United to Allow Loyalty Members to Redeem Lyft Rides With Miles

Key Points

• United MileagePlus members can now redeem frequent flyer miles for Lyft rides, marking a first-of-its-kind partnership in the U.S.
• Miles can be earned at varying rates depending on the type of Lyft ride and whether the user has a United credit card.
• United recently revamped its MileagePlus program, increasing perks for credit card holders and raising some fees.

Summary

United Airlines has expanded its partnership with Lyft, allowing MileagePlus members to redeem miles for Lyft rides, including premium options, and to pay with a mix of miles and cash. This is the first instance of a U.S. airline offering such a redemption with a rideshare service. The move comes as United overhauls its MileagePlus program, granting more rewards to co-branded credit card holders and increasing some fees, as airlines increasingly rely on partnerships to enhance their lucrative loyalty programs.