Google has been rolling out AI-powered features left, right, and center. The latest of its tools to get the big upgrade is Google Flights, now powered with generative AI technology.
This kind of update seems perfectly set up for booking flights. It allows Google Flight users to perfectly customize a booking to their needs. “Flight Deals is designed for travelers whose number one goal is saving money on their next trip,” Jade Kessler, Product Manager for Google Flights, explained in a blog post.
“Instead of playing with different dates, destinations, and filters to uncover the best deals, you can just describe, when, where, and how you’d like to travel — as though you’re talking to a friend — and Flight Deals will take care of the rest.”
This works in a similar way to other generative AI tools you might have used, like ChatGPT or an AI image generator. Open up Google Flights and use the search bar. Google gives the example of “week-long trip this winter to a city with great food, nonstop only” or “10-day ski trip to a world-class resort with fresh powder.”
This is a style that is becoming more common in booking tools thanks to AI. Instead of searching using filters and locations, you can search via a description, including the key features you’re after. Once you’ve searched, Google Flights will respond with the best prices available that match the requirements in your search.
Google is currently launching this feature in beta. At this stage, the tool is still in training, but Google promises that you can still use Google Flights in its standard form, even if you’ve received the AI update.
This feature will first roll out in the US, Canada and India. You don’t need to opt in, it will simply automatically become available to you. The feature can be used either from the Flight Deals page or via the top-left menu on Google Flights.
