Airbnb plans to bake in AI features for search, discovery and support | TechCrunch

TechCrunch

by Ivan Mehta

February 14, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Airbnb is ramping up its integration of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance user experiences across its platform. CEO Brian Chesky revealed plans to leverage large language models (LLMs) for search, trip planning, and host management, aiming to create an AI-native experience that personalizes the app based on user preferences. The company is testing a new feature allowing users to interact with properties and locations using natural language queries, which could evolve into a more intuitive and conversational search experience. Currently, Airbnb uses an LLM-powered customer service bot in North America to handle 30% of inquiries without human intervention. Chesky also hinted at future developments, including voice-based AI support and expanded language coverage for customer service. The company is exploring the potential for sponsored listings within AI-driven search but prioritizes getting the design and user experience right first. Airbnb’s internal AI adoption is already significant, with 80% of its engineers using AI tools. The goal is to achieve full AI integration across all engineering processes. Chesky emphasized the importance of leveraging the expertise of new CTO Ahmad Al-Dahle, who previously worked on Meta’s Llama models, to enhance AI capabilities and improve efficiency. This strategic focus on AI aligns with Airbnb’s broader goals of innovation and scalability. By integrating advanced AI features, the company aims to provide a more seamless and personalized experience for both guests and hosts while optimizing its operations. This shift underscores the growing role of AI in reshaping how users interact with travel platforms, potentially offering new revenue opportunities

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Originally published on TechCrunch on 2/14/2026