Delta SkyMiles members can now earn miles with Uber rides and food delivery

You’re zipping through the city in an Uber, maybe on your way to catch a Delta flight, or ordering a late-night burger through Uber Eats after a long day. Now, imagine racking up Delta SkyMiles for every dollar you spend. Sounds like a traveler’s dream, right? Well, buckle up, because Delta Air Lines and Uber have just rolled out a partnership that makes this a reality. Announced on April 22, 2025, this deal lets Delta SkyMiles members earn miles on Uber rides and food deliveries, weaving together two giants in travel and tech for a loyalty program that’s got frequent flyers buzzing.

The partnership, first hinted at earlier this year, is now live, and it’s all about making your everyday spending work harder for your next vacation. Delta SkyMiles members can link their accounts to Uber in a few clicks, unlocking the ability to earn miles on everything from airport drop-offs to grocery deliveries. It’s a savvy move for both companies. Delta strengthens its loyalty program by tapping into Uber’s massive user base, while Uber sweetens the deal for its riders, especially those who bleed SkyMiles blue.

Here’s how it breaks down: for every dollar spent on UberX rides to the airport, you’ll earn one SkyMile. Opt for a fancier ride like Uber XL, Comfort, or Uber Black, and you’ll pocket two miles per dollar. If you’re the plan-ahead type who books an Uber Reserve trip, you’re looking at a hefty three miles per dollar. Over on Uber Eats, any order over $40—whether it’s sushi from your favorite spot or a grocery haul—nets you one mile per dollar. It’s not going to get you to Paris overnight, but those miles add up, especially for frequent riders or big spenders.

And it’s not just about earning miles. Delta’s app now lets you book Uber rides to or from the airport directly, streamlining that pre-flight hustle. Later this year, SkyMiles members will get a cherry on top: log into Delta’s in-flight WiFi, and you’ll score a 30 percent discount on an Uber Reserve ride for when you touch down. It’s the kind of perk that makes you feel like you’ve cracked the travel rewards code.

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Loyalty programs are the lifeblood of airlines, and Delta’s SkyMiles is one of the biggest in the game. With over 100 million members, according to estimates from industry analysts, Delta’s program is a juggernaut, driving customer retention and spending. By partnering with Uber, Delta’s not just offering another way to earn miles—they’re embedding their brand into your daily routine. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee through Uber Eats or hailing a ride to the terminal, Delta’s there, quietly tallying your miles.

For Uber, this is a chance to stand out in a crowded rideshare market. The company’s been on a tear lately, expanding its offerings beyond traditional rides. From food delivery to airport shuttles, Uber’s trying to be your go-to for, well, getting around. Partnering with a heavyweight like Delta gives Uber a shiny new perk to dangle in front of customers, especially those who’d rather earn miles than, say, Lyft’s cashback rewards.

Speaking of Lyft, this deal marks a shift. Delta previously had a similar partnership with Lyft, letting SkyMiles members earn miles on rides. But Uber’s scale—boasting a global market share nearly double Lyft’s—makes it a more formidable partner. Delta’s decision to switch teams suggests they’re betting on Uber’s dominance to deliver more miles-earning opportunities for their customers. Sorry, Lyft fans; it’s Uber’s turn in the spotlight.

The Delta partnership isn’t the only travel-related news Uber’s dropping. The company’s also launching an airport shuttle service in Atlanta, a major Delta hub at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. This follows similar shuttle programs at New York’s JFK and LaGuardia airports, signaling Uber’s push to rethink how we get to and from the tarmac.

The Atlanta shuttle starts with a promotional fare of $10, though it’ll climb to $18.50 after the intro period. Come May, Uber will run multiple routes from Downtown and Midtown Atlanta to the airport, with buses rolling every 30 minutes from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, seven days a week. It’s a budget-friendly alternative to solo rides, especially for solo travelers or those dodging surge pricing during peak hours. Uber’s already eyeing Boston’s Logan International Airport for its next shuttle stop, according to company statements, so expect this model to spread.

This shuttle service isn’t just about affordability—it’s about reliability. Airports are chaotic, and Uber’s betting that scheduled, shared rides can cut through the stress of parking, taxis, or public transit. For Delta flyers, it’s another way to lean into the Uber ecosystem, especially if they’re earning miles on every trip.

What’s in it for you?

If you’re a Delta SkyMiles member, this is a no-brainer. Linking your Uber account takes a minute, and suddenly every ride or delivery is a step closer to your next flight. The tiered earning structure—more miles for premium rides—rewards those who splurge, but even budget-conscious riders can rack up miles on UberX or Eats orders. The in-flight WiFi discount and app integration are nice touches, making the whole experience feel seamless.

For non-members, it’s worth considering. SkyMiles is free to join, and with no annual fee, there’s little downside to signing up and linking your Uber account. Just keep an eye on the fine print: Uber Eats orders need to hit $40 to qualify, and airport rides must be coded as “to/from” the airport to earn miles, which Uber’s system detects based on your drop-off or pickup location.

This partnership is a microcosm of where travel and tech are headed. Airlines and rideshare companies are no longer just about getting you from point A to point B—they’re about owning your entire journey. Delta wants to be there when you book your flight, sip your coffee, hail your ride, and land at your destination. Uber wants to be your ride, your meal, and now your airport shuttle. Both are betting that loyalty perks like SkyMiles will keep you in their orbit.

It’s also a sign of Uber’s evolution. Once a scrappy startup disrupting taxis, Uber’s now a sprawling platform that’s as much about food delivery and shared shuttles as it is about rides. The Delta partnership and Atlanta shuttle launch show Uber’s doubling down on travel, a sector that’s rebounding strong post-pandemic.

Whether you’re a road warrior or an occasional traveler, the Delta-Uber partnership is a win. It’s not going to revolutionize your life, but it’s a smart way to make your spending pull double duty. Next time you’re in an Uber headed to the airport, or ordering tacos through Uber Eats, you might just be a few miles closer to that beach getaway. And with Uber’s Atlanta shuttle and Delta’s ever-growing loyalty network, the journey’s looking smoother than ever.