Maximize Your Rewards: How to Use Uber with Delta SkyMiles

Delta Air Lines is growing its loyalty program with a new partnership as its relationship with Lyft as its sole ride-hailing partner ends April 7, 2025. 

On April 24, the previously announced partnership between Uber and Delta was officially launched. Uber now has a major ride-sharing partner with a much larger customer base, offering enhanced opportunities for SkyMiles members to earn miles for eligible travel and bookings.

Why Uber?

This transition involves more than a simple app switch; Uber’s scale enhances Delta’s loyalty program. With Uber’s substantial monthly user base of 161 million—compared to Lyft’s 24 million—SkyMiles members and their accounts stand to benefit vastly. Plus, Uber’s valuation exceeds $139 billion, significantly overshadowing Lyft’s, presenting Delta with a broader reach and more attractive offers to an extensive audience. Moreover, Uber’s global consumer loyalty with partners like Marriott and Qantas further strengthens this new partnership. (Source Sherwood News).

How to Use Uber by Delta SkyMiles

SkyMiles members can officially link their Delta SkyMiles accounts to Uber and earn miles on April 24, 2025. Members who joined the waitlist earlier had access as early as April 22.
To earn miles for eligible purchases and rides, you need to combine your Delta SkyMiles and Uber accounts.

Here’s how to combine Delta SkyMiles and Uber accounts:

Step 1. Open the Uber or Uber Eats app (make sure you have the latest version) and tap “Account”.

Step 2: Scroll to the bottom of the page and tap on “Partner Rewards” where you’ll see “Delta SkyMiles” as an option. Click there and you’ll be taken to a landing page to learn how to earn miles.

Step 3: Click on the “Link to start earning miles” and you’ll be prompted to sign in to your Delta SkyMiles account.

Step 4. Once you’re logged in, your accounts are connected and you can start earning.

The integration will allow members to redeem their accumulated SkyMiles for a variety of services, including Delta Airline bookings, upgrades, and other travel-related rewards.

Earning Delta SkyMiles with Uber

Eligible SkyMiles members will be able to connect their Delta and Uber accounts to earn miles and rewards on qualifying Uber rides and Uber Eats transactions. This enhanced program allows members to maximize their rewards by spending dollars on rides and food orders.

Here’s the mile-earning breakdown:

• Airport Rides: Earn 1 mile for each dollar spent on eligible UberX rides to and from airports, qualifying for additional rewards in your SkyMiles account.
• Premium Rides: Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on premium services like Uber Comfort or Uber Black, enhancing your mileage accumulation under the SkyMiles program.
• Uber Reserve: Collect 3 miles for each dollar spent on arranged rides through Uber Reserve, ensuring higher rewards and faster mile accumulation.
• Uber Eats Orders: Attain 1 mile per dollar for qualifying orders over $40 from participating restaurants or grocery stores using Uber Eats, subject to program terms.

The initiative targets both frequent flyers and regular Uber Eats customers, making SkyMiles accumulation more accessible and rewarding for a wider range of members.

Improved Airport Experience

Beyond mileage accumulation, the alliance seeks to elevate the overall travel experience for Delta passengers. Uber plans to optimize pickup and drop-off rates at Delta’s airport bases, creating more efficient solutions for embarking and concluding trips. This enhanced experience aims to streamline travel right from Uber pickup to the boarding gate, improving convenience and reducing wait times for members.

Limitations and Opportunities

While the arrangement offers exciting benefits, members should be aware of certain terms and conditions:

• Mileage can be accrued only on eligible airport rides via UberX, with non-airport rides excluded from earning points and subject to standard program terms.
• To earn through Uber Eats, a minimum order amount of $40 must be spent, which may pose a hurdle for smaller transactions and is subject to applicable conditions.

Despite these conditions, this joint venture offers significant opportunities for loyal Delta members and Uber patrons to maximize their rewards, integrated with enhanced services and conveniences for frequent travelers. Members can take advantage of bonus miles and special offers, further enriching the SkyMiles program.

Conclusion

This partnership with Uber is a strategic advancement for Delta, tapping into Uber’s vast user accounts to upgrade its SkyMiles offering. For travelers, it presents a dual advantage—seamless transit solutions and lucrative earning opportunities, allowing members to earn miles on both rides and bookings.

By leveraging Uber’s scale and popularity, Delta reaffirms its dedication to adding value and comfort to its members’ accounts. Whether you’re booking a ride, jetting off, or ordering a meal, this alliance simplifies the process of earning and amassing SkyMiles, maximizing the benefits of your loyalty program.

Prepare your travel and dining plans using Uber and Delta SkyMiles to capitalize on this partnership. By selecting eligible rides and bookings, you can earn rewards and bonuses, enhancing your overall travel experience. Make sure to link your accounts and follow program terms to fully benefit from the offers.