Complete Guide to JetSMART Baggage Policy and Other Rules

JetSMART is making waves in South America’s skies with its distinct animal-themed tail fins. It’s a Chilean ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC), backed by Indigo Partners, aiming to make air travel more affordable across the continent. With main bases in Santiago, Chile, they also fly to Argentina, Peru, Colombia, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay, connecting many key cities and popular tourist spots. Looking to explore Buenos Aires, Cusco, or Rio de Janeiro? JetSMART can get you there.

Their core principle is “Vuela SMART” (Fly SMART), the heart of the ultra-low-cost model. This means the base ticket price is very low, and you only pay for the services you actually use. It’s like an à la carte menu for flying. Unlike older airlines that bundle everything – bags, food, seat selection – into a higher price, JetSMART lets you build your perfect trip without paying for things you don’t want. This makes them a competitive choice for both domestic and international travel in South America.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about flying with JetSMART. We’ll cover their baggage rules, policies on food, pets, and what to do if you need to cancel. Our goal is to help you pack, plan, and buy your tickets with confidence. We’ll break down checked and carry-on baggage rules, fees, and more. Let’s dive in.

JetSMART Checked Baggage Policy

Knowing the JetSMART baggage dimensions and weight limits is key to a smooth trip. JetSMART uses two different systems, depending on the route: the Weight Concept and the Piece Concept.

Weight Concept

This system is mainly used on certain domestic routes, especially in Peru. Your allowance is based on the total weight you buy, not how many bags you have. So, if you buy a 23 kg allowance, you could have one 23 kg bag or two smaller ones totaling 23 kg, as long as each fits the size limits. Always focus on the total weight for these routes. The basic “Vuela SMART” fare doesn’t include any checked bags; you have to add this. However, if you buy fare bundles like Pack 2 or Pack 3, a baggage allowance is included.

Piece Concept

This is the more common system, used on most of JetSMART’s domestic and international routes in places like Chile, Argentina, Colombia, and Brazil. Here, your allowance depends on the number of bags you check. Each bag must meet specific weight and size rules. Buying one 23 kg checked bag means you can only check one bag with up to that weight. You can’t split it between multiple smaller bags. Again, the standard “Vuela SMART” ticket doesn’t include checked baggage; it’s an extra purchase or part of a bundle.

JetSMART Prohibited Items in Checked Baggage

For everyone’s safety, JetSMART forbids certain items in checked bags. Putting these in your luggage could lead to confiscation, fines, or being denied boarding. Always pack with these in mind.

• Explosives: Think dynamite, gunpowder, fireworks, and grenades.
• Flammables: Lighters, lighter fluid, aerosols (unless they’re small toiletries), flammable paints, and “strike-anywhere” matches.
• Oxidizers & Organic Peroxides: Like bleach or chemical oxygen generators.
• Toxic & Infectious Substances: Poisons, insecticides, and anything with live viruses or bacteria.
• Radioactive Materials: Anything emitting radiation.
• Corrosives: Acids, alkalis, mercury (even in thermometers), and wet cell batteries.
• Valuables: It’s highly recommended you don’t pack cash, jewelry, precious metals, electronics (laptops, cameras), important documents, or medications in checked bags. The airline has limited liability for lost or damaged items. Actually, it’s best to keep anything valuable with you.
• Mobility Devices: Some battery-powered aids are allowed, but they have strict rules about batteries and need airline approval beforehand.

JetSMART Extra Baggage Fee

As an ultra-low-cost airline, JetSMART makes money on extra fees, especially for baggage. The cost for how much JetSMART charges for extra baggage isn’t fixed. It changes based on when you buy it, your route, the season, and the bag’s weight. The golden rule with JetSMART is to buy your baggage allowance online as early as possible. Prices are lowest on their website when you first book. They go up if you add bags later through “Manage My Booking,” and are highest at the airport check-in or gate.

Here’s a general idea of costs, but these are estimates, and prices can change. Always check the JetSMART website for your specific flight.

• Online Booking (Initial): This is the cheapest way. A standard 23 kg checked bag usually costs between $20-$50 USD per flight segment, depending on the route. A smaller 15 kg bag, if available, is a bit cheaper.
• Online Purchase (After Booking): If you add a bag later via “Manage Booking,” expect a 20-40% price increase. That same 23 kg bag might then cost $30-$70 USD.
• Airport Check-in: This is much more expensive, encouraging you to pay online. Buying a 23 kg bag at the desk can cost $60-$100 USD or more per segment.
• Boarding Gate: Any carry-on that’s too big and caught at the gate will be checked and charged the highest fee, often over $100 USD. It’s a penalty for not following the rules.
• Excess Weight: If your checked bag is heavier than you paid for (e.g., 26 kg when you paid for 23 kg), you’ll pay extra per kilogram. This fee is high, often $10-$20 USD per extra kg. It’s almost always cheaper to buy a second bag than pay for overweight fees.

Buying a “Pack” or bundle when you book can be a good deal if you know you’ll need a checked bag and want other perks. “Pack 2” and “Pack 3” include one 23 kg checked bag, usually at a discount.

JetSMART Carry-On Baggage Policy

JetSMART’s carry-on policy is very strict. The basic “Vuela SMART” fare only includes one small personal item that fits under the seat in front of you. If you want a larger cabin bag for the overhead bin, you must either buy it separately or book a fare bundle that includes it.

It’s important to remember: the basic fare is just for the smaller “under-seat” bag. The larger 55x35x25 cm bag is an extra cost or part of a bundle. Gate agents check carry-on sizes and numbers closely, and passengers exceeding their allowance will pay a steep fee to check the bag at the gate.

