Skyscanner is introducing a new wave of travel planning features in 2026, including AI powered discovery tools, enhanced flight tracking, and more ways for travellers to uncover savings as demand for smarter and more personalised trip planning continues to grow.
Every month, Skyscanner helps more than 160 million travellers worldwide search and compare flights, accommodation, and car hire options. The latest updates across its website and app are designed to simplify travel planning while helping users discover destinations and secure better deals.
One of the biggest additions is Explore with AI, currently available in beta on the Skyscanner website for English speaking markets. Instead of entering a specific destination and travel dates, users can describe the type of holiday they are looking for using natural language. For example, a traveller can ask for “cheap flights to Japan in December” and receive personalised recommendations based on preferences, budget, travel style, and timing.
The tool presents destinations with side-by-side comparisons that include flight prices, weather, flight duration, and destination highlights. It also provides AI generated insights, such as identifying months that are typically cheaper for travel or recommending destinations that match a traveller’s interests. According to Skyscanner, early testing found that 60 percent of users clicked through to view flight options generated by Explore with AI.
The company has also launched a new Road Trip Planner, which uses AI to build customised driving itineraries while helping travellers find suitable car hire options. After entering a pick-up location, travel dates, and preferred journey type, users can choose from travel styles including Scenic Route, Fastest Route, Cultural Exploration, Adventure Trip, or Relaxing Getaway. The planner then generates a personalised itinerary with recommended stops, attractions, and points of interest, together with car hire suggestions tailored to the trip.
Skyscanner has also expanded its popular DROPS feature, which was first introduced on its mobile app last year. The updated version now identifies up to 822 percent more flight deals each day by analysing 100 billion prices and highlighting flights that have dropped by at least 20 percent over the previous seven days, giving travellers more opportunities to secure lower fares.
For travellers already on the move, Skyscanner has enhanced its Flight Tracker with more comprehensive real time information. In addition to live flight status updates, the feature now provides departure and arrival information, gate numbers, terminal details, and baggage belt information for millions of flights worldwide, helping travellers stay informed throughout their journey.
With the latest product updates, Skyscanner continues to expand its use of artificial intelligence and real time travel data, making it easier for travellers to discover destinations, plan road trips, monitor flights, and find better value for their next holiday.
