Perplexity Powers Expedia’s Latest AI Tool for Smarter Trip Planning

TLDRs;

• Expedia launches Comet, a free AI-powered travel browser built with Perplexity.
• Users earn Silver OneKey status for downloading and using Comet.
• Comet offers destination comparisons, itinerary planning, and booking in one interface.
• The launch extends Expedia’s ongoing AI expansion across its travel ecosystem.

Expedia Group is stepping deeper into the AI race with the launch of Comet, a free browser and intelligent travel assistant developed in partnership with Perplexity.

The tool is designed to simplify trip planning by combining conversational search, destination comparisons, and instant booking in one sleek interface.

The partnership marks a major strategic move for Expedia, signaling its intent to merge artificial intelligence with travel discovery. To sweeten the deal, Expedia is offering travelers Silver status in its OneKey loyalty program simply for downloading and using Comet, its first-ever loyalty reward tied to an external product launch.

Comet Brings Personalized Travel Intelligence

Comet acts as both a browser and an AI assistant, equipped with a “Travel” interface that gives users direct access to trending destinations, inspiration tabs, and a powerful natural language search bar.

Users can type queries like “find a warm European city for December under $1,000,” and Comet will instantly generate itinerary suggestions and hotel options, complete with booking links through Expedia.

Perplexity, known for its real-time AI search capabilities, said Comet helps travelers compare destinations, build itineraries, and make reservations without leaving the browser.

Currently available on desktop, Comet is expected to launch a mobile version soon, expanding accessibility for on-the-go users.

Expedia Deepens Its AI Portfolio

Comet’s debut comes as part of Expedia’s broader strategy to integrate generative AI across its ecosystem. The company recently collaborated with OpenAI to create Access Connectors, enabling direct travel interactions within ChatGPT apps outside the EU. Users can chat with Expedia’s integrated app, search for destinations, and even book trips, all through AI dialogue.

This initiative follows Expedia’s earlier AI integrations, including a ChatGPT plugin, Microsoft Copilot Actions, and an AI Trip Matching system. The company also embedded large language models into its mobile apps like Expedia, Vrbo, and Hotels.com, allowing users to plan trips using natural language prompts.

Travel Industry Embraces AI Partnerships

Expedia isn’t alone in embracing AI-driven travel planning. Competitors like Tripadvisor, Booking.com, and Uber have also joined forces with OpenAI and Perplexity for AI-powered trip planning and booking tools. Earlier this year, Tripadvisor and SelfBook launched Perplexity-based integrations to simplify hotel bookings.

Analysts say these partnerships are reshaping how travelers discover and book experiences. Instead of manually searching multiple websites, AI assistants like Comet can provide end-to-end planning creating a seamless user experience.

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