How ChatGPT prompts can save you thousands on travel bookings

A growing number of travellers are discovering that artificial intelligence, particularly ChatGPT, can act as a personal travel assistant, finding the best routes, cheapest fares and even negotiating the fine print.

How one traveller outsmarted her travel agent with ChatGPT

A friend of mine recently planned a trip to Egypt. After making a few simple itinerary changes, she was shocked to find her travel agent’s revised quote had jumped by R4,500 per person - and her luxurious five-star hotel had quietly been downgraded to a four-star.

Frustrated, she decided to put ChatGPT to the test. She uploaded her original and revised quotes, asking whether she was being overcharged. 

Within minutes, the AI confirmed her suspicions: she was indeed being ripped off. But it didn’t stop there - it provided a comprehensive itinerary with direct hotel contact details, including WhatsApp numbers, alternative private tour guides, Nile cruise options, and transparent pricing.

By booking directly, she saved thousands of rands.

What ChatGPT can help you ask

ChatGPT can do far more than compare prices; it helps travellers know what to ask before they book.

Here are some example prompts that transform vague travel planning into cost-saving precision:

• Ask for a private vehicle, English-speaking Egyptologist guide, and hotel transfers.
• Confirm whether entrance tickets are included.
• Check if the guide is a licensed Egyptologist.
• Ensure transfers are in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• Clarify if ‘private’ really means exclusive use.

These smart prompts empower you to negotiate confidently, ensuring you get exactly what you’re paying for - nothing less, nothing more.

AI prompts that find cheaper flights

If your goal is to find the most affordable way to fly from Johannesburg to Cairo, Paris, or anywhere else - ChatGPT can generate results that many travel search engines miss. Try prompts such as:

• Compare this flight across Google Flights, airline sites, and booking platforms - where’s it cheapest right now? (Up to 28% of fare options remain hidden from major search engines.)
• Find the cheapest way to fly from Johannesburg to Rome next month, including multi-stop routes and nearby airports.
• What three cities could I stop in to significantly reduce the price of this trip?
• Set up a three-day monitoring system for this route and notify me when the fare drops below R8,000.
• Find mistake fares or flash sales leaving from Cape Town this month.

You can also ask ChatGPT to check budget airlines, or to scan nearby airports for better deals - an effective way to cut costs when flying internationally.

Used wisely, it’s not just about convenience; it’s about saving thousands of rand while gaining insider-level access to global travel options.

In just a few prompts, you’ll have a tailor-made travel plan - and possibly the best-priced trip of your life.

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