Skyscanner voice search available on Amazon Alexa

Travel search engine Skyscanner is being made available as a ‘skill’ on Amazon’s Alexa voice service when the Echo device launches in the UK this month. Previously only available in the US, it will be now be possible for Amazon Alexa users in the UK to search for flights using voice conversation. The Skyscanner skill … Continue reading Skyscanner voice search available on Amazon Alexa

Travel search engine Skyscanner is being made available as a ‘skill’ on Amazon’s Alexa voice service when the Echo device launches in the UK this month.

Previously only available in the US, it will be now be possible for Amazon Alexa users in the UK to search for flights using voice conversation.

The Skyscanner skill will be available through any device using Alexa, including Amazon Echo and the new Fire TV.

The Skyscanner skill enables Alexa to suggest flights based on a simple conversation about upcoming travel plans.

Users wishing to find a flight can direct Alexa to search for Skyscanner flights using natural language commands. Alexa then provides the best option found based on the information the user provides.

Skyscanner head of bots and conversational search, David Low, said: “We believe it’s important that we continue to innovate and expand our technology offering as the needs of our travellers evolve.

“By bringing Amazon Alexa and Skyscanner together, travellers in the UK now have the ability to search for flights with a simple voice conversation. In just a few words travellers will be given suggestions on flights along with the latest prices – quick and easy.”

As well as being available as the first flight search skill on Amazon’s initial US launch, the travel search engine was also the first to provide a bot for Facebook’s Messenger platform in addition to debuting its offering for Skype’s new bot platform last month.

The Skyscanner flight search for voice is being made available on launch of the product alongside a handful of other skills, including Uber, Just Eat and Sky Sports.

Pre-orders for the Echo device in the UK open today, with a new white variant of the £150 Echo available on September 28.