He Asked AI, Google Flights and a Travel Agent to Find Him the Cheapest Flight. Here’S Who Won

In a world where booking a flight can feel like traversing a minefield, finding the cheapest options is no small feat. Mark decided to put the latest tools to the test. He enlisted the help of generative AI, Google Flights, and a travel agent. What could go wrong? Spoiler alert: plenty.

First up was the AI, a shiny tool that promised to suggest destinations and activities. Mark typed in his preferences and waited. The AI churned out options. Great, right? Except it lacked the human touch. It’s nice to have suggestions, but AI doesn’t exactly know if Mark hates layovers or if he’s allergic to peanuts.

Plus, it didn’t have real-time data access. So, while it offered “great” options, they were outdated. Classic.

Next came Google Flights. It’s the go-to for many travelers, providing updated pricing and availability. Mark quickly found a few decent deals. But, as he scrolled, he noticed the prices fluctuating like a rollercoaster. Breathe. It’s just the market, right?

Still, last-minute bookings are notorious for hiking prices, especially in peak seasons. Mark felt the pressure. Tick-tock.

Finally, the travel agent entered the scene. With access to live data and negotiation skills, they were the wild card. Mark hoped for an ace up his sleeve. The agent presented options, some even better than what he found online.

The catch? A hefty service fee. But would it be worth it?

In the end, Mark learned something valuable. Generative AI was a novelty, Google Flights a decent resource, but that travel agent? They held the cards. The human touch made a difference.

Sure, it wasn’t the cheapest option overall, but it was the most reliable. After all, sometimes you need a person in the mix to navigate the chaos of travel planning.