Airbnb is testing out AI search with a 'small percentage' of users

Engadget

by Jackson Chen

February 14, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Airbnb is rolling out an AI-powered search tool to a small group of users, allowing guests to describe their travel needs more naturally and ask questions about listings and locations. This new feature aims to enhance the booking process by providing a more intuitive and comprehensive experience that extends throughout the trip. CEO Brian Chesky emphasized during a fourth-quarter earnings call that this is part of Airbnb's broader strategy to build an "AI-native experience," designed to assist guests, hosts, and the company itself in running operations more efficiently. The AI search tool, currently in early testing stages, is focused on giving guests a more natural way to describe what they're looking for. This marks the latest step in Airbnb's growing reliance on artificial intelligence, following the introduction of an AI chatbot last year that handles customer service requests. Although this chatbot is only available to users in North America, it already manages one-third of customer inquiries without human intervention. Chesky also mentioned plans to expand the AI chatbot's capabilities, handling significantly more customer requests within a year and rolling out globally. This strategic focus on AI highlights Airbnb's commitment to improving user experience through technology. By leveraging artificial intelligence, the company aims to make its platform more efficient, personalized, and responsive to user needs. This approach not only enhances guest satisfaction but also streamlines operations for hosts and improves overall service delivery. As the tech industry continues to prioritize AI integration,

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Originally published on Engadget on 2/14/2026