Google on Monday introduced new AI-driven features for Google Flights and AI Mode, aimed at enhancing travel planning during the upcoming busy holiday season and for vacations in the coming year. The Flight Deals experiment, launched by Google in August, is now accessible worldwide. This feature allows users to find better flight deals simply by asking the AI in natural language to locate flights that fit their budget and preferences. Additionally, AI Mode in Google Search has expanded travel-related capabilities, including a new Canvas feature that simplifies trip planning and broadens support for restaurant reservations.
Earlier this summer, Google launched Flight Deals—an AI-enhanced version of Google Flights—in the U.S., Canada, and India. It now extends to over 200 countries and territories with support for more than 60 languages. Travelers uncertain about their destination or timing can use Flight Deals conversationally, as if “talking to a friend,” according to a Google blog. For example, a user might say, “I want to take a week off in February. Looking for a deal, I want to fly nonstop to a city with great food and warm weather.” From this limited input, the AI generates tailored options. Users can also add more details to refine the search and secure better deals.
Canvas in AI Mode enhances travel searches
The new AI Mode “Create with Canvas” feature supports travel planning by compiling travel details into an organized panel on the right side of the screen while allowing ongoing chat on the left. Unlike a straightforward AI chat, this layout facilitates seamless interactions and improves usability. Google demonstrated planning a trip with: “Help me plan a girl’s trip to Phoenix with 3 friends March 6-9, we want to be in an area walkable to nightlife. We want to go on a couple of different hikes, try some good brunch places, and find some thrift or antique shops.” AI Mode then aggregates data from Google Search and Google Maps to provide flight, hotel options, photos, reviews, and recommendations for restaurants and activities. Initially, this feature is available to U.S. desktop users who opt in to AI Mode experiments in Labs.
The future of booking is agentic
Google is also widening access to agentic capabilities in AI Mode, enabling the AI to make bookings on users’ behalf. In the U.S., restaurant reservations can be made agentically by all AI Mode users without requiring a Labs opt-in. Event tickets and local appointment bookings will be available to U.S. users who opt into Labs. Google is collaborating with partners to build a seamless experience where users describe their preferences for flights or hotels, and the AI compares options, showcasing schedules, prices, photos, amenities, and reviews. Soon, the AI will be able to book hotels and flights directly for users.
A video demo illustrated the agentic hotel booking workflow, where AI Mode presents matched hotels based on user preferences. After selecting a hotel, the AI prompts for confirmation of details before completing the booking and showing a confirmation receipt, streamlining the entire experience.
