
Delta Air Lines shifts gears, swapping Lyft for Uber in a move that promises to revolutionize its SkyMiles rewards program.
At a Glance
- Delta SkyMiles members can now earn miles on Uber rides to and from airports
- Uber replaces Lyft as Delta’s exclusive rideshare and delivery partner in the U.S.
- Members can earn up to 3 miles per dollar on premium Uber services
- SkyMiles can be earned on Uber Eats orders of $40 or more
- Partnership aims to enhance travel convenience and connectivity
Delta’s Strategic Shift to Uber
In a significant move that’s set to reshape the landscape of airline rewards programs, Delta Air Lines has announced a new partnership with Uber, effectively ending its long-standing relationship with Lyft. This strategic shift, slated to take effect this spring, promises to offer Delta SkyMiles members enhanced opportunities to earn miles through their everyday transportation and food delivery choices.
Under the new agreement, SkyMiles members will have the chance to accumulate miles at varying rates depending on the Uber service they choose. Members can earn one mile per dollar on UberX rides, two miles per dollar on premium Uber rides, and a generous three miles per dollar on Uber Reserve. Additionally, the partnership extends beyond just rides, with members able to earn one mile per dollar on Uber Eats orders of $40 or more.
Expanding Rewards and Reach
This partnership marks a significant expansion of Delta’s rewards program, which has consistently ranked among the top airline loyalty programs in the industry. The collaboration with Uber, which boasts a staggering 161 million monthly active users compared to Lyft’s 24.4 million, is poised to offer SkyMiles members more opportunities to earn miles in their day-to-day lives.
“Delta is thrilled to come together with Uber to create a connected travel experience from start to finish,” Delta CEO Ed Bastian said in a statement. “This partnership creates more choice for customers to get to their destination in a way that works best for them.”
The move is not just about ride-sharing; it’s part of Delta’s broader strategy to enhance its SkyMiles program. Recently, the airline also announced a partnership with YouTube to provide ad-free content to SkyMiles members during flights, further enhancing the value proposition of its loyalty program.
Impact on the Ride-Sharing Market
The announcement of this partnership has sent ripples through the ride-sharing market. Lyft’s shares dropped over 5% following the news, while Uber’s stock also saw a slight decline. However, Lyft appears to be taking the loss in stride, with a spokesperson stating that the company is “continuing to expand our horizons by joining forces with major brands who share our customer obsession.” Indeed, Lyft has been expanding its own partnerships, including a deal with Alaska Airlines since 2022.
What This Means for SkyMiles Members
For Delta SkyMiles members, this partnership opens up new avenues to earn miles, which can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and other rewards. With SkyMiles valued at approximately 1.2 cents per mile, frequent users of Uber services could see significant accumulations over time. However, it’s worth noting that substantial usage is often required to gather enough miles for significant benefits such as free flights or baggage fee waivers.
One of the key advantages of the Delta SkyMiles program is that miles do not expire, making it particularly beneficial for infrequent travelers who can accumulate miles over extended periods. Additionally, the program offers various ways to earn miles beyond just flying, including using Delta-branded credit cards and spending with partner companies.
As Delta continues to evolve its SkyMiles program, this partnership with Uber represents a significant step towards creating a more integrated and rewarding travel experience for its customers. Whether this move will prompt other airlines to forge similar partnerships remains to be seen, but it certainly sets a new standard in the competitive landscape of airline loyalty programs.
Sources:
- https://www.investopedia.com/uber-replaces-lyft-as-delta-skymiles-partner-8771046
- https://finance.yahoo.com/news/uber-replaces-lyft-delta-skymiles-163349326.html
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/delta-air-lines-skymiles-program-the-complete-guide
- https://dnyuz.com/2025/01/08/delta-air-lines-is-ditching-lyft-for-uber/