Delta SkyMiles & Uber Launch Partnership, Replacing Lyft

In January 2025, Delta Air Lines announced plans to launch a new partnership with Uber, at the expense of the Atlanta-based carrier’s partnership with Lyft. There’s now an update, as the partnership is launching this week, so we have the full details.

Apr 22, 2025 - 16:40

Delta SkyMiles & Uber Launch Partnership, Replacing Lyft

In January 2025, Delta Air Lines announced plans to launch a new partnership with Uber, at the expense of the Atlanta-based carrier’s partnership with Lyft. There’s now an update, as the partnership is launching this week, so we have the full details.

Link accounts to earn Delta SkyMiles for Uber rides

As of Thursday, April 24, 2025, Delta and Uber are officially launching their partnership, giving SkyMiles members the opportunity to earn rewards for Uber spending, whether it’s a ride or delivery. SkyMiles members who link their accounts are able to earn:

3x SkyMiles for Uber Reserve rides
2x SkyMiles for Uber premium rides (like Uber Comfort, UberXL, and Uber Black)
1x SkyMiles for UberX rides to & from the airport
1x SkyMiles for Uber Eats (restaurant and grocery) orders over $40

These earnings rates only apply in the United States, and taxes, fees, and tips, are excluded. Members must link their accounts here — SkyMiles members who joined the Uber waitlist can do so as of April 22 (today), while all others can do so as of April 24 (Thursday).

Delta SkyMiles members need to link accounts

We’ve seen quite a few airlines and hotel groups partner with either Uber or Lyft, to give loyalty program members an incentive to do business with them. Presumably being able to share data is also a major benefit, as that can reveal valuable insights into consumer behavior.

This partnership was first announced at CES 2025, as Delta CEO Ed Bastian gave a keynote address (there was also a bigger announcement about inflight entertainment). He also shared the stage with Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, talking about the multi-modal future of travel, where a single customer itinerary will be connected from start to finish through deep partner integrations. I’ll believe it when I see it…

The Delta & Lyft partnership has now ended

In 2017, Delta launched a partnership with Uber competitor Lyft, offering SkyMiles members the opportunity to earn rewards for rides. That partnership unfortunately ended as of April 7, 2025, as the Uber partnership is replacing the Lyft partnership. With the Delta and Lyft partnership, it was possible to earn 2x SkyMiles for Lyft airport rides, and 1x SkyMiles for other Lyft rides.

Personally I don’t view this partnership ending as much of a loss. That’s because Lyft also has partnerships with Alaska Mileage Plan, Bilt Rewards, and Hilton Honors, among other loyalty programs. You can only earn rewards with one partner, and I tend to think the other partnerships potentially offer significantly more value.

Meanwhile the most lucrative partnership with Uber is currently with Marriott Bonvoy, and I think that for many, it will still be a better option than Delta SkyMiles.

The Delta and Lyft partnership has ended

Bottom line

Delta and Uber are launching a partnership as of April 24, 2025, whereby SkyMiles members are rewarded for Uber and Uber Eats spending. Delta previously had a partnership with Lyft, which ended as of April 7, 2025.

Since you can typically only take advantage of one partnership, I can’t say I care a whole lot about this development either way, since there are other Uber and Lyft partners that I prefer.

What do you make of Delta dumping Lyft in favor of Uber?