JetSmart

JetSmart is a leading ultra-low-cost carrier that has rapidly transformed the aviation landscape in South America since its inception. Backed by Indigo Partners—the private equity firm behind other successful low-cost airlines like Frontier and Wizz Air—JetSmart focuses on a simple yet powerful mission: to democratize air travel by offering affordable fares to everyone. With a business model based on efficiency and modernization, the airline allows passengers to pay only for the services they need, making air travel accessible to a broader audience across the continent.

Operating one of the youngest and most modern fleets in the Americas, JetSmart is easily instantly recognizable by the unique animals depicted on the tails of its aircraft, symbolizing the biodiversity of the regions it serves. The airline has established a strong presence in Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Colombia, connecting major capitals and regional hubs with direct flights that bypass traditional connection points. Its commitment to operational excellence and low fares has earned it significant recognition, including being named the Best Low-Cost Airline in South America by Skytrax.

Flying SMART: The Modern Way to Travel
JetSmart's "SMART" philosophy centers on efficiency and sustainability. The airline operates a fleet consisting entirely of new Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft, which are designed to be fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly. This focus on modern technology not only reduces the airline's carbon footprint but also ensures a high standard of safety and reliability for passengers. The "pay-for-what-you-use" model means ticket prices remain low, giving travelers the flexibility to add baggage or seat selection only if they desire.

Expansive Regional Network
The airline has built an impressive network that connects key destinations across South America. From its hub, travelers can easily reach popular Argentine spots such as Cordoba, the wine region of Mendoza, and the scenic landscapes of Bariloche. The network extends to the stunning waterfalls of Puerto Iguazu and the historic north in Salta. Beyond Argentina, JetSmart facilitates travel to major international cities, including Santiago in Chile and Lima in Peru.

Connecting Colombia and Beyond
Expanding its reach, JetSmart also serves the vibrant Colombian market, offering routes that connect Bogota with the coastal charm of Cartagena and the dynamic city of Medellín. Travelers can also explore the Coffee Triangle via Pereira or visit the historic city of Cusco and the white city of Arequipa in Peru. With additional routes to Brazil's Rio de Janeiro, JetSmart continues to bridge cultures and communities throughout the region.

Since JetSmart primarily operates within South America, it does not maintain a local office or direct flight operations in the United Arab Emirates. For travelers in the UAE planning to fly with this airline—perhaps as part of a broader trip to the region—assistance is available through their international customer service channels and digital platforms. English support may be limited compared to Spanish services, so using the online help center is often the most efficient option.

Official Website
For the most up-to-date flight schedules and manage-my-booking features, visit the official website:
www.jetsmart.com

Contact Channels

• Official Website: jetsmart.com (Select "English" or "United States" version for easier navigation)
• Customer Service (International): +56 2 2731 8787 (Headquarters in Santiago, Chile)
  Note: International calling rates apply. Support is primarily in Spanish.
• Ticket Booking: All reservations should be made directly via the website or the mobile app.
• Digital Support: The "Help Center" on the official website is the primary method for submitting inquiries, refund requests, or baggage claims.
• Mobile App: "JetSMART" (Available on iOS and Android)

Social Media
You can often get quicker updates or basic assistance via their official social media profiles:

• Facebook: JetSMART Chile
• X (Twitter): @VuelaJetSMART
• Instagram: @jetsmart_chile
• LinkedIn: JetSMART Airlines

Office Locations

• United Arab Emirates: There are no physical offices or airport counters in the UAE.
• Headquarters: Avenida del Valle Sur 650, Office 52, Huechuraba, Santiago, Chile.
• Main Hub: Operations are also heavily centered around Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Understanding the baggage policy is crucial when flying with JetSmart, as the airline operates on an ultra-low-cost model. This means that base fares are designed to be as affordable as possible, often charging separately for additional services like luggage. Being aware of these rules in advance can help you save money and avoid unexpected fees at the airport.

