Delta Switches Up Lyft for Uber

Delta Air Lines announced it will link its SkyMiles loyalty program exclusively to Uber starting this spring, bringing an end to its eight-year collaboration with rival rideshare service Lyft on April 7. Under the new arrangement, SkyMiles members can earn one mile per dollar spent on UberX rides to the airport, two miles per dollar on premium options like Uber Comfort and Uber Black, and three miles per dollar when using Uber Reserve. Additionally, orders over $40 through Uber Eats will yield one mile per dollar spent on restaurants and groceries. With a massive user base of 161 million active riders, Uber’s reach outstrips Lyft’s reported 24.4 million, suggesting an even broader scope for Delta’s expanding loyalty ecosystem.

Announced at the CES tech show in Las Vegas, Delta’s partnership with Uber underscores the airline’s strategy to align with everyday brands. This shift follows the carrier’s success with similarly large-scale partnerships involving Starbucks, Hertz, and American Express, which is projected to generate $10 billion for Delta in 2025. The news arrives alongside other major announcements, including Delta’s plan to integrate AI-powered travel assistance into its app and enhance in-flight entertainment offerings with YouTube content, Bluetooth connectivity, and expanded gaming options through DraftKings.