SkyMiles Members to Earn Miles on Uber Rides and Deliveries Starting This Spring
Delta Air Lines has announced a new partnership with Uber, linking its popular SkyMiles loyalty program with the ride-hailing and delivery giant. The agreement will allow SkyMiles members to earn rewards for Uber rides and Uber Eats orders, replacing Delta’s eight-year collaboration with Lyft.
Earning Miles with Uber
Beginning this spring, Delta SkyMiles members can earn:
- 1 mile per dollar on UberX airport rides.
- 2 miles per dollar on premium options like Uber Comfort and Uber Black.
- 3 miles per dollar on Uber Reserve trips.
Additionally, members will earn 1 mile per dollar on Uber Eats orders over $40, covering both restaurant and grocery purchases.
“With a record number of travelers taking to the skies, we’re focused on making airport travel efficient, affordable, and effortless,” Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi stated.
Transition from Lyft to Uber
Delta’s collaboration with Lyft will officially end on April 7, 2024. Customers with linked accounts will be notified about the transition and continue earning miles with Lyft until the partnership’s conclusion. Delta thanked Lyft for their years of partnership, during which SkyMiles members earned billions of miles.
Lyft, in a statement, highlighted its ongoing partnerships with major brands like Alaska Airlines, Chase, and Hilton.
Why the Switch?
While Delta has not disclosed the specific reasons for the shift, the move aligns with its broader partnerships strategy. Delta’s credit card partner, American Express, already offers Uber credits with some of its cards. The airline estimated it would receive $7 billion from its American Express partnership in 2024, with a long-term target of $10 billion annually.
Uber’s Rapid Growth
Uber continues to outpace Lyft in user engagement and ride volume. As of September 2024, Uber reported 161 million monthly active users across its ride-hailing and food delivery services, with more than 2.8 billion rides and deliveries in the third quarter. Lyft, by comparison, had 24.4 million active riders and recorded 216 million rides in the same period.
Delta’s Push for Innovation
The new Uber partnership was unveiled at CES in Las Vegas, where Delta also showcased other advancements, including:
- An artificial intelligence-powered “assistant” integrated into its app.
- Upgrades to in-flight entertainment systems.
This latest initiative reflects Delta’s ongoing efforts to enhance customer experiences and maintain its position as a leader in loyalty program innovation.
Conclusion
Delta’s collaboration with Uber is a significant step in expanding its loyalty ecosystem. By offering SkyMiles members additional ways to earn rewards through rides and food deliveries, the airline is not only catering to its frequent flyers but also leveraging Uber’s vast user base to attract new customers.
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