Travellers Are Still Largely Distrustful of AI Trip Planning

Travellers will happily allow artificial intelligence to find discounts and best pricing, but they’re not yet ready to let AI plan trips on its own.

While artificial intelligence continues to transform industries, most of the world’s most experienced travellers remain reluctant to let “Agentic AI” — autonomous digital assistants that plan, book and manage trips — take charge of their journeys, according to the Global Rescue Fall 2025 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey. 

When asked if they would consider using Agentic AI for their next international trip, just over one in five (22%) said yes. Men (24%) were more open than women (19%) and U.S. travellers (23%) were slightly more receptive than non-U.S. travellers (20%). Nearly four in ten (40%) said they would not use it while another 38% were unsure. 

“Travellers are curious but cautious,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies and a member of the US Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the US Department of Commerce. “They want to understand how these emerging AI systems make decisions before they’re comfortable handing over control.” 

Only 18% of respondents said they had heard of Agentic AI before the survey. Awareness was slightly higher among men (19%) and non-US travelers (20%) than among women (14%) and US respondents (17%). 

Comfort levels dropped sharply when travellers were asked how they’d feel about letting Agentic AI make autonomous decisions. Only 20% said they would feel comfortable letting AI design a complete trip itinerary based on their preferences. Women and international travellers were the most hesitant. 

Discomfort grew when the scenario involved Agentic AI booking flights, hotels or activities without traveller approval. Nearly eight in ten (79%) said they would feel uncomfortable with that level of control. Women were especially skeptical, with 83% reporting unease compared to 77% of men. 

When asked about allowing AI to automatically rebook disrupted flights or hotels, acceptance rose slightly — about 22% said they would feel comfortable, while roughly 60% said they would not. 

The one area where travellers showed stronger acceptance was AI-driven cost savings. About 38% said they would be comfortable letting AI apply promo codes or adjust bookings to find better deals. 

“These results show a clear boundary between curiosity and trust,” Richards said. “Travellers may welcome AI tools that save them money, but they’re not yet ready to let those tools make major decisions on their behalf.”