Carry-on Baggage
JetSmart generally includes one personal item with every ticket. This item, such as a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack, must fit underneath the seat in front of you. The maximum dimensions for the personal item are typically 45 x 35 x 25 cm. A larger carry-on bag (cabin baggage) that fits in the overhead compartment is usually not included in the standard fare and must be purchased as an add-on. If you purchase this allowance, the bag must generally not exceed 10 kg and standard dimensions of approximately 55 x 35 x 25 cm.

Checked Baggage
If you need to transport more items, you can purchase checked baggage allowance. Each piece of checked luggage usually has a maximum weight limit of 23 kg and linear dimensions (length + width + height) of up to 158 cm. Passengers can typically purchase allowance for multiple bags, but keep in mind that it is always significantly cheaper to add checked bags during your initial booking online rather than at the counter.

Excess Baggage and Fees
Strict penalties apply if your baggage exceeds the weight or size limits. Bags weighing more than the standard allowance (up to a maximum of 32 kg) will incur an overweight fee. Similarly, luggage that exceeds the linear dimension limits will be charged as oversized baggage. To avoid high costs, weigh your bags at home before heading to the airport.

Special Baggage
JetSmart accommodates passengers traveling with special items. Sports equipment (such as skis, surfboards, or golf clubs) and musical instruments can be transported as checked luggage, provided they are properly packed to prevent damage. These items are subject to specific fees and size restrictions, so it is advisable to register them when booking your flight.

Restricted and Prohibited Items
For safety reasons, certain items are strictly prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage. These include flammable liquids, explosives, corrosive substances, and other dangerous goods. Sharp objects, tools, and liquids exceeding 100ml are not allowed in carry-on bags but may be packed in checked luggage. Always check the latest regulations before packing.

Packing Tips for JetSmart
Since JetSmart charges for extras, packing efficiently is the key to a budget-friendly trip. If you are flying to a destination like Buenos Aires, consider wearing your heaviest clothes on the plane to save weight in your bag. Always purchase your baggage allowance online and in advance, as fees at the airport check-in counter or boarding gate can be much higher.

Traveling with Pets on JetSmart

JetSmart understands that pets are part of the family and allows passengers to travel with small dogs and cats on their flights. While the airline focuses on keeping fares low, they offer a specific service for transporting pets in the cabin, ensuring your furry companion can join you on your journey. It is essential to book this service in advance as there is a limited capacity for animals per flight.

Transport Options

In Cabin (Carry-on)
This is the primary method for traveling with pets on JetSmart. Your pet stays with you throughout the flight.

• Carrier dimensions: The kennel must be soft-sided and flexible, with maximum dimensions of approximately 38 cm length x 35 cm width x 22 cm height to fit under the seat.
• Maximum weight: The combined weight of the pet and the carrier must not exceed 10 kg.
• Allowed pet types: Only dogs and cats are permitted.
• Behavior: The animal must remain inside the carrier for the entire flight, be odorless, and not disturb other passengers.
• Limit: One pet is allowed per passenger.

In Cargo Hold (Checked Baggage)
Please note that JetSmart generally does not accept pets for transport in the aircraft hold as checked baggage.

• Availability: This service is typically unavailable. All pets traveling with JetSmart must meet the requirements to travel in the cabin.
• Recommendation: Passengers with pets exceeding the 10 kg cabin limit generally need to seek alternative transport solutions with other specialized carriers.

As Cargo (For Large Animals)
JetSmart operates as a low-cost passenger airline and typically does not offer a dedicated live animal cargo service.

• Booking procedure: Since this service is not standard, passengers needing to transport large animals or unaccompanied pets should contact specialized air freight companies.

Required Documentation

To ensure a smooth check-in process at airports like Buenos Aires or Santiago, you must present the following documents:

• Veterinary Health Certificate: A certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian, typically dated no more than 10 days before travel.
• Vaccination Record: Proof of valid anti-rabies vaccination (administered between 30 days and 1 year prior to the flight).
• Deworming certificate: Proof of internal and external parasite treatment.
• International Certificates: For flights crossing borders (e.g., between Bogota and Lima), specific sanitary documents from the destination country’s authority (such as SAG in Chile or SENASA in Argentina) are required.

