Expedia Group has unveiled Comet, an innovative AI travel browser created in partnership with Perplexity, designed to transform how travelers research and book their trips. The new tool integrates natural language search, itinerary building, and booking capabilities into a single, fluid experience.
Instead of juggling dozens of tabs and comparing prices across multiple sites, travelers can now ask Comet a simple question like, “Where can I go for a warm beach vacation under $1,000 in December?” and receive personalized, bookable recommendations instantly.
As part of its rollout, Expedia is rewarding users who try Comet with Silver status in its OneKey loyalty program – a rare move that highlights how important this new platform is to the company’s future strategy. The collaboration brings together Perplexity’s real-time AI technology and Expedia’s global travel inventory, combining inspiration, planning, and booking into one seamless interface.
A Smarter, Conversational Way to Plan Trips
Comet differs from traditional travel search engines by acting as a conversational assistant rather than a filter-based database. Travelers can explore destinations, trends, and personalized itineraries through natural dialogue. The platform’s “Travel” section features trending destinations and curated suggestions while maintaining direct access to flights, hotels, and experiences within Expedia’s system.
The goal is to make travel discovery more intuitive and enjoyable. Instead of forcing users to think in search terms, Comet interprets open-ended ideas – such as “best places in Europe for food lovers” or “quiet getaways near the ocean” – and delivers relevant, actionable results. This kind of conversational engagement represents the next evolution of trip planning, one that blurs the line between research and booking.
Expedia has already incorporated AI features across its brands, including Vrbo and Hotels.com, but Comet marks a leap forward: it’s not just a search tool, it’s an AI-powered browser designed to guide travelers from the first spark of inspiration all the way through to final booking.
The Potential and the Path Ahead
Comet’s introduction comes at a time when travelers are demanding more personalized, effortless planning experiences. By combining powerful AI search with the credibility and convenience of Expedia’s booking platform, the company is positioning itself at the forefront of a rapidly evolving travel technology landscape. For consumers, the benefits are clear – faster planning, smarter recommendations, and integrated loyalty rewards that enhance value over time.
However, innovation of this kind also comes with challenges. Merging conversational AI with real-time booking systems is technically complex and requires constant accuracy in pricing, availability, and customer data. Building user trust will be crucial; travelers must feel confident that the AI’s suggestions are both relevant and transparent. Expedia will need to balance automation with user control, allowing travelers to fine-tune their itineraries and decisions rather than surrender them entirely to algorithms.
On a broader scale, Comet represents how major online travel agencies are redefining their role. Rather than functioning as static marketplaces, they are evolving into interactive platforms that anticipate user needs. This could reshape how travelers approach trip planning altogether – moving from endless comparison browsing toward guided, AI-driven journeys that feel more personal and efficient.
As Comet expands beyond desktop and eventually arrives on mobile, its success will depend on how effectively Expedia and Perplexity can deliver both innovation and reliability. If the technology fulfills its promise, it could set a new standard for how travelers discover the world – one conversation at a time.
