Virgin Australia has unveiled a groundbreaking tool that allows Australian travellers to search for flights using artificial intelligence directly within ChatGPT. The new app, developed in collaboration with OpenAI, enables customers to describe their travel plans in natural language and receive flight options and frequent flyer reward seat availability without leaving the chat interface.
How the New AI Tool Works
The app integrates seamlessly with ChatGPT, allowing users to simply type their travel preferences, such as destination, dates, or budget, and instantly receive relevant flight suggestions. This eliminates the need to switch between multiple websites or tabs, streamlining the booking process. The tool also provides access to Velocity frequent flyer reward seats, making it easier for members to redeem points.
A Major Shift in Travel Planning
Virgin Australia Chief Executive Officer Dave Emerson described the launch as a significant milestone for both the airline and the future of travel. "Through our collaboration with OpenAI, we are giving our customers a faster, more intuitive way to plan and book their trips, all within a platform many are already using every day," he said. "Importantly, we are also unlocking more value for Velocity members with a new way to locate Reward Seats directly within ChatGPT, making it easier than ever for members to redeem their points on flights."
The technology represents a major shift in how Australians can use AI to book travel. By removing friction from the travel experience, smarter tools make planning more personalised and less time-consuming. OpenAI Head of GTM for ANZ, Satya Tammareddy, noted that Australians are increasingly turning to ChatGPT for everyday decisions. "Travel is a natural extension of that shift. Together with Virgin Australia, we are making travel discovery more conversational, more useful and ultimately more accessible for millions of people," she said.
Virgin Australia has been at the forefront of adopting AI technologies to enhance customer experience. This latest innovation is expected to set a new standard for the travel industry, offering a glimpse into a future where AI assistants handle complex booking tasks with ease.
