Google announced in August 2026 that its AI Mode conversational search tool can now track flight prices, help users book hotels, and display travel costs in points or miles — moves that position the feature as a more hands-on travel planning assistant.
Users can describe their travel plans to AI Mode, which will surface options from more than 300 airlines and travel sites. If a user isn’t ready to book immediately, they can ask AI Mode to monitor prices and receive an email alert if fares change for their chosen destination and dates. Flight price tracking is now available in more than 180 countries.
Hotel booking works through a similar conversational flow. Users share their trip details and preferences, and AI Mode returns a list of options with reviews and key factors. Once a hotel is selected, users can proceed through Google’s “Continue on Google” option, choose a room, review details such as cancellation policies, and complete the purchase via Google Pay. The hotel or booking platform remains responsible for the reservation and any customer service. Hotel booking has begun rolling out in the U.S. in English, with availability expanding over the coming weeks through partners including Booking.com, Choice Hotels International, Expedia, Hilton, Hotels.com, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, Priceline, Trip.com, and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.
AI Mode can also now show the points or miles cost for flights and hotels. Users can specify their loyalty program and travel dates in a natural-language query and see how many miles are required to book matching options. This feature is available globally.
The updates suggest Google is looking to move AI Mode beyond information retrieval into actively handling parts of the booking process itself.
Source: TechCrunch