Kayak's AI Mode is a new natural-language search tool powered by ChatGPT that allows users to plan holidays by simply typing questions in everyday language. Jenny Southan reports

Kayak has introduced a new way to search for travel using artificial intelligence. The company’s latest feature, AI Mode, integrates natural-language processing from ChatGPT with Kayak’s extensive data set, allowing users to plan entire trips by entering conversational queries directly on the homepage.

The update marks a significant shift in how people search for and book travel online, as the platform becomes the first major travel site to enable full-trip planning through plain-text input rather than traditional form fields.

“Travellers 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,” said Steve Hafner, Kayak’s chief executive. AI Mode is the first tool from the company’s internal Kayak.ai lab to migrate to the main site, following months of testing among its software engineers.

The new mode is designed for simplicity: users can click the AI Mode icon on desktop or mobile browsers, type a query such as “family-friendly hotels in Paris under $200,” and receive real-time results drawn from hundreds of providers. Flights, hotels and car rentals can then be compared and booked in one place. The experience mirrors the way people naturally communicate, removing the friction often associated with rigid search boxes.

The timing aligns with peak holiday booking season. According to Kayak, mid-October through early November remains the best window for securing deals on flights and hotels ahead of the winter holidays. The company’s data shows that flight prices are trending lower than in 2024, but search demand has risen 10 per cent year-on-year.

“This year’s sweet spots may surprise you,” said Kate Williams, Kayak’s chief communications officer and travel trends expert. “November 24 is the cheapest day to fly for Thanksgiving at US$415 on average, and Christmas Eve offers the best value for pre-Christmas travel. With AI Mode, travellers can uncover insights like these instantly and plan smarter without the stress.”

To encourage experimentation, Kayak has suggested a series of seasonal prompts showcasing the tool’s flexibility, from practical (“NYC hotels within a half mile of Rockefeller Center for one night, Dec 23”) to playful (“You’re in a Hallmark movie. Find me a quintessential winter village for under US$600 for flight and hotel”). The company says these examples demonstrate how AI Mode can deliver personalised, actionable recommendations in seconds, from budget holidays to festive getaways.

AI Mode is currently available in English to users in the US via desktop and mobile browsers, with additional languages and regional versions expected later in October. Kayak also plans to expand the service to include voice commands in future updates.

The launch underscores the growing role of generative AI in reshaping travel planning. By merging machine learning with live pricing and availability data, Kayak joins a wave of travel platforms experimenting with conversational interfaces to simplify the decision-making process. As travellers seek efficiency and personalisation in a crowded marketplace, AI-driven tools like Kayak’s latest innovation could signal the next phase in intelligent trip planning.