Delta Air Lines is set to enhance its SkyMiles loyalty program by partnering with Uber, replacing its eight-year association with Lyft. Starting this spring, Delta SkyMiles members will earn varying mileage for different Uber services: one mile per dollar for UberX rides, two for premium rides like Uber Comfort and Uber Black, and three miles for Uber Reserve trips. Additionally, members can earn one mile for each dollar spent on Uber Eats orders over $40. This partnership comes as Delta aims to streamline airport travel for its customers amid rising air travel demand, according to Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi.
While Delta did not disclose reasons for the switch, American Express, Delta’s credit card partner, offers Uber credits to select cardholders. Delta anticipates significant financial gains from its AmEx partnership, projecting around $7 billion in 2024. Meanwhile, in Q3, Lyft reported 24.4 million active riders, while Uber had 161 million active users across its platforms. The announcement was made at the CES tech show in Las Vegas, where Delta also unveiled plans for an AI-powered app assistant and improvements to its in-flight entertainment systems.
