Lyft (NASDAQ: LYFT) and United Airlines (NASDAQ: UAL) announced a feature allowing United MileagePlus members to redeem airline miles directly in the Lyft app for rides. The companies described this as the first direct mile-to-ride redemption collaboration between an airline loyalty program and rideshare platform in the United States.

The pay with miles option became available to MileagePlus members who have linked their Lyft and United accounts. Members can use miles to cover full ride costs or combine miles with other payment methods for partial payment across all eligible Lyft ride types, including standard rides, airport trips, and premium options.

"Pay with miles means that the miles you've earned on your last rideshare can help get you to your next one," said Jordan Glassberg, VP of Partnerships and Loyalty at Lyft. "We're proud to be the first rideshare platform to make this possible."

The feature builds on an existing collaboration that allows MileagePlus members to earn miles on Lyft rides. Members earn between 1 and 4 miles per dollar spent, depending on ride type, with pre-scheduled airport rides earning the highest rate at 4 miles per dollar.

New Lyft riders who link their MileagePlus account and complete two rides within 30 days receive 1,000 bonus miles. MileagePlus membership is free and miles do not expire.

The collaboration creates what the companies call a "full loyalty loop" between ground and air travel, allowing members to both earn and redeem miles through the rideshare platform. Miles can be used for any rideshare mode but exclude bikes and scooters.