Losing control, data privacy top concerns around AI travel booking
Expedia Group's AI Trust Gap study found that only 8% of consumers rely on AI chatbots for trip planning, compared to 59% using search engines. Phocuswright research shows 39% of U.S. travelers use AI for travel research and planning, while search engine usage dropped from 51% in late 2024 to 36% in H2 2025. The survey found 53% are comfortable with AI suggesting options, but 66% don't trust AI to book for them, and 57% worry about loss of control and data/payment privacy.
Impact and considerations
AI adoption in travel planning is growing, but trust issues are a major barrier to booking conversion, requiring companies to build consumer trust beyond technology.
Key points
- Only 8% of consumers use AI chatbots for trip planning, compared to 59% using search engines.
- 39% of U.S. travelers use AI for travel research and planning, with search engine usage declining.
- 66% don't trust AI assistants to book for them, and 57% worry about loss of control and privacy.
Sources and time
- Primary source
- PhocusWire / Phocuswright
- Other sources
- 0
- First source publication
- 14 Apr 2026, 21:00
- Page published
- 13 Aug 2026, 08:21
- Last updated
- 14 Apr 2026, 21:00
- Original links
- PhocusWire All News：Losing control, data privacy top concerns around AI travel booking (opens in a new tab)Primary source · en · Published 14 Apr 2026, 21:00