Google has expanded the capabilities of AI Mode, its conversational search experience, to facilitate trip planning and booking, as announced on Thursday. Users can now request AI Mode to track flight prices, book hotels, and display costs in points or miles. The tool can provide the best flight options with up-to-date prices from over 300 airlines and travel sites, and users have the option to build their itinerary directly within AI Mode or track price fluctuations via email notifications. Hotel booking functionality is also integrated, allowing users to discover and book hotels through conversational interactions, with options to review details and complete payments using Google Pay. This hotel booking feature is currently rolling out in the U.S. in English, with partnerships from major hotel chains and travel sites.

The updates position AI Mode as an AI travel agent, moving beyond information retrieval to actively assisting with the trip-booking process. In addition to flight and hotel services, AI Mode can now show the cost of flights and hotels in points or miles, responding to queries such as travel plans using specific airline miles. This global update enhances the tool’s utility for users seeking to optimize their travel expenses through loyalty programs. Google emphasizes that while the booking process is initiated through AI Mode, the actual transaction and customer service are handled by the respective hotel or booking platform. Source

This is a summary. Read the original at techcrunch.com.