Google Flights is a web-based service by Google that allows travelers to search, compare, and book airline tickets across hundreds of carriers and online travel agencies. Launched in 2011, the platform stands out for its fast search functionality, intuitive interface, and integration with Google’s broader ecosystem. Users can explore destinations by entering specific routes or by browsing the interactive map, which shows available fares worldwide.
Key features include real-time price comparisons, predictive insights on whether fares are likely to rise or fall, filters for stops and airlines, and a fare calendar that highlights the cheapest days to travel. More recently, Google has added AI-powered tools such as Flight Deals, which allows users to describe trips in natural language (e.g., “week-long ski trip” or “summer beach vacation”), with the AI surfacing relevant itineraries at discounted prices.
Google Flights is widely used for its speed and transparency—while it doesn’t sell tickets directly, it directs users to airline or partner booking sites. Its integration with Google’s AI services is making it one of the most innovative platforms for planning flexible and budget-friendly travel.
Google’s new Universal Commerce Protocol is built to help AI agents complete purchases inside conversations – a model that could translate naturally to complex travel bookings.
Prism, the parent company of OYO Hotels, has filed confidential IPO papers in India, aiming for a valuation of up to $8 billion after years of delayed listing plans.
TravAI, a new AI-driven travel concierge built on NEAR and ADI Chain, aims to automate itinerary planning, booking, and payments for travelers.
Expedia Group has appointed Google’s Xavier Amatriain as its first Chief AI Officer, marking a major shift in the company’s long-term technology strategy. The move signals a deeper push into AI-driven travel experiences.
Pangea has acquired Overlap, bringing a smart social-travel feature into its fast-growing platform and signaling a new wave of consolidation in travel tech.
Google is rolling out powerful new AI tools – from global Flight Deals to Canvas trip planning and agentic booking – designed to simplify everything from itinerary building to reservations.
Alphabet’s record quarter puts AI at the center of Google Search, ads, and Cloud, with clear implications for how travelers will plan, book, and move – both online and on the ground.
Hostelworld has acquired U.S. event-discovery platform OccasionGenius for $12 million, marking a strategic step beyond accommodation-booking into events and social-travel content.
Revolut’s acquisition of Swifty, an AI travel agent incubated at Lufthansa Innovation Hub, marks a strategic step toward integrating smart travel automation into its expanding lifestyle and loyalty offerings.
Indian travel platform Ixigo secures $146 million in funding from Prosus, aiming to expand its AI capabilities and strengthen its position in the competitive online travel market.