Kayak, the global travel search and booking platform, has launched a new AI Mode designed to transform how users plan and book trips. The feature allows travelers to interact with the platform using natural language queries, simplifying the search and booking process through conversational AI.
The AI Mode integrates generative AI capabilities to handle travel-related questions, suggest personalized itineraries, and recommend hotels, flights, and experiences—all within a single interface. It represents a major shift from traditional keyword-based search toward a more intuitive, conversational experience for travelers.
According to the company, the new feature uses large language models to interpret user intent and provide contextually relevant responses. Whether a traveler asks, “Where can I go for a beach holiday under $1,000 next month?” or “Find me a hotel in Paris close to the Eiffel Tower with breakfast included,” Kayak’s AI Mode can generate accurate suggestions and display booking options in real time.
In a statement announcing the launch, Matthias Keller, Chief Scientist and SVP of Technology at Kayak, said the feature aims to make travel discovery more natural and less transactional. “AI Mode brings the power of conversation to travel search. You can now plan trips as if you were talking to a knowledgeable travel assistant rather than filling out complex forms,” Keller said.
Kayak’s AI Mode is available both on desktop and mobile versions of the platform. It supports contextual queries, follow-up questions, and adjustments based on user feedback, allowing travelers to refine their plans dynamically. For instance, users can say, “Make the trip longer by two days,” or “Find cheaper flights with one stop,” and the AI instantly updates the results.
The company developed the feature in collaboration with OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology, building on a partnership that began in 2023. While the earlier integration allowed users to access Kayak’s data through ChatGPT plugins, this new mode embeds conversational AI directly into Kayak’s ecosystem, removing the need for external interfaces.
“Travel planning can be overwhelming, with too many tabs, tools, and decisions. Our AI Mode consolidates that experience,” Keller explained. “We’ve combined natural language understanding with Kayak’s robust travel data to help users get from ideas to bookings faster.”
The system relies on machine learning models that process millions of historical travel queries and patterns, ensuring that the recommendations evolve with user behavior. In addition to basic search functions, AI Mode can offer destination inspiration based on preferences such as budget, climate, or activity type. For example, a user can ask, “What are the best places for hiking in November within Asia?” and receive curated travel ideas backed by real-time pricing.
Industry experts see the move as part of a larger trend where AI-powered personalization becomes central to digital travel experiences. Competing travel companies, including Expedia and TripAdvisor, have also begun deploying generative AI tools, but Kayak’s built-in conversational mode marks one of the most integrated applications yet.
Incorporating AI directly into the travel search interface could also help reduce friction during booking—a common issue in online travel. Users no longer have to manually filter through multiple pages or categories; instead, the AI automatically refines options based on their evolving preferences.
The company emphasized that data privacy and transparency are key priorities in the rollout. Kayak’s AI Mode does not share personal data with third parties and operates within its proprietary data ecosystem. All conversations and inputs remain encrypted, and users can choose to clear their AI interaction history at any time.
Keller added that the platform’s recommendations are drawn from verified travel data sources, ensuring accuracy and reliability. “We’re not generating random content. Every suggestion comes from structured, validated data within our system,” he said.
Early testers of the feature have praised its ability to simplify trip planning, especially for multi-destination itineraries. The conversational interface allows users to coordinate flights, accommodations, and activities without navigating multiple menus. Some users compared the experience to having an AI-powered personal travel concierge that understands context and preferences.
The AI Mode also includes a learning feedback loop, where the system refines results based on traveler interactions. For instance, if a user frequently searches for eco-friendly stays or family-friendly resorts, Kayak’s AI adapts and prioritizes similar options in future recommendations.
Kayak’s expansion into generative AI-driven travel tools underscores how AI is reshaping the industry. The company believes conversational interfaces will become the default standard for travel planning over the next few years. As generative models continue to advance, these tools could eventually handle complex tasks such as dynamic pricing negotiations, trip rescheduling, or personalized destination updates.
Analysts note that the timing of Kayak’s launch is strategic, arriving ahead of the 2025 holiday season when global travel demand is expected to surge. With travelers increasingly seeking quick, personalized options, AI-driven platforms like Kayak’s could capture a growing share of online travel bookings.
The feature rollout also reflects Kayak’s continued push to stay competitive within the parent company Booking Holdings’ portfolio, which includes Booking.com and Priceline. By embedding conversational AI at the core of its user experience, Kayak positions itself as the go-to destination for intuitive, voice-like travel discovery.
Travel experts suggest that AI assistants like Kayak’s could eventually integrate with smart devices and wearables, allowing users to plan and modify trips through voice commands on the go. The combination of predictive analytics and real-time data could make future travel planning as simple as having a conversation.
Kayak’s new AI Mode is now available for users in the United States and select international markets, with broader global rollout expected in early 2026. The company plans to expand language support and add visual trip summaries, allowing users to see AI-generated travel itineraries with maps, cost breakdowns, and image previews.
As travel technology continues to evolve, Kayak’s AI Mode represents a step toward the future of agentic travel experiences—where AI not only assists but actively collaborates with travelers to design journeys tailored to their needs, budgets, and dreams.