As Delta Air Lines prepares to end its partnership with Lyft on April 7, those who relied on earning SkyMiles for their rides may feel the pinch. But Lyft still has a range of rewarding partnerships for savvy travelers, including Hilton Honors, Alaska Mileage Plan, and Bilt Rewards. Let’s break down your options and the value each program offers.
Hilton Honors: 3 Points Per Dollar on Rides
Hilton Honors members earn 3 points per $1 on Lyft rides, including economy, luxury, and extra seat categories.
Personally, I aim for at least 0.5 cents per point when redeeming Hilton points and often find redemptions yielding 0.7 cents per point or more, which translates to a 2.1% return on Lyft rides.
Hilton also allows members to redeem points for Lyft credits, but the redemption value is a disappointing 0.45 cents per point. If you frequently stay at Hilton properties, this partnership is a simple way to earn valuable points.
Alaska Mileage Plan: 1 Mile Per Dollar
Alaska Mileage Plan members earn 1 mile per $1 on Lyft rides, including Standard, Lux, Shared Saver, and more. Unfortunately, bikes and scooters do not apply.
Some travelers value Alaska miles at over 2 cents each, but I haven’t been able to maximize value from them because of our travel style. In fact, I’ve redeemed them at 1.15 cents per point for economy seats.
If you’re an Alaska loyalist or often find high-value premium redemptions, this could still be a solid choice for earning rewards.
Bilt Rewards: 2 Points Per Dollar on All Rides
For me, the standout Lyft partner is Bilt Rewards, offering 2 points per $1 on all rides. What sets Bilt apart is its flexibility—points can be transferred to a variety of travel partners, including:
- Airlines: Aeroplan, United, Alaska, Turkish, Virgin Atlantic, and more.
- Hotels: Accor, Hilton, Marriott. World of Hyatt and IHG One Rewards.
I’ve found exceptional value in transferring Bilt points to World of Hyatt, where I consistently get over 2 cents per point, translating to 4% back on Lyft rides. This makes Bilt the most rewarding choice for me to maximize returns.
To earn with Bilt, you don’t need a Bilt Mastercard—just create a free account and ensure your Lyft and Bilt accounts share the same phone number to link them.
Stacking with Mastercard Benefits
Don’t forget about Mastercard’s additional perks. If you pay for your Lyft rides with a World or World Elite Mastercard, you’ll earn a $5 Lyft credit after completing three eligible rides in a month. Combine this with any of the above programs to double-dip on rewards!
Which Option Should You Choose?
Your choice depends on your travel goals:
- Hilton Honors: Ideal for frequent Hilton guests looking for consistent value.
- Alaska Mileage Plan: Best for Alaska loyalists or those who prioritize premium cabin redemptions.
- Bilt Rewards: Perfect for those seeking flexibility and the highest potential return.
Personally, I’ve linked my Lyft account to Bilt Rewards for its versatility and value, with Hilton Honors as a backup for boosting my hotel points.
Remember, while you can link multiple rewards accounts to Lyft, you must select one at a time to earn points.
Delta SkyMiles may no longer be on the table, but these options ensure you can continue earning meaningful rewards for your rides. Have you already switched to another Lyft partner? Let me know in the comments which program you’re earning with—and how you plan to use your rewards!
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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
2 comments
In my analysis, even if you are an Alaska loyalist, one should still choose Bilt, given the ability to transfer Bilt points to Alaska, thus $1 on Lyft > 2 Bilt points > 2 Alaska miles. Surely the extra clicks/taps is worth it if you use Alaska miles that much! (Admittedly I don’t use Alaska miles ever so maybe I shouldn’t talk, haha!)
I agree. Not sure why you’d get Alaska miles unless you’re working towards status. For every 3,000 miles earned with non-airline partners, like Lyft, members earn 1,000 EQM.