Travel-booking service HelloGbye's app has launched in the
Apple App Store after a beta-testing period on the web that started last
November. It enables users to book flights and hotels via a conversational
interface.
HelloGbye relies on artificial intelligence to parse users'
inputted requests and deliver choices of flights and hotels. It also uses
pre-entered travel preferences when deciding which flight and hotel choices to show
a user. The service supports multi-city, multi-passenger trips, and users can
either manually type in their request or use Siri through their iPhone to input
a request.
The app version of HelloGbye brings several changes,
including the ability to make post-booking changes to travel plans. According
to Greg Apple, head of marketing, the app version of HelloGbye has also
improved upon users' ability to book complex itineraries.
HelloGbye has partnered with American Express to access the
company's data and analytics. HelloGbye employs both user preferences and
American Express data when making hotel recommendations.
Apple said HelloGbye's hotel inventory largely comes from
Expedia and Booking.com, and its flight inventory comes from a major GDS,
though he declined to name which one.
There is a basic model of HelloGbye available for free with
no booking fees. Basic model users will be charged a $50 fee for airline
changes in addition to any airline penalties. A subscription-based model for
$19 per month is also available, which gives users 2% cash back on all hotel
bookings, preferred hotel rates, and no change fee from HelloGbye (but airline
fees are still applicable).
"HelloGbye's new groundbreaking search and scheduling
technology dramatically simplifies the booking experience for travelers who do
not have hours to waste with complicated online travel services," founder
Jonathan Miller said in a statement.