American and Uber Hook Up

In a big win for Uber, the ride-sharing service today announced a new partnership with American, the world’s largest airline. “The companies will work together to provide customers faster service, better airport navigation, rider promotions and mileage promotions.”

Uber already has marketing and operational links with other major travel suppliers, including InterContinental Hotels, Starwood, Hilton, and United.

Connections

Uber customers will be able to set up “Ride Reminders” on their smartphones, nudging them to arrange for a pick-up after booking an American flight.

More significantly, the American smartphone app now includes directions to Uber pick-up spots at the following 11 airports:

• Charlotte Douglas International
• Chicago O’Hare International
• Dallas/Fort Worth International
• Los Angeles International
• New York John F. Kennedy International
• New York LaGuardia
• Philadelphia International
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International
• San Francisco International
• San Jose International
• Ronald Reagan Washington National

Uber Discounts

Two limited-time discounts are being offered to promote the tie-up.

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First, new Uber customers who register an account using promotion code RIDEAA will receive a $20 discount on their first Uber ride.

Second and more selectively, Executive Platinum members of American’s AAdvantage program will receive their own promotion code in March, entitling them to a discount of up to $25 on their next Uber transaction.

Miles-for-Rides

There’s no word yet on whether Uber will become an AAdvantage mileage-earning partner on an ongoing basis. Presumably, that’s in the pipeline.

For now, AAdvantage members who link their Uber account to an AAdvantage Aviator MasterCard will earn two additional bonus miles for every $1 spent on Uber rides through July 31, 2016.

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After 20 years working in the travel industry, and 15 years writing about it, Tim Winship knows a thing or two about travel. Follow him on Twitter @twinship.