Google is expanding its integration of artificial intelligence across its services, with its latest initiative focused on its flight booking platform, Google Flights. On Thursday, the tech giant revealed that it is piloting a new AI-driven Flight Deals feature aimed at travelers seeking budget-friendly options without a fixed destination.
Flight Deals allows users to go beyond simply selecting an airport and a final destination. Instead, travelers can specify what type of vacation experience they are interested in and can include preferences such as flight duration and preferred activities. For instance, users can input requests like “a weekend countryside escape with trail rides and kayaking” or “a European trip focused on cheese and wine in May,” and Google’s AI will generate affordable flight options tailored to those criteria.
During my use of the Flight Deals feature, I discovered it presented a blend of popular vacation destinations alongside some unexpected suggestions. For example, searching for “a tropical destination with snorkeling” yielded familiar locations like Cozumel, Mexico; Nassau, Bahamas; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, a query for a “trip to Europe with hiking” introduced me to Cluj-Napoca, Romania and Ljubljana, Slovenia—options that are less conventional and might appeal to adventurous travelers.
Some results, however, weren’t very relevant. For instance, when searching for “a tropical weekend getaway less than five hours from Orlando,” the tool suggested Miami and Key West, which might not suit someone aiming to leave Florida. Additionally, I encountered limitations when looking for “trips to Japan during cherry blossom season,” as the tool reported no available deals.
If you don’t set a specific date for travel, Google defaults to showing flights available in the next six months. Users can also utilize various filters to refine their search, such as specifying the number of stops or preferred airlines. The advantage of this AI-driven feature is its ability to simplify the planning process without requiring extensive input from users.
Despite a few shortcomings, the Flight Deals feature could be valuable for individuals seeking budget-friendly travel options. While it may not replace comprehensive trip planning, the AI’s ability to generate destination ideas can serve as a useful starting point for further research. The Google Flight Deals feature is currently available in beta for users in the United States and Canada, accessible via the dedicated Flight Deals page or within the Google Flights menu.
