United Airlines Holdings and rideshare platform Lyft announced a new partnership that lets MileagePlus members pay for eligible Lyft rides with miles earned on the Lyft app. The feature, which went live on April 29, 2026, is the first time a U.S. airline loyalty program can be redeemed directly for rideshare services, creating a low‑barrier revenue stream for United and a new touchpoint for MileagePlus members.
The partnership builds on a November 2025 collaboration that allowed MileagePlus members to earn miles on Lyft rides. By adding the reverse capability, United expands the utility of its loyalty currency beyond flights, enabling members to use miles for everyday ground transportation. This move aligns with United’s recent April 2, 2026 overhaul of the MileagePlus program, which shifted rewards toward cardholders and reduced benefits for non‑cardholders, and supports the airline’s broader strategy to invest in customer experience, technology, and differentiated products.
United’s ancillary revenue was $9.53 billion in 2023, with loyalty programs and co‑branded credit cards as key contributors. The new mile‑to‑ride redemption is expected to deepen engagement and increase cross‑sell opportunities, reinforcing United’s goal to generate high‑margin ancillary revenue and de‑commoditize air travel. The partnership also positions United as an early adopter of integrated travel‑tech solutions, potentially giving it a competitive edge in the evolving loyalty landscape.
Jordan Glassberg, Vice President of Partnerships and Loyalty at Lyft, said, "Pay with miles means that the miles you've earned on your last rideshare can help get you to your next one. We're proud to be the first rideshare platform to make this possible, and to deepen our relationship with a global leader like United to make the entire journey more rewarding."
Jarad Fisher, President of United MileagePlus, added, "We're giving MileagePlus members more ways to use their miles – whether it's booking a United flight to a dream destination or traveling across town to meet up with friends through Lyft."
Richard Nunn, CEO of United MileagePlus, noted, "This collaboration is the first step toward creating a truly seamless travel experience for our members—from the moment they leave home to when they arrive at their destination."
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