American Airlines has been busy rebuilding its South American network after losing longtime partner LATAM to Delta in 2019. Enter JetSmart, a Chilean ultra-low-cost carrier that's now become your gateway to earning AAdvantage miles across South America. As of September 2024, JetSmart has fully adopted AAdvantage as its loyalty program, opening up exciting new opportunities for points enthusiasts.

The bottom line: You can now earn AAdvantage miles and Loyalty Points on JetSmart's extensive South American network, with redemption capabilities coming soon. However, this partnership comes with the typical ultra-low-cost carrier trade-offs you need to understand before booking.

What Is JetSmart?

JetSmart is South America's fastest-growing ultra-low-cost carrier, founded in 2017 and backed by Indigo Partners (the same investment firm behind Frontier Airlines, Wizz Air, and Volaris). The airline operates an all-Airbus A320 family fleet across five countries: Chile, Argentina, Peru, Colombia, and Brazil.

With its hub in Santiago, Chile, JetSmart flies to 33 destinations and operates an average of 87 daily flights. The airline follows the classic low-cost model: rock-bottom base fares with fees for everything else, including seat selection, carry-on bags, checked luggage, and even printing boarding passes at the airport.

Key JetSmart Stats:

• Fleet: 35+ Airbus A320 family aircraft (all new)
• Routes: 33 destinations across South America
• Daily Flights: ~87 flights per day
• Ownership: Majority owned by Indigo Partners, 35% owned by American Airlines

The airline has ambitious expansion plans, targeting 100 aircraft and 100 million passengers by 2028. JetSmart recently launched domestic operations in Peru and is working toward certification in Colombia, making it a significant player in the South American aviation market.

The American Airlines Partnership Explained

The American-JetSmart partnership began in 2021 when American purchased a 35% stake in the Chilean carrier. However, the real game-changer for points enthusiasts came in September 2024 when JetSmart officially adopted AAdvantage as its loyalty program. This move came after American lost its longtime partner LATAM to Delta - you can read more about why AAdvantage still beats Delta SkyMiles in our detailed comparison.

How the Partnership Works

Earning Miles: You can now earn AAdvantage miles and Loyalty Points on all JetSmart flights, whether you book directly with JetSmart or through American Airlines codeshare flights. Here's the earning structure:

• Light Fare (basic economy): 2 AAdvantage miles per $1 spent
• SMART Pack (includes carry-on and seat selection): 5 AAdvantage miles per $1 spent
• Full Pack (includes checked bag and priority boarding): 5 AAdvantage miles per $1 spent

Elite Benefits: If you have AAdvantage elite status, you'll earn your elite bonus miles on JetSmart flights just like you would on American flights. This means Platinum Pro members can earn up to 120% bonus miles on top of the base earning rate.

What's Coming Soon: American has announced that AAdvantage mile redemptions on JetSmart flights will be available "in the coming weeks," though technical challenges have delayed this feature according to The Points Guy. When live, you'll be able to book JetSmart flights directly on aa.com using your miles. For now, you can learn more about maximizing AAdvantage miles through American's broader program.

Codeshare Benefits

For flights marketed by American but operated by JetSmart, you'll enjoy additional perks detailed on American's official JetSmart partnership page:

• Single check-in for your entire journey
• Baggage checked through to your final destination
• Priority check-in and boarding if you're traveling in premium cabins on the American portion

How to Maximize AAdvantage Miles on JetSmart

The key to maximizing this partnership is strategic planning both before and during your travel. Here's how to get the most value:

Before You Fly: Boost Your Earning Potential

1. Use the Right Credit CardStart earning miles before you even step on the plane. The Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard offers 2x miles on American Airlines purchases, which should include JetSmart codeshare flights. For a comprehensive comparison of your options, check out our guide on how to choose the right travel credit card for you. For everyday spending, consider the American Express Gold Card for dining and grocery purchases to build up your AAdvantage balance through transfer partners.

2. Book the Right Fare ClassWhile JetSmart's Light fare seems tempting at 2 miles per dollar, you'll often find the SMART Pack offers better value. At 5 miles per dollar, plus included carry-on bag and seat selection, you're getting 2.5x the miles while avoiding surprise fees at the airport. For more strategies on maximizing your Chase Ultimate Rewards that transfer to American partners, check out our comprehensive guide.

3. Add Your AAdvantage NumberYou can add your AAdvantage number when booking on JetSmart's website or during online check-in (up to 72 hours before departure). If you forget, you can request missing miles through American's website after your flight, though this can take several weeks to process.

