Google has unveiled Flight Deals, a new AI-powered tool embedded within Google Flights, designed for travelers who prefer flexible, idea-driven trip planning. Instead of juggling filters, users can now type natural language prompts like “week-long trip this winter to a city with great food, nonstop only,” and Flight Deals will parse the input and deliver matching flight deals sourced from hundreds of airlines and booking platforms
How Flight Deals Works
- Conversational Search: Flight Deals interprets vague or broad travel ideas—such as “weekend beach escape” or “see the cherry blossoms in Japan”—and matches them to actual flight deals
- Real-Time Data: It taps into live Google Flights data to show accurate, up-to-date options, prioritizing the highest savings by percentage, or lower absolute cost if savings ties
- Flexibility for Travelers: Perfect for users who value affordability and spontaneity, rather than concrete travel plans
- Limitations: Currently in beta, it doesn’t support multi-city searches or groups beyond four travelers
Availability & Rollout
Flight Deals is officially rolling out in beta to users in the U.S., Canada, and India—no opt-in required. You’ll find it on the Flight Deals page or via the Google Flights menu
A Strategic AI Expansion
This move reflects Google’s broader strategy to infuse generative AI across its product ecosystem, offering vertical, conversational search experiences. Flight Deals joins similar enhancements in platforms like Google Finance and Maps
TechCrunch reports that Flight Deals is powered by a custom version of Gemini 2.5, and the results are ranked using real-time pricing feeds and savings algorithms. Meanwhile, Google also added the ability to exclude basic economy fares within the core Google Flights experience across the U.S. and Canada
Why It Matters
- Easier Trip Planning: Travelers can now plan with phrases like “ski trip to a world-class resort” rather than navigating multiple filters.
- More Exploration: The tool surfaces both popular and surprising destinations, helpful when you’re open to new travel ideas
- Competitive Push: As OTAs like Booking.com and Expedia integrate their own AI features, Google is staying competitive with a native, search-powered solution
- Regulatory Interest: This expansion occurs amid heightened scrutiny over how Google may favor its own services—a relevant point as regulators monitor its control over travel discovery TechCrunch.
