Delta Air Lines shifts gears, replacing Lyft with Uber as its exclusive rideshare partner for the SkyMiles rewards program, promising enhanced benefits for travelers.
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.
- Earning rates vary: 1 mile per dollar on UberX, 2 on premium rides, 3 on Uber Reserve
- SkyMiles can be earned on Uber Eats orders of $40 or more
- Partnership aims to create a more connected travel experience for customers
Delta’s Strategic Shift to Uber
Delta Air Lines has announced a major change in its SkyMiles rewards program, partnering with Uber to replace its longstanding collaboration with Lyft. This strategic move, set to launch this spring, will allow Delta SkyMiles members to earn miles on Uber rides to and from airports across the United States. The partnership marks the end of Delta’s eight-year relationship with Lyft and positions Uber as the airline’s exclusive rideshare and delivery partner in the country.
The new alliance offers varied earning rates for SkyMiles members. Customers will receive one mile per dollar spent on UberX rides, two miles per dollar on premium Uber rides, and three miles per dollar on Uber Reserve bookings. Additionally, SkyMiles members can earn one mile per dollar on Uber Eats orders of $40 or more, expanding the program’s reach beyond just transportation.
Delta to launch SkyMiles partnership with Uber but cut ties with Lyft đźš–https://t.co/qkOKD7FWPO
— The Points Guy (@thepointsguy) January 8, 2025
Implications for Travelers and Companies
This partnership significantly expands opportunities for Delta’s SkyMiles members to accumulate miles. With Uber’s extensive user base of 161 million monthly active users, compared to Lyft’s 24.4 million, the potential for earning rewards has increased substantially. However, it’s important to note that accumulating enough miles for significant rewards, such as free flights or waived baggage fees, typically requires considerable spending.
“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.”
Bastian expressed enthusiasm for the new partnership, emphasizing the enhanced connectivity and benefits it promises for travelers. This move aligns with Delta’s strategy to improve customer experience and loyalty program offerings. For Uber, this partnership represents a significant expansion in the travel sector, potentially increasing its market share in airport transportation.
Impact on the Rideshare Industry
The announcement has had immediate effects on the stock market, with Lyft shares dropping over 5% following the news. Uber shares also saw a slight decline. This shift in partnerships highlights the competitive nature of the rideshare industry and the importance of strategic alliances with major brands like airlines.
While Lyft loses its partnership with Delta, the company remains optimistic, stating its commitment to expanding partnerships with other brands. Lyft has already established a partnership with Alaska Airlines since 2022, indicating its intention to maintain a presence in the travel rewards sector.
The Broader Picture of Delta’s SkyMiles Program
Delta’s SkyMiles program, free to join, offers various ways to earn miles beyond just flying. Members can accumulate miles through Delta credit card usage and spending with partner companies. These miles can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and other rewards, with a baseline value of 1.2 cents per mile. Notably, Delta SkyMiles do not expire, making them particularly advantageous for infrequent travelers.
As one of the largest airlines in North America and globally, Delta’s move to partner with Uber is likely to have far-reaching effects on the travel and rewards landscape. This partnership not only enhances the value proposition for Delta’s customers but also strengthens Uber’s position in the competitive rideshare market, particularly in the lucrative airport transportation segment.
​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/