Airbnb plans AI travel agent launch in first half of 2027

Airbnb said Thursday it plans to launch an AI travel agent in the first half of 2027. The company described the feature as a custom-designed, AI-native experience for travel, not a typical chatbot. It also reported third-quarter revenue growth of 19% to $4.87 billion and raised its 2026 revenue growth forecast to the high teens.

How the agent will work

Chief executive Brian Chesky told analysts that people will not use one AI agent for everything. He said today's AI agents, such as Muse and Instinct, are good at simple routine tasks like making a restaurant reservation or scheduling an appointment, but planning a trip is different. Airbnb said its agent will draw from hundreds of travel-specific interface components, including maps, photos, comparisons, calendars and itineraries, and compose them in real time around a user's question.

The company said the agent will feel a little bit like generative UI by offering the right interface at the right time. It also said its nearly 20 years of experience bringing hosts and guests together informs how the agent is built, including insights about how people book and host on its platform.

Support beyond booking

Airbnb said the agent will be able to help guests throughout their trip. That includes changing a reservation, resolving a payment issue, getting help with refunds, rebooking, or 24-hour safety support. The company said these are things an outside agent cannot easily do on its own.

Over time, Airbnb expects the agent will also help travelers with homes, hotels, services and experiences. Services and experiences became a bigger focus for the company following its redesign last year.

Earnings and outlook

The announcement came alongside strong third-quarter earnings. Revenue grew 19% to $4.87 billion, topping Wall Street estimates. Airbnb also raised its 2026 revenue growth forecast from the mid-teens to the high teens. Chesky told analysts that Airbnb is back in growth mode and that the third quarter was its fastest revenue growth in more than three years.

Sources: TechCrunch · The Verge