Delta Air Lines Replaces Lyft With Uber For SkyMiles Member Perks

Delta Air Lines shakes up travel rewards by partnering with Uber, leaving Lyft behind.

At a Glance

Delta SkyMiles members can now earn miles on Uber rides and Uber Eats orders
Uber replaces Lyft as Delta’s exclusive rideshare and delivery partner in the U.S.
Earnings range from 1 to 3 miles per dollar spent, depending on the Uber service
Partnership aims to create a more connected travel experience for customers

Delta’s Strategic Shift to Uber

Delta Air Lines has announced a significant change in its partnerships, designating Uber as its exclusive rideshare and delivery affiliate across the United States. This move ends Delta’s eight-year collaboration with Lyft, marking a new chapter in the airline’s efforts to enhance customer experiences and loyalty rewards.

Starting this spring, Delta SkyMiles members will have the opportunity to earn miles on Uber rides to and from airports. The earning structure is tiered, offering one mile per dollar on UberX rides, two miles per dollar on premium Uber rides, and three miles per dollar on Uber Reserve. Additionally, customers can earn one mile per dollar on Uber Eats orders of $40 or more, expanding the rewards program beyond just transportation.

Delta to launch SkyMiles partnership with Uber but cut ties with Lyft 🚖https://t.co/qkOKD7FWPO

— The Points Guy (@thepointsguy) January 8, 2025

Impact on Travelers and Market Dynamics

This partnership brings together two giants in their respective industries. Delta, one of the largest airlines in North America and globally, boasts a vast network of hubs in major U.S. cities and international markets. Uber, with its 161 million monthly active users, far outpaces Lyft’s 24.4 million, potentially offering Delta customers more opportunities to earn miles.

“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 has already impacted the stock market, with Lyft shares dropping over 5% following the announcement. This shift underscores the competitive nature of loyalty programs and their importance in the travel industry.

Maximizing SkyMiles Benefits

For frequent flyers and Delta loyalists, this partnership opens up new avenues to accumulate SkyMiles. These miles can be redeemed for a range of travel perks, including complimentary flights or baggage fee waivers. However, it’s important to note that significant spending is necessary to amass enough miles for substantial rewards.

The Delta SkyMiles program, free to join, offers various ways to earn miles beyond flying and Uber services. Members can also accumulate miles through Delta-branded credit cards and spending with other partner companies. Importantly, SkyMiles do not expire, making them advantageous for infrequent travelers who can save up over time.

Looking Ahead

As Delta continues to evolve its loyalty program, this partnership with Uber represents a strategic move to enhance the overall travel experience. By connecting air travel with ground transportation and food delivery, Delta aims to offer a more seamless journey for its customers from door to door.

While Lyft may have lost this particular partnership, the company stated it is “continuing to expand our horizons by joining forces with major brands who share our customer obsession.” This suggests that competition in the travel rewards space will continue to heat up, potentially leading to more innovative partnerships and benefits for consumers in the future.