Travel search engine Kayak has launched a new AI Mode, a natural-language search option that combines Kayak's data with ChatGPT to deliver contextual results from the home page. Users can plan complete trips by typing questions directly into a search box.
"We launched Kayak.ai in April for our software engineers to test cutting-edge AI capabilities. AI Mode is the first feature to graduate to our main site," Kayak CEO Steve Hafner said in a statement. "Travelers aren't limited to preset entry fields anymore. Just tell us what you're looking for in plain language, and we'll answer the same way."
To use the new feature, users can click AI Mode, type travel-related questions the way they would say them to another person, get results and book their flights, hotels and cars all at once. Prompts can be in the style of “NYC hotels within a half mile of Rockefeller Center for one night, Dec. 23rd” or “Cheapest Caribbean destinations for a 7-day trip.”
Holiday Travel
Kayak data shows that mid-October through early November is the prime window for scoring the best holiday travel deals. "Holiday flight prices are trending below last year, but, with search demand up 10% vs. 2024, travelers shouldn't wait to book," said Kate Williams, Kayak travel trends expert & CCO. "This year's sweet spots may surprise you—November 24 is the cheapest day to fly for Thanksgiving at $415 on average, and Christmas Eve offers the best deals ahead of Christmas for both domestic and international trips. With AI Mode, travelers can quickly surface insights like these and plan smarter without the stress.*"
AI Mode is now available in English on Kayak via desktop and mobile browsers in the U.S., with more languages and countries rolling out later this month. Additional platforms will follow soon, including voice entry.