Getting to South America Just Got Cheaper and Easier for American Airlines Customers

Thanks to the airline's new partnership.

By Stella Shon Stella Shon

Stella Shon is an aviation news writer. Her work has been featured in publications including The Points Guy, USA Today, and others. Globetrotting more than 100,000 miles every year, she loves flying new airlines and scoping out remodeled airports. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on September 25, 2024

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American Airlines AAdvantage miles just got more valuable for travelers who want to explore popular South American destinations in countries like Chile, Argentina, and Peru.

In 2023, American Airlines launched a codeshare agreement with JetSmart, South America’s largest low-cost carrier. Now, the partnership has been enhanced by way of JetSmart adopting AAdvantage as its frequent flyer program. Passengers can earn AAdvantage miles on all JetSmart flights, and later this year, they’ll be able to redeem those miles for flights with the airline, announced yesterday.

“We are excited to welcome JetSmart and their customers to the AAdvantage program, the most valuable travel rewards program,” shared American’s senior vice president of revenue management and loyalty, Scott Chandler, in a statement. “This is a significant milestone in our partnership that offers customers more low fares and more travel options throughout South America.”

The earning rate will vary based on the fare class booked with JetSmart. At a minimum, all AAdvantage members will earn one Loyalty Point per dollar spent and two miles on JetSmart's basic economy tickets. Travelers with AAdvantage elite status can receive even more significant bonuses, with top-tier Executive Platinum members having the opportunity to earn up to a 120 percent mileage bonus on JetSmart fares.

This partnership builds on American's recent codeshare agreement with Brazil's GOL Airlines, introduced this summer, providing travelers with even more opportunities to earn rewards on flights to South America. However, Loyalty Points are separate from AAdvantage miles, as they are the elite-qualifying metric for frequent flier status.

Earlier this week, American Airlines rolled out a targeted promotion for select members. Through the end of 2024, travelers can earn 100 Loyalty Points for every 1,000 AAdvantage miles redeemed on award flights operated by the carrier. The offer details can be found under the “Promotions” tab in their account, but advance registration is required before booking award tickets.