Find flights with Manus (16-hour run, poor pick)
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Evidence: Described by posterThe person describes what happened in words, without screenshots or video.
FailureThe source says the agent did not get the job done.
What went wrong: Ran for 16 hours, then picked what the poster called probably the most expensive option, with a 9-hour layover.
Outcome
Asked to find flights, Manus ran for 16 hours and then picked what the poster called probably the most expensive option, with a 9-hour layover.
Agent
Prompt Improved prompt
Improved prompt: strengthened by us to avoid the problem in the source. Not tested by the poster. It doesn't change what happened in the source.
Not sure how to start? Tell me what you're trying to get done and I'll help you turn it into a clear request. Goal: Find good-value flights for my trip within an hour. Quick check first: Where from and to, which dates, and what matters most: price, total time or fewer stops? What I need from you: - From [CITY] to [CITY] on [DATES] - Your limits: maximum price [PRICE], longest layover [HOURS] - Number of travellers and bags Rules: - Spend no more than 60 minutes, then give me what you have. - Don't suggest any option with a layover longer than my limit or a price above it. - Rank options by my priority and say why the top one wins. - Check the price on the booking page before listing it. - Don't book. Hand the choice to me. Output: The 3 best options with price, total travel time, layovers, airline and a link, plus one line on why each is there. If any of this is unclear, tell me what you have and I'll help fill the gaps. You'll know it worked when: you get sensible options within an hour, none with a layover longer than you want.
What the poster tried (recreated by us)
The source didn't publish its exact prompt; this is our reconstruction of what was asked.
Find me flights for this trip.
Source
https://x.com/natalienkhalil/status/2107519229109182513
By Natalie Khalil (@natalienkhalil) · Published Oct 6, 2026 · Added Oct 16, 2026 · Last verified Oct 16, 2026
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