notitur.com September 4, 2026
Artificial IntelligencePublished September 4, 20261 min read

AI agents look to monetize the time between trips

JSBy Joan SanzCurated by Joan Sanz. · September 4, 2026 · Follow on LinkedIn
Voice reading · ~1 min

Forget the confirmation screen as the finish line. According to Skift, AI agentsAgentic AIAgentic AI is a system that does not just answer, it acts on its own to reach a goal. It searches, compares, books and pays without a person steering every step. In travel it threatens to sit between the guest and the... are helping airlines and other travel companies stay connected with customers long after the booking is closed.

The trick is that these agents retain context and act on signals that appear over time. They don't just answer a question and forget. They detect, for example, that the traveler asks about restaurants at the destination or is looking for a new suitcase, and they use that info to keep a useful conversation going beyond the trip.

My take: this turns the time between trips into a real revenue channel. Service interactions, which used to be a cost, now generate direct bookings and loyalty. Will it work? It depends on whether the agent delivers real value or becomes a pushy seller. If they get it right, the airline stops being just a means of transport and becomes the go-to travel assistant. That's where the money lies.

Quick questions

What is an AI agent in travel?
It's software that talks to the traveler naturally, understands their needs, and can take actions like booking or providing useful info. Unlike a simple chatbot, it remembers the history of interactions.
Why is the time between trips a revenue channel for airlines?
Because it allows them to keep in touch with the customer after the booking. With that ongoing relationship, the airline can suggest personalized offers for the next trip and boost direct sales.
What kind of signals does the AI agent use to sell?
Signals like searches for restaurants or activities at the destination, downloads of guides, or even questions about new luggage. Those are natural interests detected during the conversation.
Which travel companies are using these AI agents?
Per Skift, they are mainly being rolled out at airlines, though other travel companies are also using them to increase direct sales. The goal is the same: keep the traveler loyal between trips.
What are the risks of using AI agents to sell?
The main one is annoying customers with unwanted offers, ruining the experience. You need to balance selling with being useful. If the traveler feels like they're just a salesperson, it will trigger rejection.

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