KAYAK INTRODUCES AI MODE: CONVERSATIONAL TRAVEL SEARCH, JUST IN TIME FOR HOLIDAY PLANNING

Rhea-AI Summary

KAYAK (BKNG) launched AI Mode on Oct. 15, 2025, a natural‑language travel search that combines KAYAK data with ChatGPT to let users plan complete trips from the homepage.

AI Mode delivers real‑time results for flights, hotels and cars via a single search box, offers suggested holiday prompts, and is available in English on desktop and mobile browsers in the US with additional languages, countries and platforms rolling out later this month.

KAYAK highlighted travel trends: search demand up 10% vs. 2024, November 24 cited as the cheapest Thanksgiving day at $415 on average, and Christmas Eve noted as a strong deal day.

Positive

• Launched AI Mode combining KAYAK data with ChatGPT
• Search demand +10% vs. 2024
• Holiday pricing insight: Thanksgiving cheapest on Nov 24 $415 avg

Negative

• AI Mode initially available only in English and US desktop/mobile browsers

Insights

Product & AI Integration Analyst

KAYAK launched AI Mode using ChatGPT to enable conversational trip planning on the homepage, timed for holiday demand.

KAYAK moves a generative-AI layer from an internal testbed (KAYAK.ai) to its main site, letting users type natural-language queries to find and book flights, hotels and cars in one flow. The feature combines KAYAK data with ChatGPT to surface contextual answers and suggested prompts; it is live in English in the US on desktop and mobile browsers, with wider rollout planned later this month and additional platforms to follow.

Key dependencies include the quality of the combined data-LLM responses, real-time price accuracy, and handling of edge cases like complex itineraries and infant/child passenger rules. Watch rollout metrics (engagement, conversion, and error rates) over the next 30–90 days and whether voice entry and additional languages launch on schedule.

Travel Demand & Commercial Impact Analyst

The launch coincides with higher search demand and projected holiday pricing opportunities, which could improve booking velocity if AI Mode aids discovery.

KAYAK cites a 10% increase in search demand versus 2024 and specific pricing signals, including November 24 as the cheapest Thanksgiving day at $415 on average and favorable Christmas Eve pricing. AI Mode is positioned to surface these data-driven insights quickly, reducing friction between inspiration and booking.

Risks include user trust in AI-sourced recommendations and whether the tool converts discovery into paid bookings. Monitor short-term KPIs: change in searches per session, conversion rate, average booking value, and reported accuracy over the next holiday-booking window (mid-October through early November and the December holiday period).

Natural language search, powered by ChatGPT, hits the KAYAK homepage

BOSTON, Oct. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- KAYAK, the world's leading travel search engine, today launched AI Mode, a natural-language search experience that combines KAYAK's data with ChatGPT to deliver smarter, contextual results, right from the home page. KAYAK is the first major travel site to let users 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," said Steve Hafner, KAYAK CEO. "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."

How to Use AI Mode

• Click the "AI Mode" icon on KAYAK from your desktop or mobile browser to get started.
• Type travel-related questions the way you'd say them to another person.
• Get real-time results as KAYAK compares the latest information and prices from hundreds of travel providers.
• Discover, compare, and book flights, hotels and cars—all in one place.

Travel Demand Heats Up for the Holidays
The debut of KAYAK AI Mode comes at the perfect moment for holiday travel planning, as 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.*"

Prompt your Way to Holiday Savings with KAYAK
To help the AI-curious, KAYAK suggests these festive, holiday-themed prompts to reveal instantly actionable trip ideas - whether it's a snow-globe-worthy village or a New Year's Eve bash. Try one in AI Mode or come up with your own to see where it takes you:

• NYC hotels within a half mile of Rockefeller Center for one night, Dec. 23rd
• Cheapest Caribbean destinations for a 7-day trip
• Rent a car from ORD with room for 6 people + lots of Christmas presents and payment at pickup
• Flights from BOS to London for 2 adults, 2 kids, and a baby, Dec. 20 - Dec. 27
• How much would Kevin McCallister's New York experience cost?
• I want to party for NYE - where should I go?
• You're in a Hallmark movie. Find me a quintessential winter village for under $600 for flight and hotel.

For tips on writing the best travel prompts, visit KAYAK's blog.

AI Mode is now available in English on KAYAK via desktop and mobile browsers in the US, with more languages and countries rolling out later this month. Additional platforms will follow soon, including voice entry.

About KAYAK
KAYAK , part of Booking Holdings (NASDAQ: BKNG), is the world's leading travel search engine. With billions of queries across our platforms, we help people find their perfect flight, stay, rental car and vacation package. Trusted by millions of travelers, the KAYAK app makes travel planning seamless on iOS and Android, and we also support business travelers with our corporate travel solution, KAYAK for Business.

*Methodology
Based on flight searches made on KAYAK in the period between 3.1.2025 and 8.31.2025 for flights with departure between 11.21.2025 and 1.7.2026 from any US airport. They were compared to searches made in the period between 3.1.2024 and 8.31.2024 with the travel period between 11.22.2024 and 1.8.2025. All prices are average prices for round-trip, economy tickets. Prices may vary and savings cannot be guaranteed. Percentages for changes in searches are approximate.

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SOURCE KAYAK

FAQ

What is KAYAK AI Mode and how does it work for BKNG users?

AI Mode is a natural‑language search on KAYAK that combines the site’s data with ChatGPT to return real‑time flight, hotel and car results from one search box.

When did KAYAK (BKNG) launch AI Mode and where is it available?

KAYAK launched AI Mode on Oct. 15, 2025; it is available in English on desktop and mobile browsers in the US with wider rollout later this month.

What holiday travel trends did KAYAK cite when BKNG launched AI Mode?

KAYAK reported search demand +10% vs. 2024, noted Nov 24 as the cheapest Thanksgiving day at $415 average, and highlighted Christmas Eve as a good deal day.

Can KAYAK AI Mode book complete trips on one search?

Yes—AI Mode returns discover, compare, and book options for flights, hotels and cars from a single conversational search.

Are there example prompts to use KAYAK AI Mode for holiday planning?

Yes—examples include: NYC hotels within 0.5 mile of Rockefeller Center Dec 23, Caribbean 7‑day cheapest destinations, and family flight searches Dec 20–27.