Planning a holiday can be exciting, but finding the right flight and hotel at a reasonable price can take hours of searching. Google is now making that process easier by adding new travel-focused features to AI Mode.

With the latest updates, Google AI can help users track flight prices, receive alerts when fares change, check the number of reward points or miles needed for travel and even search for hotel stays.

The idea is to bring several parts of trip planning together so users can spend less time comparing websites and potentially find better-value travel options.

Track Flight Prices With Google AI

One of the most useful additions is flight price tracking, which Google is bringing from Google Flights into AI Mode.

Users can tell AI Mode their destination and travel dates and ask it to monitor flight prices. Once price tracking is activated, Google can send an email notification when fares change.

According to Google, AI Mode can surface current flight prices from more than 300 airlines and travel websites.

The flight price tracking feature is available across more than 180 countries and territories, giving travellers in many regions access to the tool.

Google AI Can Also Show Miles and Reward Points

The new travel features aren't limited to cash prices.

AI Mode can also provide information about the number of reward points or airline miles required for flights. Users can ask about non-stop flights and check the points or miles needed through supported loyalty programmes.

A similar feature is available for hotel stays, allowing travellers to explore whether using their accumulated rewards could be a better option than paying the full price.

Google initially supports programmes and companies including Alaska Airlines/Hawaiian Airlines, American Airlines, Choice Hotels International, Hilton and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.

Google says additional support for Accor, Flying Blue, Hyatt, LATAM Airlines and Lufthansa Group is also planned.

Hotel Search and Booking Comes to AI Mode

Google is also expanding AI Mode into hotel booking.

Users can enter details such as their destination, travel dates and hotel preferences, after which AI Mode can show relevant accommodation options.

The results can include hotel information and reviews, helping travellers compare properties before making a decision.

Once a user chooses a hotel, they can proceed with the booking through an integrated partner using the “Continue on Google” option. Google Pay can also be used for payment where supported.

There Is One Catch for Now

The hotel booking feature is not yet available everywhere.

Google says AI Mode hotel booking is currently being rolled out in the US in English, so users in other countries may have to wait before they can access the complete booking functionality.

Flight price tracking, however, has a much broader availability.

Google Is Turning AI Into a Travel Assistant

These updates show Google's growing focus on making AI Mode useful for more than answering questions.

Instead of separately checking flight websites, loyalty programmes, hotel listings and reviews, travellers can increasingly use AI to bring these pieces of information together.

The biggest potential benefit is convenience, while price tracking could also help travellers decide when to book rather than purchasing a ticket immediately at a higher fare.

Plan Your Next Trip With Less Searching

Google's latest AI travel features could make trip planning considerably easier. From monitoring flight prices and receiving fare alerts to comparing reward points and finding hotels, AI Mode is gradually becoming a more comprehensive travel-planning tool.

However, travellers should still compare the final prices, cancellation policies, taxes, fees and booking conditions before making a payment. A lower advertised price isn't always the lowest overall travel cost.