AI Agent Books Flights, Saves $550!

Instinct, an AI agent operating through iMessage and WhatsApp, is gaining attention for its practical capabilities. Unlike basic chatbots, Instinct connects to user email, calendar, and messaging apps to perform tasks. It successfully booked restaurant reservations for a work trip to Venice, Italy, and later canceled a flight for a New York trip, securing a $550 refund by identifying a flight schedule change.

This advanced functionality has led to significant investor interest, with Instinct reportedly in talks to raise $1 billion, potentially valuing the company at $10 billion. Meta's AI assistant, Muse, also saw a surge in popularity, becoming the most downloaded free app. However, concerns about AI agent security and data privacy persist, with reports of Instinct retaining email copies and potential phishing vulnerabilities.

The user found Instinct's "form factor"—interacting via familiar messaging apps with helpful prompts—to be a key advantage over other agents. Despite acknowledging risks, including terms of service allowing conversation training and past mistakes like canceling a DoorDash order, the user finds Instinct a valuable, albeit chaotic, personal assistant. The agent's ability to identify a phishing scam further highlighted its utility.