Just over a year after entering a codeshare partnership, American Airlines and JetSMART
have announced the South American carrier will adopt American’s frequent flyer program for all its customers. This means passengers can now earn miles on all JetSMART flights, even if they do not involve an American Airlines connection.

Three’s a party

JetSMART joins Fiji Airways as the second carrier to announce it will adopt the AAdvantage
loyalty program. Fiji Airways is set to implement the program next year as it upgrades from an affiliate to a full member in the oneworld Alliance as it launches flights to American’s mega hub in Dallas/Fort Worth.

This week’s addition of JetSMART (which is effective immediately) further expands the program’s reach into South America. Customers on JetSMART’s website are now offered the option to join the AAdvantage program for free when purchasing tickets, and existing program members will earn miles when flying on JetSMART-operated flights both domestically and internationally at the following rates:

JetSMART's AAdvantage Earning rates

Photo: American Airlines

The ability to redeem miles for JetSMART-operated flights is coming “later this year.” Scott Chandler, American’s Senior Vice President of Revenue Management and Loyalty, noted his excitement for the new opportunities made possible by the expanded partnership:

“We are excited to welcome JetSMART and their customers to the AAdvantage® program, the most valuable travel rewards program.

“This is a significant milestone in our partnership that offers customers more low fares and more travel options throughout South America.”

A JetSMART Airbus A320 at Lima Airport

Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock

The partnership also opens up additional opportunities for JetSmart’s domestic customers to earn and redeem points across the oneworld carrier’s network of 350 destinations, plus flights operated by its other partner airlines.

JetSmart joins the big leagues

American Airlines and JetSMART launched their strategic partnerships in 2023 with codeshare itineraries between the United States and Chile and have since expanded the agreement to flights in Peru and Argentina. The partners have indicated they aim to create the broadest network in North and South America thanks to this renewed relationship with Víctor Mejía, CCO of JetSMART, noting:

This not only expands the benefits offered to our passengers but also positions JetSMART as a key player in the regional market.”

The two carriers’ networks overlap at several key airports in the region, allowing customers from across the Americas to connect onto JetSMART’s 85+ routes throughout Chile, Argentina, Perú, Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Estuardo Ortiz, CEO of JetSMART, explained how significantly the partnership is expanding:

“From the beginning, we have been innovators in South American aviation, offering ultra-low fares and an extensive route network, often connecting cities for the first time. By deepening our partnership with American, we are continuing to make history, furthering our mission of bringing air travel to every corner of the continent.

“Our customers will now be able to earn miles when they fly on the JetSMART network and connect to American’s global network. As the fastest-growing airline in South America, this alliance strengthens our position as we work toward our vision of reaching 100 million passengers and 100 aircraft by 2028.”

JetSMART currently has a fleet of 41 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, making it the youngest fleet in South America and the fifth newest worldwide, according to ch-aviation.

In addition to its partnership with JetSMART, American also has ties to GOL Airlines, the largest airline in Brazil. AAdvantage members can earn and redeem miles with the carrier and are afforded the benefits of their AAdvantage status when traveling.

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