Summary
United Airlines and Instacart have partnered to offer United MileagePlus members a new way to earn miles – by shopping for groceries and household essentials through Instacart. This collaboration expands the ways travelers can accumulate rewards beyond traditional flight and hotel bookings. The partnership allows MileagePlus members to link their accounts to Instacart, earning miles for every dollar spent on Instacart orders. This isn't just a simple points-for-dollars program; it's a strategic move by United to broaden its reach and cater to a wider audience. By integrating with a popular and convenient service like Instacart, United is tapping into everyday spending habits, making it easier for loyal customers to earn miles without needing to make travel-related purchases. This partnership is particularly valuable for those who already rely on Instacart for their shopping needs, turning a routine task into an opportunity to accrue travel rewards. The program aims to increase engagement with the MileagePlus program and provide a more accessible path to earning miles for a larger segment of the population. This signifies a shift towards more lifestyle-integrated loyalty programs, where rewards are earned through a variety of everyday activities, rather than solely through travel. Ultimately, the partnership represents a win-win situation: Instacart gains access to a large and loyal customer base, while United strengthens its loyalty program and fosters deeper connections with its members.
Key Details
- Partners: United Airlines and Instacart
- Program: MileagePlus members can earn miles on Instacart orders.
- Earning Rate: MileagePlus members will earn 5 miles for every $1 spent on Instacart orders.
- Enrollment: Members can link their MileagePlus account to Instacart through the MileagePlus website or app.
- Start Date: The partnership is launching now, with enrollment available immediately.
- MileagePlus Program: United's frequent flyer program offering rewards like flights, upgrades, and other travel perks.
- Instacart: A grocery delivery and pick-up service.
- Target Audience: United MileagePlus members, particularly those who frequently use Instacart.
Geographical Information
| Location Name | Country/Region | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| United States | North America | Instacart is primarily operating within the United States. The program is initially launching in the US. |
Impact & Implications
- For Travelers: Provides an easier and more convenient way to earn United miles on everyday spending. Increases the potential to accumulate miles faster.
- Travel Restrictions/Requirements: No direct impact on travel restrictions or requirements.
- Safety Considerations: Standard Instacart safety protocols apply, including driver background checks and order tracking. No new safety concerns arise from this partnership.
Additional Context
The travel industry is increasingly focused on broadening the ways customers can earn loyalty rewards. Traditional programs centered solely on flights and hotels are giving way to more flexible and integrated approaches. This trend is driven by a desire to engage with customers throughout their lives, not just during travel planning. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this shift, as travel became more unpredictable, and companies sought to diversify revenue streams and enhance customer loyalty. Partnerships with lifestyle brands like Instacart are a key component of this strategy.
Original Source
Website: Breaking Travel News
URL: https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/united-and-instacart-team-up-to-bring-loyalty-members-more-rewards-and-more/
URL: https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/united-and-instacart-team-up-to-bring-loyalty-members-more-rewards-and-more/
