Virgin Australia launches ChatGPT flight booking tool with OpenAI for Australian travellers

Australian travellers can now use AI technology to search for flights directly within ChatGPT through a new app launched by Virgin Australia.

The app enables travellers to describe their plans, then directs customers to flights and frequent flyer reward seat options.

The technology marks a major shift in how Australians can use AI to book travel in the future by removing the need to search and jump between websites or screens to plan holidays.

Virgin Australia Chief Executive Officer Dave Emerson said the launch represented a significant milestone for the airline and the future of travel.

Mr Emerson said the collaboration with OpenAI and the launch of their own ChatGPT app removed friction from the travel experience with smarter tools that made planning travel easier and more personalised.

“Through our collaboration with OpenAI, we’re giving our customers a faster, more intuitive way to plan and book their trips, all within a platform many are already using every day,” he said.

“Importantly, we’re also unlocking more value for Velocity members with a new way to locate Reward Seats directly within ChatGPT, making it easier than ever for members to redeem their points on flights.”

OpenAI Head of GTM, ANZ Satya Tammareddy, said the launch was a prime example of how AI can remove friction from complex tasks like travel planning.

“Australians are already turning to ChatGPT to plan, compare and make everyday decisions, and travel is a natural extension of that shift,” she said.

“Together with Virgin Australia, we’re making travel discovery more conversational, more useful and ultimately more accessible for millions of people.”