American Airlines AAdvantage miles now work on South America’s JetSmart

Members of American Airlines’ loyalty program, AAdvantage, can finally redeem miles on the airline’s South American partner, JetSmart.

Chile-based airline JetSmart adds dozens of new destinations in South America to American’s — and AAdvantage’s — map, including Andres Sabella Galvez International Airport (ANF) in Chile, Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Peru and Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport (MDZ) in Argentina.

AAdvantage members began earning miles and loyalty points on JetSmart flights beginning in September 2024. However, the functionality to redeem miles was delayed due to technical challenges.

When to go: These are the best times to buy an international flight

Estuardo Ortiz, the CEO of Chile-based JetSmart, announced the long-awaited expansion of the airlines’ partnership to include loyalty redemptions on LinkedIn.

“This isn’t just about miles,” he wrote. “It’s about breaking barriers and bringing people closer to the wonders of this continent we love.”

American and JetSmart first unveiled their partnership in 2021. The budget airline was a unique choice for full-service airline American. But following its sudden break with long-time partner LATAM Airlines in 2019, few other carriers rivaled JetSmart’s network in South America outside of Brazil.

The pact, which included American buying 35% of JetSmart, saw the discounter adopt AAdvantage as its own loyalty program. The move expands the utility of the program in South America, where it already boasts many members thanks to American’s longtime status as the largest U.S. airline in the region.

American also partners with GOL in Brazil.

Redemptions initially only available on JetSmart’s website

The ability to book flights using AAdvantage miles is limited, for now. JetSmart flights are only available for booking with points on its own website and not on American’s site. This requires anyone traveling from, for example, Miami to Cusco on points to book two separate award reservations.

American’s website shows an error page when you search for a one-way flight using points from Lima to Cusco on Friday, June 20.

The same search on JetSmart’s website returns multiple options, with flight redemptions starting at as few as 5,200 miles plus $19.61 in taxes and fees.

As at most discounters, the advertised award redemption is the basic, seat-only booking option. Booking options that include more amenities — for example priority boarding or checked bags — require additional miles to book.

An American spokesperson said the functionality to book JetSmart flights with points on American’s website would be available in the “coming weeks.”

Related reading:

• Your ultimate guide to American Airlines AAdvantage
• Best credit cards for American Airlines flyers
• American Airlines elite status: What it is and how to earn it
• Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• American Airlines basic economy: What you need to know about bags, seats, boarding and more