JetSmart Joins the American AAdvantage Loyalty Program

JetSmart, the South American budget carrier based in Santiago, Chile, has joined the American AAdvantage program.

This means AAdvantage members will now be able to earn redeemable miles and Loyalty Points when booking flights with JetSmart.

Here’s what you need to know.

Expansion of the AAdvantage Program

This marks a significant expansion of the partnership between American Airlines and JetSmart, which dates back to 2022 when American purchased a 35.4% stake in the Chilean carrier.

Now, AAdvantage members will be able to earn miles on a wider range of flights within South America through JetSmarts 85 routes throughout the region.

Here is a look at how many miles you’ll earn when booking tickets for JetSmart flights.

Similar to other AAdvantage partners, the number of miles you earn will depend on what fare class you book, as well as your status level in the AAdvantage program. As for Loyalty Points, you’ll still earn 1 Loyalty Point per $1 spent on JetSmart flights.

Mileage redemptions using your AAdvantage miles for travel on JetSmart aren’t currently available but are slotted to begin later this year.

“This alliance is a significant step for JetSMART, with the ‘SMART’ part of our name now representing the adoption of the best travel rewards program, reinforcing our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction,” said Víctor Mejía, CCO of JetSMART. “While American has established partnerships with other airlines in the past, this is the first time another airline is adopting AAdvantage as its loyalty program.” This not only expands the benefits offered to our passengers but also positions JetSMART as a key player in the regional market.”

It is likely that this will prove to be a smart integration for American Airlines, as the carrier will gain more access to secondary airports and smaller markets within South Americam, and tap into the demand for low-cost travel in these areas.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the partnership between American Airlines and JetSMART is a win-win, with American flyers getting additional ways to earn and redeem miles, and JetSmart flyers getting access to a valuable loyalty program.

American Airlines already had a strong presence in South America through flights on its own routes and its partnership with the low-cost Brazilian carrier GOL Airlines. Now that presence is even stronger with JetSmart added to the AAdvantage program.

Hopefully we will see attractive award rededemption rates on JetSmart tickets as well when that ability is launched later this year.