Lyft, United Airlines launch loyalty program months after Delta partnership ends

Lyft has re-entered the world of airline loyalty programs with a fresh collaboration with United Airlines, allowing riders to accumulate MileagePlus points once more. Announced on Wednesday, this partnership comes just months after Lyft's previous alliance with Delta Airlines concluded, ending an eight-year relationship. Under the new arrangement, Lyft customers can earn miles by linking their accounts to United. For every dollar spent on Standard Priority Pickup and XL rides, riders will earn one mile. Those using business profiles can collect two miles per dollar, while rides categorized as Extra Comfort, Lyft Black, Black SUV, and regular airport trips will generate three miles per dollar spent. The most lucrative option is pre-scheduled rides to and from the airport, which will yield four miles per dollar. However, it's important to note that these rewards do not stack; riders will receive the highest value multiplier available on any booking. According to Lyft's marketing chief, Brian Irving, this partnership reflects a shared commitment between Lyft and United Airlines to enhance customer experiences. "We have this simple, yet really customer-obsessed way of approaching things," he stated in a conversation with CNBC. In a move that has reshaped the competitive landscape, Delta recently shifted its loyalty program to rival Uber after ending its partnership with Lyft. In light of this, airlines are increasingly focused on expanding their loyalty offerings, aiming to bolster revenues through innovative ways for customers to earn miles. United Airlines has already reported a 9% increase in sales from its loyalty program in the past month. This new agreement not only marks a significant step for Lyft and United but also aims to enrich their partnership ecosystem. United's CEO of MileagePlus, Richard Nunn, emphasized the potential for future technological advancements and data integration, stating, "This is very much the start of a very deep and meaningful technology integration." Moving forward, riders will soon have the option to redeem their miles for Lyft rides directly through the app, alongside receiving alerts and reminders for their United flights. This capability is anticipated to roll out in early 2024. To incentivize new users, United is also providing 1,000 bonus miles to new Lyft riders who link their loyalty accounts and complete two rides within 30 days.