Delta SkyMiles members in the United States can now start earning points when they ride with Uber or order delivery through Uber Eats as part of a recently announced exclusive partnership between the two companies.
The tie-up with Delta is designed to further align the ride-hail giant with airport travel, which has historically been a lucrative segment for Uber. The ride-hailing company also announced plans Tuesday to expand its new affordable Airport Shuttle product to Atlanta after successful launches in New York City.
Uber’s airport plays come at a time when market uncertainty, lower consumer confidence, and increased border scrutiny are leading many Americans to pull back on travel spending this year.
Perhaps such uncertainty means that now, more than ever, price-savvy customers have to find ways to game the system. Uber customers who joined the waitlist will be able to link their accounts starting Tuesday, and everyone else can start Thursday.
Here’s how Uber users with Delta SkyMiles memberships can rack up miles once they’ve linked their accounts:
- Uber Eats: 1 mile per dollar spent on orders above $40.
- Airport Rides: 1 mile per dollar spent on UberX rides to and from airports.
- Premium Rides: 2 miles per dollar spent on Uber Comfort or Uber Black.
- Uber Reserve: 3 miles per dollar spent on Ubers booked in advance.
Uber riders can’t stack up miles by reserving an airport ride, but an Uber spokesperson said the customer will get SkyMiles from the trip that yields the highest reward.
Aside from the ability to rack up miles, Uber and Delta are integrating in other ways. Customers who buy a flight using the Fly Delta app will be able to tack on an Uber Reserve booking so they can reserve their ride to and from the airport. And later this year, SkyMiles Members who log into WiFi on their flights will receive an offer of 30% off to book an Uber for pickup when they land.
