For many in the New York City area, choosing which airport to fly in and out of can be more of a habit than a deliberate decision. For example, New Yorkers can overlook just how close Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is to the city. It can often be a lot quicker to get there compared to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Like most habits though, once it’s set, it can be hard to shake…until now.
Starting today, Lyft Ads is partnering with United Airlines to launch Dynamic Ads, a first-of-its-kind innovation that updates in-app creative during a rider's journey. Together, United and Lyft hope to help NYC travelers save time and energy on their way to the airport.
Through December 31, 2026, Lyft riders in NYC may receive dynamic creative highlighting travel times to EWR and JFK in the Lyft app. The poster places two estimated travel times side-by-side, one to each airport, based on the rider’s area at the beginning of their journey. Users will have the opportunity to experience the engaging new format while they wait to match with a driver and are waiting for their driver to arrive.
"Geography and convenience have always been integral to United Airlines’ support of EWR. At Lyft Ads, we knew we could help make that argument more cogent by reaching folks while they’re on the move during a real-world moment. Finding the right audience has always been possible, but creating a format that adapts to the moment has not! Dynamic Ads closes that gap, and United is the first brand to put it to the test in a really persuasive way. We thank them for their trust and partnership." – Shane Dwyer, VP of Advertiser Solutions, Lyft Ads
When the duration to JFK is shorter, the dynamic ad reveals United’s broader campaign slogan, “BETTEWR,” reminding riders that EWR and United Airlines have more destinations from the NYC area than any other airline.
“We’ve seen an overwhelmingly positive response to our award-winning taxi topper campaign reminding New Yorkers of the significant time savings that come with choosing to fly United from our Newark Hub,” said Maggie Schmerin, United’s Chief Advertising Officer. “Lyft has been a terrific partner, and this collaboration was a natural evolution of the campaign. By pairing innovative technology with eye-catching creative, we’re delivering that message in a way that feels timely, relevant and impossible to miss, putting the benefits of flying United right into riders’ hands.”
Why Should United Travelers Fly Newark?
According to the airline, its EWR hub has been the most on-time airport in the New York City area so far in 2026 and operates more than 350 daily flights to over 160 destinations worldwide.
Last week, the airline announced its largest expansion in its history, adding ten international cities to its network, eight of which depart from Newark. The cities include: Luxembourg City, Luxembourg; Marseille, France; Ibiza, Spain; Valencia, Spain; Terceira, Portugal; Ljubljana, Slovenia; Olbia (Sardinia), Italy; and Catania (Sicily), Italy, giving New York travelers nonstop access to some of the most unique destinations around the globe.
The airline also debuted its newest international aircraft flying out of EWR – the 'Born to Explore' A321XLR – which will fly to some of the new cities and features lie-flat seats in United Polaris and Economy Plus seats with extra elbow room across an open middle seat.
Today, United MileagePlus® members can link their Lyft account to earn up to 4 miles per $1 on pre-scheduled airport rides; 3 miles per $1 on Extra Comfort, Lyft Black, Black SUV, and on-demand airport rides; 2 miles per $1 on Standard, Priority Pickup, and XL rides within a company Business Profile; and 1 mile per $1 on Standard, Priority Pickup, and XL rides. They can also pay for their rides with miles. After linking, new Lyft riders earn 1,000 bonus miles once they take two eligible rides in 30 days.
United’s adoption of Lyft’s first-ever dynamic ad provides real-world proof to a rider when it matters most – in motion. Most advertising tries to guess at context, but at Lyft Ads, we provide it. With our first-party data that connects riders’ intent with their real-world behaviors, brands are reaching highly targeted audiences with impactful messaging at the right place and the right time.
Disclaimer: Travel times are estimated and may vary based on traffic conditions.