Delta dumps Lyft, partners Uber for loyalty program
Delta Air Lines will partner with Uber this spring, ending its eight-year partnership with Lyft.After linking accounts, Delta SkyMiles members can earn one mile for every dollar spent on UberX airport rides, two miles for every dollar spent on "premium rides" like Uber Comfort and Uber Black, and three miles for every dollar spent on Uber Reserve trips, Uber announced Tuesday.
Delta SkyMiles members will earn 1 mile per dollar on Uber Eats orders from restaurants and grocery stores that exceed $40.
"With a record number of travelers taking to the skies, we're focused on helping to make your airport travel journey as efficient, affordable, and effortless as possible," Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi stated in a press release.
Delta and other airlines have expanded partnerships to increase frequent flyer mile earnings and redemptions, bolstering loyalty programs that generate billions of dollars in revenue. Delta's other partners are Starbucks, Hertz, and Ticketmaster.
Customers with linked Lyft accounts can continue to earn SkyMiles until April 7, according to a Delta spokesperson.
"Customers with linked accounts will receive direct communication from Delta and Lyft in the coming days about the transition," according to a spokesperson. "We are appreciative of the partnership we've had with Lyft benefiting loyal customers who have collectively earned billions of miles."
"Years ago we teamed up with our first airline to unlock more ways to uplevel and innovate around travel experiences, thereby turning those customers into Lyft loyalists," the taxi company said in a statement. "We're continuing to expand our horizons by joining forces with major brands who share our customer obsession, like Alaska Airlines, Chase, DoorDash, Mastercard, Hilton, Disney, and Bilt."
Delta did not explain its decision to change ride-hailing partners. However, its credit card partner, American Express, offers certain cardholders credits for Uber rides and food delivery.
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