Google’s new AI-powered Flight Deals tool finds budget trips for you
It seems like Google is determined to weave AI into every corner of its product lineup — and now, it’s aiming to change the way you search for airfare. On Thursday, the company announced Flight Deals, a new AI-powered feature for Google Flights designed for travelers who know they want to get away, but haven’t yet nailed down the where and when.
Unlike traditional flight search tools that require you to enter both departure and destination airports, Flight Deals takes a more conversational, open-ended approach. You can type in the kind of trip you’re dreaming about — and even add specifics like desired flight time, seasonal preferences, or activities you want to enjoy — and Google’s AI will return a curated list of budget-friendly destinations.
For example, a query like “a weekend countryside getaway with trail rides and kayaking” might bring up a mix of scenic, activity-rich destinations. Something broader, like “a trip to Europe with great cheese and wine in May”, could lead you to classic hubs — but also to hidden gems you may not have considered.
During early testing, Google’s AI proved capable of producing both predictable and pleasantly surprising results. Searching for “a tropical destination with snorkeling” surfaced familiar options like Cozumel, Nassau, and San Juan. But “a trip to Europe with hiking” brought up less expected picks like Cluj-Napoca, Romania, and Ljubljana, Slovenia — a boon for those seeking paths less traveled.
That said, the system isn’t flawless. A request for “a tropical weekend trip less than 5 hours from Orlando” returned Miami and Key West, which may be underwhelming for travelers hoping to leave Florida. More niche requests, like “trips to Japan during cherry blossom season,” occasionally turned up empty results.
If you don’t specify dates, Flight Deals defaults to showing options within the next six months. Traditional filters like airline preference, number of stops, and flight duration are still available, but they’re no longer essential for getting started.
While it’s unlikely most travelers will hand over full itinerary planning to an AI — at least for now — Google’s new tool could be a handy way to spark destination ideas without breaking the bank. Flight Deals is rolling out in beta to users in the US and Canada over the next week. You’ll find it on the standalone Flight Deals page or through the top-left menu in Google Flights.
