A survey by Kiwi.com, an online travel technology company, found that 79 percent of travelers from Hungary, Spain, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland and Romania would like artificial intelligence to assist with at least part of their travel planning. The study also shows that AI is increasingly used for more complex travel tasks.
How Hungarians use AI
Hungarian respondents reported using AI primarily for the following tasks:
- comparing prices: 58.6%
- reviewing large volumes of accommodation reviews: 34.9%
- planning complex, multi-city trips: 25.7%
- finding the most suitable flights: 24.2%
Respondents also expressed particular trust in the speed and efficiency of AI solutions.
Turning to AI for unexpected disruptions
In cases of unexpected events such as delays or cancellations, 37 percent of survey participants said they would rely on artificial intelligence to resolve the issue, while only about one in four respondents would seek help from in-person airport customer service.
AI features in the Kiwi.com app
The company's statement highlights new AI capabilities in Kiwi.com's app. One feature, called "AI Mode," provides access to advanced search functions through natural-language conversation, eliminating the need to configure complex filters manually. As the company puts it, “AI Mode turns an empty search box into a live conversation.”
Users can describe their needs in their own words — for example, a budget-constrained long weekend in a warm location, a multi-stop trip organized around a friend's wedding, or a city break using direct flights only — and the search results are tailored to those requests.
Behind the scenes, Kiwi.com's search engine examines more than two billion prices daily from the offerings of over 500 airlines to identify the best options for travelers. The system can plan routes and also assemble comprehensive activity recommendations for destinations.
Further developments
Among the innovations is an enhanced "Build your trip" feature that uses AI to analyze billions of combinations and link flights from carriers that do not normally cooperate. These improvements aim to make personalized trip planning faster and more accessible for users.
Why this matters
The survey's findings indicate growing acceptance of AI among Central and Eastern European travelers, particularly when fast and efficient solutions are required. The shift in preference from in-person airport assistance to automated solutions in handling disruptions is a notable signal for airlines and service providers when shaping customer support strategies.
