- Southwest Airlines launched the first US airline plugin in ChatGPT
- The plugin was developed with OpenAI and Amazon Web Services
- Users can search destinations, compare cash fares and refine itineraries within ChatGPT
- The plugin does not handle final transactions or support Rapid Rewards points bookings
- Virgin Atlantic launched a similar tool earlier this year
Southwest Airlines has launched the first US airline plugin in ChatGPT. Developed with OpenAI and Amazon Web Services, it allows customers to discover destinations and plan flights directly within the chatbot as the initial phase of an AI-powered booking approach. The airline integrated its flight-shopping experience directly into the AI platform in partnership with OpenAI and Amazon Web Services.
Users can search for Southwest destinations, compare cash fares and refine complex travel itineraries directly inside the chat window. The plugin does not handle the final transaction or support Rapid Rewards points bookings. Once a user selects a flight, ChatGPT hands them off to Southwest.com to input passenger details and finalise payment. Because the itineraries are AI-generated, Southwest notes that responses could contain errors or omissions, meaning the airline is not liable for data discrepancies within the chatbot.
To install the plugin, users log in to ChatGPT and navigate to the Plugins section via the sidebar. They search for Southwest and click install. They then open a new chat, type @Southwest and select Southwest Airlines from the menu. Users enter trip details to begin shopping. While Southwest holds the title for the first US carrier to do this, Virgin Atlantic launched a similar tool earlier this year.
