Travel search engine Kayak has introduced a new feature called AI Mode that allows users to research trips and book flights, hotels, and rental cars through artificial intelligence. Available on both desktop and mobile web, the AI chatbot leverages ChatGPT to provide personalized travel recommendations and real-time information.
This launch builds on Kayak’s earlier experimentation with AI. In April 2025, the company introduced Kayak.ai, a platform that combined Kayak’s travel data with OpenAI technology. That platform served as a testing ground for AI-powered travel solutions, giving Kayak’s tech team the ability to experiment with AI features before integrating them into the main website. AI Mode now brings these capabilities directly to Kayak.com, allowing users to plan trips efficiently without leaving the site.
How AI Mode Works
The AI Mode feature allows users to ask natural-language questions about travel. For example, travelers can request recommendations for destinations under a certain budget, compare hotel amenities, find nonstop flights, or locate rental car options. The chatbot can also answer more open-ended questions such as “Where should I go for New Year’s Eve?” or “When is the cheapest time to visit London?” The AI generates contextual answers using Kayak’s travel data, making planning trips more convenient and interactive.
Kayak emphasizes that AI Mode is particularly helpful in the early stages of travel planning. It enables users to explore new ideas, evaluate multiple options, and identify opportunities they might not have considered otherwise. By providing instant, data-driven recommendations, the feature can save time and reduce the frustration often associated with booking trips manually.
Privacy and Personalization
While AI Mode is designed to offer convenience, Kayak ensures that user data is handled securely. The feature only uses information relevant to travel planning and does not access unrelated personal data. This focus on privacy is part of Kayak’s broader approach to providing a safe and useful AI experience.
Availability and Future Plans
AI Mode is currently available in English in the United States. Kayak plans to expand the feature to additional countries and languages later in the month. The company also intends to introduce voice-based interactions in the near future, allowing travelers to ask questions verbally instead of typing. This will make trip planning even more seamless for users who prefer hands-free assistance.
The Broader Trend of AI in Travel
AI is becoming increasingly prominent in the travel industry. Companies like Expedia and Booking.com, which is also owned by Booking Holdings, have integrated AI to provide interactive planning experiences inside ChatGPT. These tools allow travelers to access booking and planning services within conversational AI platforms.
By hosting AI Mode directly on its website, Kayak gains direct access to user behavior and preferences. This data allows the company to refine its tools and improve recommendations over time. Unlike other providers that rely on third-party AI platforms, Kayak can offer a fully integrated experience while learning how travelers interact with AI in real-time.
Why AI Matters for Travel Planning
Booking travel can be complex and time-consuming, especially for trips that involve multiple destinations, accommodations, and transportation options. AI Mode simplifies this process by combining Kayak’s extensive travel data with advanced AI technology. Users can ask questions, compare options, and make bookings all in one place.
The new feature represents a significant step in making AI a practical part of everyday travel planning. It demonstrates how AI can help consumers make informed decisions quickly while exploring options they might not have discovered on their own.
Kayak’s AI Mode illustrates the growing intersection of artificial intelligence and travel. By providing interactive, real-time guidance, the company is helping travelers save time and make smarter decisions. The launch also positions Kayak to compete effectively with other AI-driven travel tools while maintaining control over its user experience and insights.
Conclusion
AI Mode is now live on Kayak for desktop and mobile users in the United States, and the company has ambitious plans to expand it globally. With the integration of AI directly into its platform, Kayak aims to transform how people plan trips, making the process more interactive, personalized, and efficient. This move highlights the potential of artificial intelligence to improve travel discovery and booking experiences for millions of users worldwide.
