Recently, travel search engine Kayak announced the launch of a new "AI Mode," a feature that allows users to research, plan, and book travel directly on its website through an integrated chatbot. This feature is now available on desktop and mobile web versions, enabling users to ask the AI chatbot questions related to travel, such as comparing flights, hotels, and car rental services.
The "AI Mode" utilizes Kayak's integration with ChatGPT technology to provide more context-aware search results. This feature follows the launch of Kayak.ai, a test platform introduced in April, which aims to offer users an experimental environment combining Kayak's data with OpenAI technology for trying and improving AI technologies.
In the "AI Mode," users can ask open-ended questions like "Where can I travel within my budget?" or "Where should I go for New Year's parties?" to get travel recommendations. Additionally, users can inquire about the best times to fly and related ticket prices. Kayak's blog also shares some AI usage tips to help users interact more effectively with this feature.
This new feature will be convenient for users in the early stages of travel planning, helping them explore various travel options. However, Kayak has not yet clearly stated the conversion rate after users use this feature, i.e., whether these AI users will become actual paying customers.
Currently, "AI Mode" only supports English and has been launched in the United States, with plans to expand to more countries and languages this month. Kayak also plans to introduce a voice request feature soon, allowing users to make queries in a more natural way.
As an online travel booking platform, Kayak's move responds to the ongoing development of AI in the travel industry. Like companies such as Expedia and Booking.com, Kayak is exploring how to use AI to improve the user experience of online bookings, especially against the backdrop of growing demand for smart solutions in the consumer market. In contrast, Kayak has chosen to operate the AI chatbot on its own website, allowing it to directly collect consumer feedback and usage data on this feature.
Key Points:
🌍 Kayak launches "AI Mode," allowing users to conveniently plan and book travel through a chatbot.
🗣️ The feature supports asking for travel advice and comparing various travel services, using ChatGPT technology to provide accurate information.
📅 "AI Mode" initially supports only English, and will later expand to more languages and platforms, and add a voice request feature.