Service Costs

Traveling with a pet involves an additional fee, which is not included in the base ticket price.

• In-cabin fee: Charges apply per leg of the journey. The cost is generally lower if booked online during the initial reservation rather than at the airport.
• Payment: Fees are subject to change based on the route and time of booking.

Preparation Tips

Preparing your pet beforehand can reduce stress for both of you.

• Carrier Familiarity: Ensure your pet is comfortable spending time in their carrier days or weeks before the flight.
• Feeding: Avoid feeding your pet a large meal immediately before the flight to prevent motion sickness.
• Absorbent Pads: Place an absorbent sanitary pad or rug inside the carrier for hygiene.
• Hydration: Offer small amounts of water before the flight, but avoid over-hydrating.

Restrictions

To ensure safety and compliance, certain restrictions apply.

• Prohibited animals: Animals other than dogs and cats (such as rabbits, birds, or reptiles) are not accepted.
• Age restriction: Puppies and kittens must be at least 3 months old to travel.
• Health condition: Sick animals, pregnant females, or pets with aggressive behavior will be refused transport.
• Exceptions: Certified service dogs are generally permitted to travel in the cabin without a carrier, subject to specific documentation and prior notification.

Important: Airline policies can change. It is strongly recommended to contact JetSmart directly or check their official website before your trip to confirm the most up-to-date rules and fees.

JetSmart Loyalty Program

To provide a rewarding travel experience, JetSmart has formed a strategic alliance with American Airlines, adopting the renowned AAdvantage® program as its official loyalty scheme. This partnership allows passengers to earn and redeem miles across a vast network, transforming every trip into an opportunity for future travel benefits.

AAdvantage® Membership Tiers

Through the AAdvantage® program, frequent flyers can achieve status levels that unlock increasing rewards. While specific on-board benefits on JetSmart flights are evolving, status members currently enjoy accelerated mileage earning rates:

• AAdvantage Member: The entry-level tier allows you to start earning miles and Loyalty Points on every eligible flight with no minimum flight requirement.
• Gold: Members at this level receive a 40% status mileage bonus on eligible flights, accelerating their ability to redeem rewards.
• Platinum: Reaching this tier grants a 60% status mileage bonus, helping you build your balance significantly faster.
• Platinum Pro: Frequent travelers enjoy an 80% status mileage bonus along with additional benefits when flying with American Airlines and oneworld® partners.
• Executive Platinum: The top tier offers a 120% status mileage bonus, maximizing the value returned on every ticket purchased.

Earning Miles and Points

Earning rewards with JetSmart is straightforward and based on the fare type you choose, rewarding you for the price of your ticket:

• Flights: Earn 2 miles for every U.S. dollar spent on "Travel Light" fares, and 5 miles for every U.S. dollar spent on "Pack SMART" or "Pack FULL" fares.
• Partners: Accrue additional miles by booking hotels, renting cars, and using services from over 1,000 AAdvantage® partners worldwide.
• Credit Cards: Use co-branded AAdvantage® credit cards for everyday purchases to boost your mileage balance even when you aren't flying.
• Shopping: Earn miles for online purchases through the AAdvantage eShopping℠ portal.

Redeeming Miles

Your accumulated miles can be used for a variety of travel rewards:

• Award Flights: Redeem miles for flights on JetSmart, American Airlines, and other partner carriers directly through the JetSmart or American Airlines websites.
• Upgrades: Use miles to upgrade your cabin experience on eligible American Airlines flights.
• Travel Perks: Exchange miles for car rentals, hotel stays, and vacation packages.
• Lifestyle Awards: Redeem for exclusive experiences, Admirals Club® memberships, or donations to charity.

