Airbnb Tests AI-Powered Search for Select Users

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Airbnb has begun testing an AI-driven search feature with a small group of users, allowing them to describe travel preferences in natural language and receive tailored listing suggestions. The experimental tool lets people type or speak queries and the AI interprets the request, considers filters like dates, guests, and amenities, and returns personalized results ranked by relevance.

Why it matters

This test reflects the travel industry's broader adoption of generative AI to improve discovery and personalization, particularly as travelers increasingly seek unique, tailored experiences. Airbnb's move follows similar AI search experiments by competitors like Booking.com and Expedia.

The details

The AI-powered search feature is currently available only to a limited percentage of users in the U.S. It uses large language models to understand intent and context better than keyword-based search. Early testers can refine suggestions by chatting with the AI, adding details like budget, vibe, or must-have features. The tool pulls from Airbnb's existing inventory and applies standard ranking factors, including host ratings, price, and availability.

• Airbnb began testing the AI-powered search feature in January 2026.

What’s next

User feedback will shape whether the AI-powered search tool expands beyond the current test group. Airbnb has not shared a timeline for wider availability or details on which models power the feature.