At CES 2025 in Las Vegas, Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines, revealed the airline’s collaboration with Uber. Bastian introduced the company’s new relationship on stage with Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi. This partnership will terminate the airline’s eight-year partnership with Lyft.
‘“Delta is thrilled to come together with Uber to create a connected travel experience from start to finish,” said Bastian, “This partnership creates more choice for customers to get to their destination in a way that works best for them.”
Uber Shuttle, UberXXL, Flight Capture, and UberX Share at Airports are some of the new options the ridesharing firm has introduced in recent months to make the trip to the airport more effective, economical, and simple.
Uber Shuttle
In New York City, Uber introduced the Uber Shuttle, a direct route from midtown Manhattan that offers passengers a practical and reasonably priced means of traveling to and from LaGuardia Airport. Uber Shuttle will soon be extended to more airports, according to the company’s plans.
UberXXL
UberXXL offers comfy seating, more trunk capacity, and is perfect for airport pickups and drops off with additional luggage. UberXXL offers transportation to and from over 60 airports worldwide, including 40 in the US and Canada, with more to follow.
Flight Capture
An Uber Reserve feature guarantees a stress-free, on-time arrival at the airport. Riders can enter their flight information to determine the optimum time to depart using Uber’s Flight Capture tool. If a rider’s flight is delayed, Uber’s flight-tracking feature will notify them and ask if they would like to modify their airport drop-off time.
UberX Share at Airports
When compared to an UberX fare, UberX Share to the Airport allows users to save up to 25% by splitting their trip with just one other airport traveler.
In addition to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) and Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport MAD (Madrid), UberX Share at Airports is accessible at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), Denver International Airport (DEN).
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Dulles International Airport (IAD), Miami International Airport (MIA), Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), and San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
Mark Ramos, a Delta Air Lines gold medallion, routinely travels between Las Vegas and New Orleans on business as a senior project designer. As Delta’s collaboration with Lyft ends, he intends to switch to Uber for his ride-sharing needs.
“As a loyal Delta passenger, I’ve been using Lyft for a very long time,” said Mark, “They’re a great ride-share company, but I will begin to use Uber in April 2025. It is unfortunate that Delta will be switching partnerships, but it’s a business deal.”
Earning Delta SkyMiles with Uber
Delta and Uber users can earn Delta SkyMiles by booking convenient rides or ordering food. By linking their accounts, users can make the most of each ride.
Uber said, “Since 15% of all Uber ride bookings either begin or end at an airport, we know Uber customers will be racking up miles with Delta at the tap of a button.”
Once accounts are linked, users can accrue miles on each Uber journey and earn SkyMiles for their next adventure. Whether commuting to work, going out for a night on the town, or ordering a wonderful meal through Uber Eats, each activity allows committed customers to earn significant miles.
SkyMiles earned | |
| Uber Eats | 1 mile per dollar spent on $40+ restaurant and grocery orders |
| Airport rides | 1 mile per dollar spent on UberX rides to and from airports |
| Premium rides | 2 miles per dollar spent on premium rides such as Uber Comfort and Uber Black |
| Uber Reserve | 3 miles per dollar spent on Uber Reserve trips |
Uber customers can join the waitlist to be the first to know when account linking becomes accessible.
The history of Delta Air Lines’ partnership with Lyft
Delta and Lyft will end their collaboration in April after collaborating successfully since 2017. The relationship has brought major benefits to frequent travelers. By linking their Delta SkyMiles and Lyft accounts, members can earn one mile for every dollar spent on Lyft rides.
In a significant addition implemented in 2018, the alliance allowed members to earn 2 miles every dollar spent on trips to or from airports in the United States and Canada. This adjustment not only made traveling more convenient, but it also benefited Delta travelers who frequently used Lyft for airport service.
Until April, new Lyft users can take advantage of a fantastic promotional offer. They can enjoy a 50% discount on their first two rides, which is an excellent incentive to try out the service. However, this deal is limited to a maximum of $10 off each ride.
Delta SkyMiles loyalty program
A SkyMiles membership allows passengers to move closer to their next trip because the miles they earn never expire. This implies that members can accumulate miles over time without worrying about losing them.
Travelers can earn miles by flying in the main cabin or higher. Furthermore, members can considerably increase their mile balance by using a Delta SkyMiles American Express Card for ordinary transactions, as this card is specifically designed to reward spending with bonus miles.
Delta has numerous relationships with hotels, car rental companies, and retail outlets, allowing members to earn miles through these collaborations. By taking advantage of these possibilities, members can quickly accrue miles, making it easier to achieve their travel goals.
Earning SkyMiles
Delta business partners
- Hertz: When you book with Hertz, you will earn extra miles for each qualified rental at selected global locations. Medallion members gain even more.
- Starbucks: Collect double stars before or after your Delta flight, and earn miles when you reload $25 or more into your Starbucks Rewards account.
- Ticketmaster: Earn 1 mile for every $1 spent on qualified sporting event, concert, and other ticket purchases in the United States and Canada.
Skyteam partners
Delta Air Lines is a member of the SkyTeam airline alliance, which is one of the main global alliances dedicated to improving the travel experience for passengers around the world. This alliance is dedicated to transforming the future of travel by delivering a smooth, integrated, and responsible journey for all passengers.
Delta’s SkyTeam program provides consumers with a variety of perks, including coordinated flight schedules, shared airport lounges, and streamlined baggage processing across member airlines.
Passengers can also earn Delta SkyMiles when flying with Delta or other SkyTeam carriers. This helps regular fliers to accrue miles more efficiently, giving them more possibilities to receive awards and bonuses like airline upgrades, free flights, and other travel perks.
FAQ
Why did Delta Air Lines choose Uber over Lyft?
Delta Air Lines chose Uber over Lyft due to Uber’s larger global presence, advanced technology platform, and better integration with Delta’s loyalty program, SkyMiles.
How does Delta’s partnership with Uber benefit passengers?
Delta’s partnership with Uber offers passengers a seamless travel experience, including the ability to earn SkyMiles on Uber rides and enhanced convenience for airport pickups and drop-offs.
Can SkyMiles members earn miles through Uber rides?
Yes, SkyMiles members can earn miles on eligible Uber rides when they link their SkyMiles account with Uber.
Does the partnership include all Uber services?
The partnership includes UberX, Uber Comfort, and Uber Black services, allowing SkyMiles members to earn miles across various ride categories.
Is Delta’s partnership with Uber available globally?
While Uber operates in many countries, the partnership benefits, including SkyMiles earning, are currently available in select regions and major U.S. airports.