Strategic Alliance

While JetSmart is not a member of a global alliance like oneworld® directly, its deep strategic partnership with American Airlines connects it to the broader aviation world. This collaboration integrates JetSmart into the extensive AAdvantage® ecosystem, allowing seamless earning and redemption opportunities across the Americas and beyond.

How to Join

Joining the program is simple and free:

• Register Online: Sign up for an AAdvantage® account on the JetSmart or American Airlines website.
• Link Your Account: Enter your AAdvantage® number during the booking process or check-in for your JetSmart flight to ensure your miles are credited automatically.

Services and Comfort on Board

JetSmart operates as an ultra-low-cost carrier, focusing on efficiency and affordability. This business model means the flight experience is streamlined, offering a single-class cabin configuration designed to provide essential comfort while keeping ticket prices accessible. Instead of traditional multi-class distinctions like Business or First Class, the airline allows passengers to customize their experience through fare bundles and add-on services.

Seat Configuration and Comfort
The entire fleet consists of modern Airbus A320 family aircraft featuring an Economy Class layout. The seats are designed by Recaro and are made of ultra-lightweight leather-like material. To maximize cabin space and reduce maintenance, these seats are typically "pre-reclined" or have limited recline, offering a pitch of approximately 28 to 29 inches.

For travelers seeking extra comfort, JetSmart offers First Row and Smart Seats (emergency exit rows). These premium seat options provide significantly more legroom and are available for a fee. Selecting a seat in the front rows also ensures a quicker exit upon arrival at destinations like Santiago or Buenos Aires.

In-Flight Dining
Complimentary meal service is not included in the ticket price. Instead, JetSmart offers a buy-on-board service known as the "Menú a Bordo". This menu features a variety of snacks, sandwiches, hot and cold beverages, and alcoholic drinks. Prices are generally competitive, but passengers are encouraged to pay with credit or debit cards as cash handling may be limited or unavailable on certain routes.

Entertainment and Connectivity
JetSmart does not provide seatback screens or Wi-Fi connectivity. The entertainment philosophy is "Bring Your Own Device" (BYOD). Passengers are advised to download their favorite movies, series, or music onto their smartphones, tablets, or laptops before the flight. Most seats do not have power outlets or USB ports, so carrying a fully charged portable power bank is highly recommended, especially for longer regional flights such as Lima to Cusco.

Service Classes and Fares
While there is no separate Business Class cabin, passengers can choose from different fare bundles to emulate a more inclusive experience:

• Vuela Ligero (Light): The most basic fare, including only a seat and a personal item.
• Pack Smart: Adds a carry-on bag and standard seat selection.
• Pack Full: The most comprehensive option, including a carry-on bag, a checked bag, priority boarding, and flexible seat selection (including front rows).

Special Services
JetSmart provides assistance for passengers with specific needs, though requests must be made at least 48 hours in advance through their official contact channels.

• Passengers with Reduced Mobility: Wheelchair assistance is available from the check-in counter to the aircraft seat.
• Expectant Mothers: Women up to 27 weeks of pregnancy can travel without restrictions. From weeks 28 to 37, a medical certificate is required.
• Unaccompanied Minors: Unlike legacy carriers, JetSmart generally does not offer an escort service for unaccompanied minors. Children must typically travel with an adult companion, so it is vital to check the specific age requirements for the country you are departing from, such as Colombia or Argentina.

Destinations and Main Routes

JetSmart has established a robust network across South America, connecting passengers to key commercial hubs and stunning tourist destinations with remarkable efficiency. Operating primarily from its main base in Buenos Aires, the airline facilitates seamless travel between Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, and Brazil, making regional exploration both accessible and affordable.

Booking Tips and Travel Advice

To secure the lowest fares on JetSmart, timing is crucial. As an ultra-low-cost carrier, the airline typically operates on a dynamic pricing model where tickets are cheapest when first released and tend to increase in price as the departure date approaches. For high-frequency routes like Medellín to Bogota or Lima to Cusco, it is advisable to book at least a few weeks in advance. Flexibility is also a traveler's best friend; flying mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) often yields significantly lower fares compared to weekends or holidays.

