Johannesburg – AI can't replace the insights and advice of a dedicated travel manager (we're talking about the smarts of travel that come with years of personal experience), but it's beebelling hard at work, in the background.
In fact, when you book your next business trip, you can ensure that AI is smoother than ever by streamlining site navigation, encouraging policy travel decisions, predicting travel preferences, and providing some impressive, intuitive touches.
From avoiding delays to curating movie lists in flight, here are five ways AI can revolutionize business travel.
1. Plot the perfect itinerary
Have you recently checked in to the hotel and been surprised by the choice of rooms, on-site amenities and minibar? It's not blind luck. Perhaps AI is taking up your past travel behaviors and preferences, feeding people directly that makes a difference.
For frequent flyers, that means enjoying subtle tweaks in the lounge, airline seating, dining options, and even entertainment in the flight (yes, airlines like Emirates and Delta dabbles in AI-curated movie menus.
However, as explained by Mummy Maphojan, a productive operational leader at FCM, the AI filling itinerary is always political too.
“Today's booking tools use AI to curate and shape travel options,” says Mafojane. “For example, the FCM platform built for managers, bookers and travelers will automatically flag options that comply with the company's travel policy, taking into account preferences and requirements for sustainability and traveller wellness.”
2. Planning smart routes
According to Mafojane, AI is also an essential tool when it comes to scrutinizing global distribution systems or travel aggregators for the best flights.
“Convenience and comfort remain a top priority for business travelers. This means that direct flights are preferred over cheaper connections. It's not just about saving money, it's about regaining time. AI places the best options at the table, improving efficiency, simplifying the process, and making business travel a more enjoyable experience.”
3. Airport Experience
Biometric screening using face recognition in check-in and security is already widespread, including Heathrow, Changi and the major US hubs. Technologies such as SmartGate, Epassport Gates and TSA's facial recognition system streamline security and immigration processes. Singapore's Changi Airport currently offers passport-free clearance, while the US implements facial recognition at 80 airports. These AI-enhanced systems ultimately lead to faster check-in and security processing, reducing airport queues and latency. This is the biggest bug for travelers today.
4. Predictions (and prevent flight delays)
Major airlines are already using machine learning to analyze weather patterns, air traffic data, aircraft travel time, and forecast break times and even forecasts up to the day.
Delta led the charge and reduced maintenance cancellations to just 55 from 5,600 in 2010 to 55,600 in 2018 by analyzing aircraft sensor data, but was not immune to the 2024 Cloud Strike Stop Chaos.
Airlines also employ AI-driven systems to simulate weather disruptions and assist in real-time decision-making in flight schedules and crew management.
JetBlue keeps it out of losing, and also has enhanced weather forecasting capabilities, minimizing delays and cancellations. The technology, originally implemented at Boston Logan International Airport, will expand across JetBlue's busiest airports, saving more than $300,000 a month at these airports, and could potentially offer a $4 million savings to the company.
5. 24/7 Customer Support
Did your flight cancel at midnight? Generated AI chatbots used by some TMCs instantly reroute travelers. They handle booking or tracking bags fast, multilingual, tireless, while you sleep.
TMCs like FCM integrate generated AI chatbots into the platform to enhance traveler support by handling routine tasks such as flight changes, destination information, and everyday queries. In other words, chatbots work on the basics and free human agents to deal with complex crises such as unexpected global events and weather phenomena affecting travelers around the world.
Again, AI is incredibly valuable.
“AI-driven risk tools track global events in real time,” says Mafojane. “Machine learning is used for risk assessments, where both travel managers and travelers receive alerts if there is a new threat nearby. Travel managers can reroute passengers whenever possible, rescheduling flights or ensure safe evacuation in worst case scenarios.”
Obviously, AI cannot cover the “beast from the East” Megastorm. But it's better to smooth out rough edges.
“AI helps to provide everything travelers want: a quick, comfortable and safe journey. But it also allows for a truly personalized travel experience. It's really very exciting.”
