak’s website. The company suggests users can ask the chatbot for travel ideas, such as places to fly under a certain price point, the best deals for a favorite destination, comparing hotel amenities, finding nonstop flights and rental car options, and more.
Plus, users can ask the AI more open-ended questions, like “I want to party for NYE – where should I go?” Receiving recommendations without specific destinations in mind. Or they can figure out when is the best time to fly somewhere based on ticket prices. (Kayak shares other AI prompt ideas on its blog.)
This feature can be useful in helping consumers in the early stages of travel planning when they are just exploring ideas. However, it remains to be seen whether AI users are easily converted into paying customers using these methods.
The AI mode is initially available in English in the United States, but will be expanded to other countries and languages later in the month. The company also plans to roll out the feature to more platforms and add support for voice-based requests “soon.”
Travel is an area that is being explored by AI providers and travel companies alike, as online booking can be a frustrating and tedious experience for consumers as it is today. To test consumer demand for AI solutions, OpenAI recently announced deals with travel companies like Expedia and Booking.com (the latter is also owned by Kayak’s parent company, Booking HoldingsAs a result, those services can now work as apps inside ChatGPT.
By comparison, Kayak’s decision to run an AI chatbot on its site may give the company more direct access to consumer insights about its use of AI.