Strategic Route Planning

JetSmart's route network opens up some interesting opportunities for AAdvantage members:

Regional Sweet Spots:

• Santiago to Buenos Aires: A key business route that's often expensive on full-service carriers
• Lima to Cusco: Perfect for Machu Picchu trips, with JetSmart offering multiple daily flights
• Bogotá connections: JetSmart's Colombian expansion creates new routing options

Connecting to American's Network: JetSmart's partnership works best when combined with American's long-haul flights. Consider routing through Miami, Dallas, or Phoenix to connect with JetSmart's South American destinations. Learn more about American Airlines and Hyatt partnerships to maximize your entire trip experience.

JetSmart Routes & Network Overview

Understanding JetSmart's route map is crucial for maximizing the partnership. The airline operates point-to-point flights rather than a traditional hub-and-spoke model, though Santiago serves as its largest base. You can view their complete route network on JetSmart's official website.

Chile Operations

• Santiago (SCL): Primary hub with flights throughout South America
• Antofagasta, Calama, Iquique: Northern Chile mining centers
• Concepción, Temuco: Central and southern Chile

Argentina Operations

• Buenos Aires (Jorge Newbery Airfield): Secondary hub for regional flights
• Mendoza, Córdoba, Bariloche: Popular domestic destinations
• Ushuaia: Gateway to Patagonia and Antarctica cruises

Peru Expansion

• Lima (LIM): Major connecting point
• Cusco (CUZ): Essential for Machu Picchu tourism
• Arequipa, Trujillo: Secondary Peruvian cities

Colombia & Brazil

JetSmart recently launched Colombian domestic flights and operates select routes in Brazil, with plans for significant expansion in both markets.

Pro Tip: JetSmart's route network complements American's long-haul flights perfectly. You can fly American from the U.S. to Santiago or Lima, then use JetSmart for regional connections while earning miles on both segments.

What to Expect When Flying JetSmart

Managing expectations is crucial when flying any ultra-low-cost carrier. JetSmart delivers on its promise of low fares, but the experience comes with trade-offs you should understand upfront.

The Aircraft & Cabin Experience

JetSmart operates an all-Airbus A320 family fleet with a standard 3-3 layout. The aircraft are genuinely new, with most delivered within the past few years. While this means clean, modern interiors, don't expect premium comfort.

Seat Specifications:

• Pitch: 28-29 inches (tight for taller passengers)
• Width: Standard economy width
• Recline: Minimal recline to maximize capacity
• Power: No seatback power or USB ports on most aircraft

Exit row seats offer significantly more legroom but come with an additional fee. If you're over 5'8", this upgrade is worth considering for flights longer than 90 minutes.

Baggage Policies: Know Before You Go

This is where JetSmart can get expensive if you're not prepared. The airline's baggage policies are strictly enforced, and fees increase dramatically if you don't pay in advance.

Included with Your Ticket:

• One small personal item (40cm x 30cm x 20cm)
• Nothing else

Additional Baggage Fees (when purchased online):

• Carry-on bag (10kg): $15-30 depending on route
• Checked bag (23kg): $25-50 depending on route
• Overweight/oversized bags: Significant additional fees

Check JetSmart's current baggage policy for the most up-to-date fee structure, as these change frequently.

Airport Fees (if not purchased online):

• Carry-on fees can double or triple at the airport
• Checked bag fees increase by 50-100%
• No exceptions, even for "small" overages

Recommendation: Always purchase baggage allowances when booking. The online prices are significantly cheaper, and JetSmart's gate agents are notoriously strict about size and weight limits.

Food, Drinks, and Onboard Experience

JetSmart follows the pay-as-you-go model for all food and beverages. The selection is basic but reasonably priced by airline standards.

Available for Purchase:

• Soft drinks and water ($3-5)
• Beer and basic alcoholic beverages ($5-8)
• Snack boxes and light meals ($8-15)
• Coffee and tea ($2-4)

Important: JetSmart only accepts cash for onboard purchases, so bring local currency. Many passengers are caught off-guard by this policy.

Check-in and Airport Experience

One positive aspect of flying JetSmart is their efficient ground operations. Check-in opens 72 hours before departure, and the process is straightforward through their website or mobile app.

Digital Check-in Tips:

• Use Chrome or Firefox browsers (Safari has known issues)
• Download your boarding pass or ensure mobile boarding passes work at your departure airport
• Printing boarding passes at the airport incurs a $10-15 fee

Bag Drop: Despite the carrier's reputation for poor customer service, bag drop is typically efficient with minimal wait times.

Pros and Cons for Points Enthusiasts

Let's be honest about what you're getting into with this partnership.

The Pros

Expanded Earning Opportunities: JetSmart gives you access to AAdvantage earning across South America's domestic markets, where American doesn't fly directly.

Loyalty Points Count Toward Status: Every mile you earn on JetSmart counts as a Loyalty Point toward AAdvantage status, helping you reach elite tiers faster.

Future Redemption Value: Once mile redemptions go live, you'll have access to ultra-low-cost award tickets throughout South America.

