Uber, Delta Air Lines launching loyalty partnership, airport shuttle
Uber looking to capitalize on airport parking rate change
Air travelers are now weighing the best way to get back and forth to Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport, some who usually park onsite are exploring other options. After airport officials announced a big increase in parking rates starting next month.
ATLANTA - Uber is now the exclusive rideshare and delivery partner of Delta Air Lines in the United States, with new benefits rolling out this week for travelers, including SkyMiles rewards, app integration, and a new Uber Shuttle service debuting soon at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, according to Uber.
RELATED: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta airport announce new parking rates
What we know:
Starting Tuesday, Uber customers who joined a waitlist — and beginning Thursday for all Delta SkyMiles members — can link their Uber and Delta accounts to earn miles on rides and food deliveries. The partnership allows SkyMiles members to accumulate miles through various Uber services:
- 1 mile per dollar spent on Uber Eats orders of $40 or more
- 1 mile per dollar spent on UberX rides to and from airports
- 2 miles per dollar on premium rides such as Uber Comfort and Uber Black
- 3 miles per dollar on Uber Reserve trips
What you can do:
To begin earning miles, users can link their accounts through the Uber or Uber Eats app by tapping Account > Partner Rewards > Delta SkyMiles.
Courtesy of Uber
In addition to loyalty perks, Uber will soon be integrated into the Fly Delta app, allowing travelers to reserve an Uber Reserve ride when booking a flight. Later this year, SkyMiles members who log into Delta Sync WiFi during flights will also receive a 30% discount on an Uber Reserve ride upon landing.
The partnership is expanding further with the launch of Uber Shuttle at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Launching in May, the shuttle will provide reliable, scheduled service to and from Midtown and downtown Atlanta every 30 minutes between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., seven days a week.
By the numbers:
Key features of Uber Shuttle at ATL include:
- Introductory pricing of $10 per ride during the first month; fares will rise to $18.50 after the promotion
- Real-time shuttle tracking, advanced booking for up to five passengers, and upfront pricing
- 14-passenger vehicles allowing one personal item and one piece of luggage per rider
- QR code and PIN validation for boarding, along with in-app tipping and rating options
What they're saying:
FOX 5 heard from people passing through the airport and rideshare drivers about how they'll be impacted by higher parking fees.
Rideshare drivers had mixed reactions to news the airport is raising parking fees:
One driver said he thinks more travelers will take Uber or Lyft rather than pay an additional fee.
However, others believe fliers who prefer to park at the airport won't be deterred by higher prices.
Some travelers said even a few dollars increase makes a difference when their vehicle's parked in an airport lot for hours or days at a time..
Offsite park and ride lots and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are popular options for those we talked to who are looking for alternatives.
Though some noted rideshare prices have also gone up in recent years, and aren't always a cheaper option.
"We've seen a lot of inflation everywhere," Michael Sansoterra told FOX 5, "so I guess I'm not surprised it hit here too. It is kind of a bummer, rideshare has gotten expensive too so will have to make a little calculation and figure out which one is cheaper."