Blogs & News

In the age of artificial intelligence, finding the cheapest plane tickets has become more efficient and accessible with AI-powered tools like Google Gemini and Skyscanner’s Savvy Search. These tools not only help plan trips but also find affordable flights. This article explores how these AI tools compare in terms of price accuracy, ease of use, and overall effectiveness in assisting travelers. Through a detailed comparison and real-world testing, we discover that while both tools have their merits, Google Gemini generally edges out in finding the lowest prices, whereas Skyscanner excels in providing diverse travel options for those without a specific destination in mind.

The Surge of AI in Travel Planning

Booking a flight has always been about finding the best deal, a task that has become more pressing with the increasing costs of air travel. Traditional tools like flight price trackers and low-fare calendars have served travelers well, but the introduction of AI-powered features by travel search engines such as Booking.com, Expedia, and Skyscanner has revolutionized the way we plan vacations. These AI trip planners function as chatbots, helping users find accommodations, destinations, and even build itineraries. Importantly, they also assist in finding cheap flights, a key feature for budget-conscious travelers.

Skyscanner’s Savvy Search: A Comprehensive Tool

Overview and Features

Skyscanner’s Savvy Search, launched in May and powered by OpenAI’s ChatGPT, taps into a vast database of over 18 million flight routes and 80 billion daily price searches. This AI tool provides the best travel recommendations based on extensive data analysis. Laura Lindsay, Global Travel Trends Expert at Skyscanner, highlights that Savvy Search not only finds flights but also offers a broad perspective on travel options, making it a versatile tool for travelers.

User Experience

Creating an account on Skyscanner and accessing Savvy Search is straightforward. The tool prompts users to input their departure city and specify the nature of their trip. For instance, asking for the cheapest flights from Honolulu to New York for a specific week, the tool provides various recommended places and flight options. The interface allows sorting by criteria such as “best,” “cheapest,” “fastest,” and “direct,” with additional filters for cabin class and number of travelers.

Real-World Testing

In a real-world test, Savvy Search found a $645 round-trip flight from Honolulu to New York. Although cheaper than the $761 round-trip ticket found via Google Flights, the flight involved self-transfers and lengthy layovers. Booking through Savvy Search often redirects users to third-party platforms like DoHop, which may charge additional fees and offer limited customer support, a potential drawback for many travelers.

Google’s Gemini: Streamlined and Integrated

Overview and Features

Google’s Gemini, described as a “creative and productivity tool,” integrates with various Google services such as Google Flights, Google Hotels, Google Maps, and Google Docs. This seamless integration allows users to plan their trips comprehensively within one interface. According to a Google spokesperson, Gemini accesses relevant information from these tools to assist travelers efficiently.

User Experience

Accessing Gemini requires a Google account. Users can pose travel-related questions to the AI, which provides detailed responses and options. For example, asking about the cheapest flights from Honolulu to New York, Gemini lists multiple flight options with detailed journey times and layovers. Users can then book directly through Google Flights, ensuring a smooth and straightforward booking process.

Real-World Testing

Testing Gemini with the same flight query revealed a $615 round-trip flight on United Airlines, significantly cheaper than both Skyscanner’s and Google Flights' initial results. Gemini also offered practical insights into travel conditions, such as whether a specific time of year is cheap for flying. This level of detail and direct booking capability through Google Flights makes Gemini a powerful tool for finding affordable flights.

Comparative Analysis

Price Accuracy

In terms of finding the cheapest flights, Google’s Gemini consistently provided lower prices than Skyscanner’s Savvy Search. The real-world tests showed that Gemini’s ability to directly access and present flight options through Google Flights gives it an edge in price accuracy.

User Interface and Experience

While both tools are user-friendly, they cater to slightly different needs. Skyscanner’s Savvy Search is ideal for travelers who are open to various destinations and want a broad range of options. On the other hand, Google Gemini excels in providing a streamlined and integrated experience, especially for users who prefer to manage all aspects of their travel planning within the Google ecosystem.

Versatility and Additional Features

Skyscanner’s Savvy Search shines in its ability to recommend diverse travel destinations based on budget constraints, making it a great starting point for travelers without a specific destination in mind. Conversely, Google Gemini’s strength lies in its integration with other Google services, offering a comprehensive travel planning experience.