Planning a vacation is about to become easier and more personalized. Airbnb is gearing up to add its own AI-powered travel agent in 2027, TechCrunch reported.
This is expected to help customers find new destinations, compare options, plan itineraries and manage bookings through a travel-focused digital experience. On Thursday, the California-based company announced that the AI Travel agent will launch in the first half of 2027. The company shared details about the coming feature in its third-quarter shareholder letter, explaining how its AI will offer more than a traditional AI Chatbot.
How does Airbnb’s AI travel agent work?
Airbnb’s AI agent will use maps, photos, calendars, travel comparisons and itineraries to help users plan their trips, ditching the traditional chatbot that only provides text-based answers. Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky explained why the travel industry needs a different kind of AI assistant than the usual kind.
“Today’s AI agents like Muse and Instinct are good at simple routine tasks like making a restaurant reservation or scheduling an appointment. But planning a trip is different. Travel is aspirational. Discovering where to go and where to stay is part of the experience. In fact, 80% of travelers say they enjoy spending time researching trips. People want to look at photos. They want to compare homes. They want to make decisions with people they’re traveling with. And I don’t think the general-purpose agents are the best to do that. So that is why we are building our own AI agent,” Chesky said.
AI assistance will keep on evolving
Airbnb’s new AI feature will not be limited to finding accommodations and stays. The company has been focusing on expanding its AI agent to help travelers after they make a reservation, since typical chatbots end their work once a customer books.
According to Airbnb’s shareholder letters, its AI agent will help travelers with more post-reservation tasks, such as changing reservations, refunds and payment-related issues, rebooking and 24/7 safety support.
Airbnb reports strong business growth
Airbnb announced its AI agent alongside its strong third-quarter financial results. The company reported revenue of $4.87 billion, a 19 percent increase from the same period last year. CEO Brian Chesky also told analysts that the California-based company is back in growth.
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