In a major shakeup for frequent flyers, Delta Air Lines has announced a new partnership with Uber that will allow SkyMiles members to earn miles when they ride with Uber or order delivery through Uber Eats in the United States. The deal comes as Delta's existing partnership with Lyft is set to expire in April 2025.
The New Partnership
The new partnership between Delta and Uber will launch in the spring of 2025. Uber customers who are also SkyMiles members will be able to earn miles on a variety of Uber services, including:
- UberX rides to and from the airport
- Uber Eats restaurant and grocery orders
- Premium Uber rides, such as Uber Comfort and Uber Black
The exact number of miles that can be earned will vary depending on the type of Uber service used and the amount spent. However, Uber is promising that SkyMiles members will be able to earn at least 1 mile per dollar spent on most Uber rides and Uber Eats orders.
Benefits for Delta Flyers
The new partnership between Delta and Uber offers a number of benefits for Delta flyers, including:
- The ability to earn miles on everyday travel expenses
- Access to a wider variety of transportation options, including premium Uber rides
- Improved pickup and drop-off experiences at Delta hubs (according to Uber, though details are still unclear)
The End of the Delta-Lyft Partnership
The new partnership with Uber marks the end of Delta's long-standing partnership with Lyft. Lyft has responded to the news by highlighting its own partnerships with major brands, such as Alaska Airlines, Chase, DoorDash, Mastercard, Hilton, Disney, and Bilt.
The Future of Urban Mobility
The tie-up between Delta and Uber is likely part of a larger trend towards connected urban mobility. This trend is being driven by the development of new technologies, such as electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. eVTOLs have the potential to revolutionize urban transportation by providing a quick and convenient way to travel between airports and city centers.
Joby Aviation
One company that is developing eVTOL aircraft is Joby Aviation. Joby has partnered with both Delta and Uber. Delta has announced that it will eventually offer eVTOL air taxi service to its customers through a partnership with Joby. Uber, on the other hand, acquired Joby's Elevate division in 2020. Elevate is a software platform that is designed to connect riders with ground transportation and eVTOL flights.
Conclusion
The new partnership between Delta and Uber is a significant development in the airline industry. It is likely to have a major impact on the way that Delta flyers travel in the future. The partnership is also a sign of the growing importance of connected urban mobility. As eVTOL technology continues to develop, we can expect to see even more partnerships between airlines, ride-sharing companies, and eVTOL startups.
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