United Airlines and Lyft Launch “Pay with Miles”
United Airlines and Lyft have announced the launch of an industry-first feature that allows MileagePlus members to redeem their miles directly within the Lyft app to cover the cost of their rides. This initiative marks the first time a carrier and a rideshare platform have offered direct mile redemption for trips in the United States, providing unprecedented flexibility in connecting ground and air travel.
An Integrated Loyalty Ecosystem
The new “Pay with Miles” feature is now available to all MileagePlus members who have linked their Lyft and United accounts. This collaboration aims to close the loyalty loop, allowing miles accumulated through flights or daily platform usage to translate into immediate mobility.
According to Jarad Fisher, President of United MileagePlus, expanding these options responds to strong demand from members who already link their accounts and are seeking more flexible ways to engage with the program in their daily lives. Meanwhile, Jordan Glassberg, Vice President of Partnerships and Loyalty at Lyft, highlighted that this integration makes the entire journey more rewarding, allowing kilometers covered on the ground to help reach the next aerial destination.
Functionality and Payment Flexibility
The integration has been designed to be intuitive and transparent within the Lyft app interface. Key operational highlights include:
- Universal Availability: The option is valid for all Lyft ride types, ranging from standard options and airport transfers to premium services.
- Cost Transparency: Users can view the exact number of miles required for the trip before confirming the booking.
- Split Payments: Should a user have an insufficient mileage balance to cover the full fare, the system allows the payment to be split between miles and the user’s preferred payment method.
- Detailed Records: Upon completion of the trip, the receipt clearly displays the redeemed miles and the amount deducted from the total cost.
Earning Miles: Benefit Structure
This launch complements the agreement initiated in November 2025, which allows United Airlines passengers to earn miles on their Lyft journeys. The earning structure remains as follows:
- 4 miles per $1: On airport rides scheduled in advance.
- 3 miles per $1: On Extra Comfort, Lyft Black, and Black SUV services, as well as on-demand airport trips.
- 2 miles per $1: On Standard, Priority Pickup, and XL rides completed under a corporate Business Profile.
- 1 mile per $1: On personal-use Standard, Priority Pickup, and XL services.
Additionally, new Lyft users who link their MileagePlus account and complete two rides within the first 30 days will receive a 1,000-mile bonus. Notably, miles within this program do not expire, and enrollment is free of charge.
The implementation of “Pay with Miles” solidifies the alliance between United Airlines and Lyft as one of the most robust partnerships in the North American travel sector.
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