Delta Air Lines has officially announced a strategic partnership with Uber, set to launch in the spring of 2025. This collaboration will allow Delta SkyMiles members to earn miles for eligible Uber rides and Uber Eats orders, marking the end of Delta’s long-standing partnership with Lyft.
Delta and Uber’s New SkyMiles Partnership
Delta’s decision to partner with Uber over Lyft reflects a shift towards a more extensive loyalty offering. Uber’s expanded services, such as Uber Reserve and premium ride options, provide a broader earning potential for SkyMiles members compared to Lyft’s previous terms. Additionally, Uber’s existing partnerships with major hotel chains like Marriott Bonvoy suggest a proven track record in integrating with travel loyalty programs. Under the new agreement, SkyMiles members can link their Uber and Delta accounts to earn rewards on a range of services:
- Uber Eats: 1 mile per dollar spent on $40+ restaurant and grocery orders.
- Airport Rides: 1 mile per dollar spent on UberX rides to and from airports.
- Premium Rides: 2 miles per dollar spent on Uber Comfort and Uber Black rides.
- Uber Reserve: 3 miles per dollar spent on scheduled Uber Reserve rides.
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasizing the goal of creating a seamless travel experience: “Together, we’re teaming up to shape the future of travel.”
Delta CEO Ed Bastian echoed the sentiment, highlighting how the partnership enhances convenience for travelers: “This partnership creates more choice for customers to get to their destination in a way that works best for them.”
Delta Ends Partnership with Lyft
This collaboration with Uber means Delta will end its eight-year partnership with Lyft on April 7, 2025. While Lyft previously offered similar benefits, the Uber deal provides higher earning rates on premium services and better airport ride rewards.
Lyft’s current partnerships with Alaska Mileage Plan, Hilton Honors, and Bilt Rewards remain unaffected, allowing customers to continue earning points with those programs.
A Growing Trend of Airline and Rideshare Collaborations
Delta’s move mirrors broader industry trends where airlines partner with rideshare services to enhance loyalty programs. Uber already collaborates with Marriott Bonvoy, Aeroplan, Qantas, and Flying Blue. Similarly, American Airlines has a partnership with Uber for its AAdvantage members, while Hilton Honors maintains a relationship with Lyft. The Delta-Uber partnership, however, stands out by offering airport ride benefits, an area where competitors like Marriott’s Uber tie-up currently fall short. Delta’s move mirrors broader industry trends where airlines partner with rideshare services to enhance loyalty programs. Uber already collaborates with Marriott Bonvoy, Aeroplan, Qantas, and Flying Blue. The Delta-Uber partnership, however, stands out by offering airport ride benefits, an area where competitors like Marriott’s Uber tie-up currently fall short.
Enhancing the Passenger Experience Beyond Miles
The partnership extends beyond earning miles. Uber plans to improve the travel experience with features like:
- Enhanced pickup/drop-off instructions at Delta hubs.
- Flight Capture with Uber Reserve for timely airport arrivals.
- Expanded Uber Shuttle services and larger vehicle options for airport travelers.
Corporate Traveler Benefits
Frequent business travelers who rely on Delta and Uber for work trips can particularly benefit from this partnership. Enhanced airport services, increased earning potential on premium rides, and linked accounts for streamlined expenses make this collaboration highly appealing for corporate clients. Companies could easily integrate this program into their existing corporate travel policies by encouraging account linking and using premium ride options for enhanced mileage earnings and improved travel experiences. Frequent business travelers who rely on Delta and Uber for work trips can particularly benefit from this partnership. Enhanced airport services, increased earning potential on premium rides, and linked accounts for streamlined expenses make this collaboration highly appealing for corporate clients.
Data Sharing and Loyalty Program Evolution
The partnership also raises interesting questions about data sharing and consumer insights. By linking accounts, Delta and Uber gain valuable data on travel patterns, which could lead to even more personalized offers for customers. This trend highlights how loyalty programs are evolving to create seamless, end-to-end travel experiences rather than just mileage accumulation.
How to Get Started
SkyMiles members can prepare for the program launch by joining the waitlist on Uber’s website. Once accounts are linked, rewards can be earned automatically on eligible Uber transactions.
This collaboration not only reflects Delta’s commitment to improving its loyalty offerings but also highlights Uber’s increasing presence in the travel sector. As the airline industry continues to innovate loyalty strategies, partnerships like this one redefine how travelers can maximize rewards in everyday activities.