American Airlines loyalists now have a new way to earn and redeem AAdvantage miles while exploring South America, as Chilean low-cost carrier JetSMART joins the frequent flyer program.
AAdvantage members have already been able to earn and spend miles on certain JetSMART flights since 2022, when American acquired a 34.5 percent stake in the airline and shortly after introduced some limited codesharing on flights between the U.S. and Chile, Argentina, and Peru. However, the benefits only applied to those specific codeshare flights booked through American Airlines.
Photo: Courtesy of American Airlines
Now, every JetSMART flight, including international departures and domestic routes in Chile, will earn travelers not just miles but coveted Loyalty Points, the currency for attaining and keeping elite status in the AAdvantage program.
American and JetSMART are together “creating the broadest network in North and South America,” American said in a statement.
Benefits for AAdvantage Members
The partnership allows American Airlines to access new markets in South America, including the secondary cities JetSMART reaches.
It also gives AAdvantage members in South America more opportunities to earn and spend their miles.
Photo: Courtesy of Airbus / F. Lancelot
Travelers can connect to American or JetSMART flights at three major airports: JetSMART’s home base at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago; Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires; and Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) in Lima.
From those airports, AAdvantage members can tap into JetSMART’s network and access cities off the beaten tourist track. That includes Montevideo, Uruguay (MVD), famed for its tango clubs, steak houses, and 13-mile esplanade, La Rambla, and Curitiba, Brazil, an eco-conscious cultural hub with a verdant botanical garden and the Ópera de Arame, a theatre built into an old rock quarry.
Major Milestone for the Low-Cost Carrier
“We are excited to welcome JetSmart and their customers to the AAdvantage program, the most valuable travel rewards program,” Scott Chandler, American’s senior vice president of revenue management and loyalty, said in a statement. “This is a significant milestone in our partnership that offers customers more low fares and more travel options throughout South America.”
Photo: Courtesy of Airbus / A. Doumenjou
JetSMART CEO Estuardo Ortiz added, “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,” Ortiz said.
Ramping Up Competition in South America
American has been the leading U.S. carrier in South America, operating flights to 15 cities, mainly from Miami (MIA).
However, the airline’s position in the region was challenged in 2020 when its long-time partner, LATAM Airlines, chose to partner with rival Delta. This move led to the launch of a comprehensive joint venture, solidifying Delta’s position as the largest airline in South America.
Photo: Courtesy of Airbus
American Airlines moved quickly and took minority stakes in two South American carriers: GOL, Brazil’s largest airline, and JetSMART, an ultra-low-cost up-and-comer.
Launched just in 2017, JetSMART operates 87 daily flights, reaching 28 cities in Argentina, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay. It also has expansion plans, envisioning growing its fleet from 40 aircraft to 100 by 2028.
AAdvantage Growing Partners
JetSMART’s partnership with AAdvantage isn’t the first time an airline has enlisted in a bigger carrier’s loyalty program. Panamanian flag carrier Copa Airlines used United’s MileagePlus program until 2015.
In July, just weeks after joining oneworld as a full-fledged member, Fiji Airways adopted the AAdvantage program as its official frequent flyer scheme.
Four major airlines—British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, and Qatar Airways—use a common currency, Avios, in their loyalty schemes, with Finnair set to join them this year.