Delta Dumps Lyft for Uber: How This Spring’s Partnership Shakeup Brings Big Rewards for SkyMiles Members

Delta Air Lines is making a major move this spring by linking its SkyMiles program with Uber, marking the end of its eight-year partnership with Lyft. This new relationship allows Delta SkyMiles members to earn miles on Uber rides, offering a unique way for drivers to get more value from their travel.

Once accounts are connected, SkyMiles members can earn miles for UberX, Uber Comfort, Uber Black, and Uber Reserve trips. Specifically, riders will earn one mile per dollar on UberX rides, two miles for premium services like Uber Comfort and Uber Black, and three miles per dollar for Uber Reserve trips. Additionally, for Uber Eats deliveries, members can earn one mile for every $40 spent on food orders.

Uber’s CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, expressed that the goal is to streamline travel for passengers, stating, “With a record number of travelers taking to the skies, we’re focused on helping to make your airport travel journey as efficient, affordable, and effortless as possible.” This partnership is part of a broader trend among airlines expanding their loyalty programs, where Delta already collaborates with other major companies like Starbucks, Hertz, and Ticketmaster.

For those currently linked to Lyft, the partnership will continue until April 7, after which Delta customers will receive direct communications regarding the transition. A spokesperson from Delta shared, “We are appreciative of the partnership we’ve had with Lyft, benefiting loyal customers who have collectively earned billions of miles.”

While Delta has not publicly clarified the reason behind the switch from Lyft to Uber, the airline’s relationship with its credit card partner, American Express, could play a role. American Express provides Uber credits for some cardholders, aligning the two companies further.

As Uber continues to grow, it serves 161 million monthly active users across its platforms. In comparison, Lyft reported 24.4 million active riders. Uber’s ongoing expansion, including a shuttle service from Manhattan to New York’s LaGuardia Airport, highlights its significant presence in the rideshare and delivery sectors.

Delta and Uber officially announced their new partnership at the CES tech show in Las Vegas, where Delta also unveiled other technological advancements, such as an AI-powered assistant in its app and new in-flight entertainment upgrades.

For drivers, this new partnership opens up more opportunities to benefit from rideshare services, offering added value for miles earned through Uber. This collaboration signifies a shift that could have an impact on the rideshare and travel industries alike, providing drivers with more options to maximize their rewards while driving.

Source: CNBC