Network Connectivity: The partnership creates seamless connections between American's long-haul network and JetSmart's regional routes.

Elite Earning Bonuses: AAdvantage elite members earn their status bonuses on JetSmart flights.

The Cons

No Elite Benefits: AAdvantage elite status currently provides no benefits when flying JetSmart beyond bonus mile earning.

Inconsistent Customer Service: Multiple reviews cite poor customer service, especially regarding baggage disputes and flight changes.

Hidden Fees Everywhere: The ultra-low-cost model means you'll pay extra for nearly everything beyond your seat.

Limited Comfort: These aren't flights for relaxation, especially on longer routes like Santiago to Buenos Aires.

No Lounge Access: Even AAdvantage elite members don't get lounge access when flying JetSmart-only itineraries.

Alternatives and Strategic Comparisons

When to Choose JetSmart

JetSmart makes sense for points enthusiasts in specific scenarios:

Short Regional Hops: For 1-2 hour flights where comfort isn't paramount, the miles earning can provide excellent value.

Status Runs: The 5 miles per dollar earning rate on SMART Pack fares can be cost-effective for earning Loyalty Points.

South America Exploration: If you're island-hopping through multiple South American countries, JetSmart's network provides good connectivity.

Budget-Conscious Travel: When you need to get from Point A to Point B as cheaply as possible while still earning miles.

When to Consider Alternatives

Longer Routes: For flights over 3 hours, consider paying more for LATAM or other full-service carriers for comfort.

Business Travel: If you need reliability and flexibility for important business trips, JetSmart's strict policies may be problematic.

Premium Experience Seekers: If you value lounge access, premium cabins, or elite perks, stick with American's mainline flights or true airline partners.

Comparison with Other South American Options

LATAM: Better service and comfort, but no AAdvantage earning since the Delta partnership.

Avianca: Star Alliance partner with good service, but you'll earn United miles instead of American miles.

Copa Airlines: Excellent connectivity through Panama, and ConnectMiles transfers to multiple programs, but no direct AAdvantage earning.

GOL: American's Brazilian partner offers AAdvantage earning in Brazil's domestic market.

Maximizing Your South America Strategy

The key to success with the JetSmart partnership is treating it as one tool in your broader South America travel strategy, not a silver bullet.

Building a Multi-Carrier Approach

Step 1: Use American Airlines for long-haul flights from the U.S. to major South American gateways (Santiago, Lima, Buenos Aires).

Step 2: Leverage JetSmart for regional connections where American doesn't fly directly.

Step 3: Consider comprehensive travel insurance given JetSmart's customer service reputation and strict policies.

Step 4: Use Priority Pass membership for lounge access, as JetSmart doesn't provide elite benefits. If you don't have Priority Pass, check out our guide to the best credit cards for Priority Pass access.

Credit Card Strategy

To maximize earning across your entire South America journey:

1. Before Travel: Use the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select for American Airlines flights (2x miles)
2. For JetSmart: The same card should earn 2x on codeshare flights, though direct JetSmart bookings may code as travel (1x)
3. Daily Spending: Use the American Express Gold Card for dining (4x Membership Rewards) and learn about American Express transfer partners to move points to AAdvantage as needed
4. Chase Options: If you prefer Chase Ultimate Rewards, review our complete guide to Chase transfer partners to understand your options

Looking Ahead: What's Next for the Partnership

American and JetSmart continue expanding their relationship. Upcoming developments include:

Mile Redemptions: The ability to book JetSmart flights with AAdvantage miles should launch within the next few months.

Expanded Codeshares: Plans call for adding Colombia to the codeshare agreement by the end of 2025.

Route Growth: JetSmart's ambitious expansion plans will add more earning opportunities across South America.

Potential Elite Benefits: While nothing is confirmed, the airlines may eventually add some elite perks for AAdvantage members.

Bottom Line

The JetSmart-American Airlines partnership opens up valuable new opportunities for AAdvantage members to earn miles across South America. At 5 miles per dollar on SMART Pack fares, the earning rates are competitive, and the Loyalty Points help with status qualification.

However, this isn't a partnership for every traveler. JetSmart's ultra-low-cost model means fees for nearly everything, strict policies, and basic service. If you can manage expectations and plan accordingly, it's a solid addition to your points earning strategy.

Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, status runners, and anyone exploring multiple South American destinations who values mile earning over comfort.

Skip if: You prioritize comfort, need flexible booking policies, or want elite benefits when flying.

The partnership represents American's commitment to rebuilding its South American presence after losing LATAM. For points enthusiasts willing to navigate the ultra-low-cost experience, it's another tool for maximizing AAdvantage miles in an underserved region. To learn more about earning AAdvantage Executive Platinum status, check out our 2025 guide.

Ready to start earning AAdvantage miles? Consider the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard to boost your earning before you even take off.