Finding Deals and Promotions
JetSmart frequently offers flash sales and "Smart" promotional codes. To catch these deals, consider subscribing to the airline’s official email newsletter or following their social media channels, where discounts are often announced first. Frequent travelers might benefit from joining the discount club, which provides members and their companions with reduced rates on tickets and baggage for an annual fee. This can be particularly valuable for groups planning trips across multiple destinations like Buenos Aires, Cordoba, and Mendoza.

Online Check-in Procedures
Completing your check-in online is essential to avoid unnecessary costs. JetSmart typically charges a substantial fee for checking in at the airport counter and for printing boarding passes. Online check-in usually opens 72 hours before the flight and closes roughly an hour prior to departure. Always perform this step on your computer or mobile device and save your digital boarding pass. If you are flying from major hubs like Santiago or Cartagena, having your pass ready on your phone allows you to proceed directly to security if you have no bags to drop.

Seat Selection Tips
Like most low-cost airlines, JetSmart assigns seats randomly for free during the check-in process. If you are traveling with family or friends and wish to sit together, you must purchase seat selection. This is also necessary if you prefer extra legroom in the front rows or emergency exits. It is cheapest to select your seats during the initial booking process; adding them later or at the airport will likely cost more.

Mobile App Features
Downloading the JetSmart mobile app is highly recommended for a smoother travel experience. The app functions as a centralized travel manager, allowing you to book flights, add extras like baggage or special seating, and store your boarding pass. It also provides real-time notifications regarding gate changes or flight status updates, which can be invaluable when navigating busy airports.

Travel Insurance Recommendations
Since many of JetSmart's lowest fares are non-refundable and changes can incur fees, purchasing travel insurance is a wise precaution. A good policy can cover expenses related to flight delays, cancellations, or medical emergencies. This provides peace of mind, ensuring that your budget remains intact even if your plans change unexpectedly.

History and Development

JetSmart was founded with a bold vision: to revolutionize air travel in South America by introducing a true ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) model. Backed by Indigo Partners, a private equity firm with a successful track record of managing budget airlines globally, the company began its operations in Chile in 2017. From its inception, the airline aimed to democratize flying, making it accessible to people who had previously relied on ground transportation, effectively connecting remote regions with major urban centers.

The airline's growth strategy has been aggressive and strategic. A significant milestone in its history was the expansion into the Argentine market. In 2019, JetSmart solidified its presence by acquiring the local operations of Norwegian Air Argentina. This merger was a pivotal moment, allowing the carrier to incorporate Norwegian’s fleet and, crucially, its slots at the fiercely competitive Jorge Newbery Airfield in Buenos Aires. This move rapidly accelerated its footprint in Argentina, establishing it as a key player in the country's aviation sector.

Following its success in the Southern Cone, the airline continued its northward expansion to become a truly regional carrier. It established domestic subsidiaries in Peru and, more recently, in Colombia. This network growth has enabled seamless connectivity between key capitals and tourist hubs. Today, passengers can easily fly on high-frequency routes such as Medellín to Bogota or take the scenic journey from Lima to the gateway of the Andes, Cusco, all under the same low-cost model.

The evolution of the JetSmart fleet is another testament to its modern approach. The airline operates one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the Americas, consisting entirely of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, including the advanced neo (New Engine Option) models. A unique and beloved feature of these aircraft is their livery; instead of a traditional logo on the tail, each plane features a high-definition image of a native South American animal, such as the Andean condor, the jaguar, or the penguin, emphasizing the carrier's commitment to local biodiversity.

In recent years, JetSmart has focused on innovation and sustainability. By utilizing efficient aircraft and high-density seating configurations, the airline has significantly reduced its carbon footprint per passenger. Its route network has also evolved to include "SMART" interregional flights that bypass traditional hubs, such as direct flights between Santiago and secondary cities, saving travelers time and money. As it continues to grow, the airline remains dedicated to opening new markets and connecting destinations like Rio de Janeiro with the rest of the continent.