Delta Air Lines expands its loyalty program benefits as the carrier seeks to enhance the door-to-door travel experience through its latest strategic partnership.
Delta Air Lines announced Tuesday that all SkyMiles members in the United States can now earn miles on eligible Uber rides and Uber Eats orders starting April 24, marking a significant expansion of the airline’s loyalty program.
The partnership, first revealed at CES 2025 during CEO Ed Bastian’s keynote address, allows members to earn up to three miles per dollar spent depending on the service used, with additional benefits for SkyMiles American Express cardholders.
“SkyMiles Membership is about giving Delta’s loyal customers more ways to earn even more miles, fly with more ease, and experience more of what really matters to them,” said Prashant Sharma, Delta’s Vice President of Loyalty.
SkyMiles members who joined Uber’s waitlist will receive early access beginning April 22, while all other members can link their accounts starting April 24. To participate, customers must connect their accounts via the Uber app.
The earning structure varies by service: three miles per dollar on Uber Reserve trips, two miles per dollar on premium options like Uber Comfort and Uber Black, and one mile per dollar on standard Uber X rides to and from airports. Uber Eats users can earn one mile per dollar on restaurant and grocery orders exceeding $40.
SkyMiles American Express cardholders will earn an additional mile per dollar when using their card for eligible transactions.
The collaboration addresses a significant travel need, with Uber reporting that 15% of all its trips either begin or end at airports, according to Camiel Irving, Uber’s Vice President of Operations and General Manager of Mobility for the U.S. and Canada. This partnership enables SkyMiles members to accumulate rewards not just when flying, but during their daily transportation needsβwhether they’re heading to the airport or simply traveling across the city.
Beyond the mileage-earning opportunities, Delta and Uber are working to enhance the airport experience through several initiatives, including step-by-step in-app guidance directing travelers from their flights to their rideshare vehicles and improving pickup and drop-off logistics at Delta’s hub airports.
The companies’ long-term vision includes creating what Delta calls “multi-modal travel,” where passengers can book an entire journey on a single itinerary through integrated partnerships. This aligns with Delta’s previously announced partnership with Joby Aviation to offer electric air taxi service to New York’s LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy airports and Los Angeles in the coming years, pending regulatory approval.
Delta SkyMiles, which do not expire, can be redeemed for flight awards, vacation packages, seat upgrades, car rentals, and premium drinks, among other options.
Non-members can join the SkyMiles program for free through Delta’s website.
Key Takeaways
- Delta SkyMiles members can earn 1-3 miles per dollar on eligible Uber rides and Uber Eats orders over $40.
- SkyMiles American Express cardholders earn an additional mile per dollar on qualifying transactions.
- The partnership aims to enhance the entire travel journey, particularly to and from airports.
- This collaboration is part of Delta’s broader strategy to create integrated, multi-modal travel experiences.
