Virgin Australia has launched a new AI-powered search tool within ChatGPT that allows travellers to find flights and reward seats using everyday language.

Instead of entering destinations, travel dates and points requirements into a traditional booking engine, users can start a conversation in ChatGPT and ask questions such as, “Where can I fly from Perth using 50,000 Velocity points?” or “What reward flights are available to Tokyo in September?”

Customers can also connect their Velocity Frequent Flyer accounts to view available reward seats on Virgin-operated flights, helping streamline the process of finding and booking flights using points.

Virgin Australia chief executive Dave Emerson says the launch of its new flight search functionality marks a significant milestone for the airline and for the future of travel.

“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 says.

“Our landmark collaboration with OpenAI and the launch of our very own ChatGPT app is about removing friction from the travel experience and meeting our customers where they are, with smarter tools that make planning travel simpler and more personalised.”

The tool is available through the Apps section of ChatGPT, with Virgin Australia planning to expand its capabilities to include international flight searches, partner airline reward seats and seat map insights.