Kayak, a travel search engine, uses AI to help users research trips before they book. This week, the company launched an “AI Mode” feature that allows users to ask travel-related questions, compare and book flights, hotels and cars through an AI chatbot integrated into its website.
This feature is currently available on both desktop and mobile web and leverages Kayak and ChatGPT integration to deliver contextual results.
The development follows the April launch of Kayak.ai, which the company built as a testing ground for working with AI technology. This site combines Kayak’s data and tools with OpenAI’s technology to allow our technical team to experiment with AI capabilities before bringing them to Kayak.com.
Essentially, the AI Mode feature provides the same functionality as the Kayak.ai website, but is now built directly into the Kayak website. The company suggests users can ask the chatbot for travel ideas, such as where to fly under a certain price range, the best deals to a desired destination, comparing hotel amenities, finding direct flights, car rental options, etc.
Additionally, users can ask the AI more open-ended questions, such as “I want to party on NYE, where should I go?” Get recommendations without a specific destination in mind. Or you can find out when is the best time to fly somewhere based on flight ticket prices. (Kayak shares other AI prompt ideas on his blog).
This feature could be useful in assisting consumers in the early stages of travel planning, when they are just considering ideas. However, it remains to be seen whether AI users will easily convert into paying customers using these methods.
AI Mode is initially available in English in the US, but will be expanded to other countries and languages later this month. The company also plans to roll out this feature to more platforms and add support for voice-based requests “soon.”
Travel is an area that AI providers and travel companies alike are exploring, as online booking can be a frustrating and tedious experience for consumers as it stands. To test consumer demand for AI solutions, OpenAI recently announced deals with travel companies such as Expedia and Booking.com. (The latter also owns Kayak’s parent company, Booking Holdings). As a result, these services can now operate as apps within ChatGPT.
By comparison, Kayak’s decision to run an AI chatbot on its site could give the company direct access to consumer insights about its use of AI.
