Once upon a time, planning a trip meant hours of scrolling through websites, reviews, and booking engines. Today? Many travelers, including me, simply ask AI to do the heavy lifting.
Did you know 72% of consumers are already using AI in their daily lives? What used to be science fiction has quickly become an everyday travel companion.
From planning and booking trips to unlocking exclusive savings through loyalty platforms, AI is reshaping the way people travel—and how travel providers serve them.
These days, I never plan a trip without asking AI to create a personal itinerary. For me and so many travelers, AI has become like a personal guide that makes the entire travel experience smarter, easier, and faster.
Lately, I’ve been itching to take a long weekend trip to New York City with my husband. To give me a jumping off point in my planning, I started by asking ChatGPT to create a 3-night NYC itinerary for January.
My must-haves? A 4-5 star hotel under $250 a night within walking distance of the Lyric Theatre, home to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, a.k.a. the entire reason this trip exists.
I also wanted recommendations that go beyond the usual tourist checklist, great local food that’s not too expensive, and a stop at the filming location for Only Murders in the Building.
Here’s what my travel planning friend, ChatGPT, had to say:
Hotel Recommendations and Tips:
Suggested Itinerary:
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Night 1:
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Day 2:
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Day 3:
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This itinerary saved me HOURS of research! Instead, I checked out the recommendations, made a couple of follow-up modifications to my results, and boom…trip planned!
My own NYC weekend plan is just one small example. But for travel providers and loyalty programs, the implications of AI go far beyond convenience – they’re reshaping the industry in fundamental ways.
Whether you're in hospitality, transportation, or running a travel perks program, AI is already changing the game in four key ways.
1. Travel Tips That Feel Tailor-Made
AI analyzes behavior, preferences, and past bookings to deliver customized hotel picks, destination guides, and deals.
The result?
More engagement and more conversions.
2. Support That's Always On (and Still Feels Human)
AI chatbots and virtual assistants can handle everything from booking confirmations to itinerary changes – any time, day or night. Meanwhile, real agents can focus on complex needs, striking the right balance between automation and empathy.
3. Upsells That Actually Help
By anticipating needs (think: travel insurance, airport transfers, or room upgrades), AI can offer timely, relevant add-ons that improve the customer experience while boosting revenue.
4. Smarter Security, Safer Travel
AI constantly monitors booking and payment patterns to flag unusual activity. This proactive protection keeps both providers and travelers safe from fraud.
In loyalty programs, especially travel rewards platforms, AI is reshaping how value is delivered across three main areas.
1. Offers That Actually Matter
According to Millennials and Gen Z, the most useful travel aspects of Gen AI are activity recommendations (40%), budgeting/expense management (36%), and personalized trip recommendations (33%).
AI can identify what members are most likely to respond to, then deliver personalized savings opportunities or perks. This results in better redemption rates and more satisfied users.
2. Easier Redemptions = Happier Members
Automated, AI-backed systems simplify the member journey, making it easier to find, understand, and use available travel deals. Less friction means more frequent engagement.
3. Real-Time Engagement That Builds Loyalty
AI helps programs connect with users in the moment, whether that’s through personalized travel alerts, dynamic pricing, or timely promotions. That relevancy builds trust and long-term loyalty.
As powerful as AI is, it doesn’t come without concerns – especially in industries built on trust. Here are three things to keep in mind:
1. Privacy First. Travelers must trust that data is secure and used responsibly.
2. Balance Automation + Humanity. 41% of consumers distrust AI-generated content because they feel it lacks authenticity and personability (45%). Too much AI feels cold. People still want the human touch.
3. Monitor Bias. Algorithms must be checked to avoid unintentional discrimination.
As travel continues to evolve, one thing is clear: AI and loyalty must work hand in hand to create trusted, rewarding experiences.
AI may set the stage, but loyalty programs bring the magic to life, turning smarter travel into lasting relationships. At Access, we help companies make that connection seamless.
Want to learn more? Let's talk.