5 Ways AI Could Take Advantage of You on Your Next Trip
When Delta’s AI-driven airfare pricing hit the headlines in July, the outrage was instant. Travelers flooded forums with screenshots, claiming the airline was using algorithms to squeeze them for every dollar they were “willing to pay.” (note: Delta has firmly refuted this interpretation)
While the Delta AI pricing uproar exponentially increased general public awareness of AI’s potential impact on the booking process, there are many other areas within the traveler experience where AI can quietly tilt the scales against you.
From hotels that fine you for something you didn’t do to upgrade systems designed to push you into overpaying, artificial intelligence is starting to make more calls than you might think. And this often happens with little transparency, and sometimes without your consent.
There are benefits to AI’s growing influence in the travel ecosystem (and for the record, I believe these far outweigh the drawbacks). But without adequate consumer awareness, travelers are at risk of getting locked out, overcharged, or penalized without realizing it until it’s too late.
Here are five key areas where AI could put you at a disadvantage, as well as how to protect yourself before, during, and after your trip:
1. AI-Powered Damage & Incident Detection
The Problem:
Car rental companies, cruise lines, and micromobility (e.g. scooters) operators are rolling out AI damage detection tools that automatically assess vehicles post-use. AI-powered e-scooters and bike shares in some cities issue fines for sidewalk riding or “improper parking” based on computer vision analysis.
Why It Matters:
Automated systems can be overly sensitive, flagging scuffs or parking locations that aren’t actually violations. And this often happens without human review. Contesting a charge can be difficult if the decision is logged as “AI-confirmed.”
How to Protect Yourself:
Photograph vehicles or equipment from all angles before and after use.
End rides with clear, well-lit photos.
Request manual review before paying any fine.
2. Hotel AI Smoke/Vape Sensors
The Problem:
Some hotels are using AI-enabled air-quality sensors (like HALO) to detect vaping or smoking. Guests have reported false positives triggered by hair spray, steam, or even certain cleaning products, resulting in fines up to $500.
Why It Matters:
AI environmental monitoring can penalize guests for activities they didn’t do, with little ability to prove innocence after checkout.
How to Protect Yourself:
Ask at booking/check-in whether sensors are installed.
Keep receipts for aerosol products or humidifiers used during your stay.
Contest charges promptly, providing evidence if possible.
3. Automated Upgrade & Bid Systems
The Problem:
Airlines (via “Bid for Upgrade”), rail operators (Seatfrog in the UK), and even ferries now use AI to run seat/cabin auctions. Algorithms optimize for revenue, meaning you can end up paying more in an auction than if you had simply purchased the premium ticket outright.
Why It Matters:
The bidding process creates a gamified, opaque environment where you can overpay without realizing it, especially when “instant win” offers appear.
How to Protect Yourself:
Check the direct upgrade price before bidding.
Set a firm ceiling based on the price difference to the premium class.
Decline offers that exceed that gap.
4. AI Fraud & Booking Risk Detection
The Problem:
Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO deploy AI to detect “high-risk” reservations: short stays, local bookings, or young guests traveling alone. While this helps reduce fraud and parties, legitimate travelers are sometimes blocked or canceled with little explanation.
Why It Matters:
If flagged, you may be locked out of options during peak travel periods or be forced into last-minute, higher-priced alternatives.
How to Protect Yourself:
Build a verified profile with positive reviews.
Message hosts directly before booking if your trip fits a “high-risk” pattern.
Keep a backup accommodation option in mind during high-demand events.
5. Booking & Pricing Algorithms
The Problem:
I’ve left this for last as it’s the area the public is most aware of already. Airlines, hotels, and online travel agencies are testing AI systems to dynamically adjust fares, sometimes multiple times a day, based on demand signals, booking history, and even time of search. These are typically “willingness to pay” models (and in fairness, their fundamental logic is not new - it’s the same Chicago school capitalism that has informed the pricing of most purchases you’ve ever made).
Why It Matters:
While dynamic pricing isn’t new, AI’s predictive power can create individualized price pressure that’s invisible to consumers. Two travelers searching the same route could see vastly different fares.
How to Protect Yourself:
Compare fares on multiple platforms and devices.
Use incognito mode or privacy-focused browsers.
Sign up for fare alerts and check flexible date ranges.
The Bottom Line
AI in travel isn’t inherently bad. It can reduce fraud, personalize experiences, and streamline operations. But without transparency or human oversight, it can also create frustrating, and costly situations for travelers.
The best defense is to stay informed, document your travels, and ask direct questions about how AI is used. Do this before you hand over your credit card. In the age of algorithmic decision-making, awareness is your best protection.