JetSMART Carry-On Baggage Additions

Besides your main carry-on, JetSMART lets you bring a few extra items without extra charge:

• A jacket or coat.
• A small, closed umbrella.
• A small camera.
• Reading material (not too much!).
• A small duty-free bag that meets airport security rules.
• Approved walking aids like crutches or walkers.
• For those with infants, a diaper bag that fits the personal item size (45x35x25 cm) is allowed in addition to the adult’s allowance. Baby food needed for the flight is also okay.

JetSMART Carry-On Baggage Restrictions

For safety, some items are restricted or banned in carry-on bags. These align with international aviation rules.

• Liquids, Gels, Aerosols: The JetSMART liquid allowance follows the standard 3-1-1 rule. Containers must be 100 ml (3.4 oz) or less. All these must fit in one clear, resealable plastic bag up to one liter. You must show this bag separately at security. Exceptions: medication (with a prescription) and baby food needed for the flight.
• Sharp Objects: Knives, box cutters, razor blades, scissors longer than 6 cm, and anything sharp are banned. Small nail clippers and tweezers are usually fine.
• Self-Defense Items: Pepper spray, mace, and stun guns are not allowed in carry-on or checked bags.
• Sporting Goods: Baseball bats, ski poles, hockey sticks, and pool cues need to be checked.
• Tools: Power tools and hand tools like screwdrivers and pliers must be checked.
• Lithium Batteries: Spare or uninstalled lithium-ion batteries (for laptops, cameras) and power banks must be in your carry-on, not checked, due to fire risk. I learned this the hard way once with a power bank.

JetSMART Food Policy

JetSMART, like most ultra-low-cost carriers, doesn’t offer free meals or drinks on any flights. This keeps the base fares low. You can buy items from their onboard service instead. The JetSMART food menu, usually a card in the seat pocket, has snacks and drinks for purchase during the flight.

The selection includes:

• Savory Snacks: Chips, pretzels, nuts.
• Sweet Snacks: Chocolate, cookies, muffins.
• Light Meals: On longer flights, you might find sandwiches, wraps, or instant noodles.
• Beverages: Water, sodas, juices, coffee, tea.
• Alcoholic Drinks: Beer and wine are sold on most routes for those of age.

They often have “combos” or meal deals that offer better value. Prices can range from $3-$5 USD for a snack or drink to $10-$15 USD for a combo. Payment is usually by card, as cash might not be accepted.

For special diets, options are very limited. The buy-on-board menu isn’t designed for allergies or dietary needs (like vegan or gluten-free). There are no special meals. If you have strict dietary needs, the best bet is to bring your own food, making sure it follows security rules for liquids and gels.

JetSMART Pet Policy

JetSMART allows small pets to travel, but the rules are very specific. They only allow small dogs and cats, and they must travel in the cabin. Pets are never put in the cargo hold. This service is available on most domestic routes in Chile, Argentina, and Peru, but might not be on all international flights.

Here’s what you need for pet travel:

• Cost: There’s a set fee for pets in the cabin, charged per animal, per flight. It’s usually around $50-$70 USD for domestic flights and more for international. You must pay this in advance.
• Booking: You can’t book a pet online. You have to buy your ticket first, then call JetSMART to book and pay for the pet service. There’s a strict limit of two pets per flight, so call well in advance to book quickly.
• Size/Weight Limits:
  • The pet must be in a soft-sided, waterproof, well-ventilated carrier (no hard carriers).
  • Carrier size limit: 38 cm x 35 cm x 21 cm.
  • Total pet + carrier weight: Max 10 kg (22 lbs).
  • The carrier must stay under your seat for the whole flight, and the pet must remain inside.
• Documents: Requirements vary by route. Always need:
  • A health certificate from a vet within 10 days of the flight, saying the pet is fit to travel.
  • Proof of current rabies vaccination.
  • For international travel, you might need an official sanitary certificate from the country’s agricultural authority and possibly a microchip. It’s your job to get all necessary documents for every country.

Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds can’t travel because they have breathing problems at high altitudes. Always check the airline for a list of restricted breeds.

Other JetSMART Services & Policies

JetSMART Cancellation Policy

JetSMART’s cancellation and flight change policies depend heavily on the original fare conditions. The most basic fares are the most restrictive.

• “Vuela SMART” Fare (Basic): Tickets are usually non-refundable. If you cancel, you won’t get the ticket price back. You might be able to get taxes refunded, but the fare is lost.
• Flight Changes: You can usually change your flight’s date, time, or route, but there’s a big fee. You’ll pay a change fee (which can be high) plus any fare difference for the new flight. Changes usually need to be made up to one hour before departure.
• “Pack 3” Bundle / “FlexiSMART”: JetSMART sometimes offers a “FlexiSMART” add-on or includes it in the top-tier bundle. This lets you change your flight date or time once without a change fee, though you still pay any fare difference. This option might also allow you to get a refund as a travel voucher if you cancel, but rarely as cash.
• 24-Hour Rule: In some places JetSMART flies, rules might let you cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund, if you booked at least seven days before the flight. Check the specific rules for your booking.

Manage cancellations or changes via “Manage My Booking” on the JetSMART website or by calling them.

JetSMART Wheelchair Assistance

JetSMART aims to make travel safe and accessible for those with reduced mobility and offers free wheelchair assistance. However, this service must be requested in advance.

• Booking: Request it during online booking when prompted for special assistance. If you’ve already booked, call JetSMART at least 48 hours before your flight to request it. Late requests might not be possible at the airport.
• Assistance Types: You can specify if you need help to the gate, up/down stairs (as JetSMART often uses remote stands), or to your seat.
• Own Wheelchair: You can bring your own manual or battery-powered wheelchair.
  • Manual wheelchairs can be checked at the counter or used until the plane door, then stored in cargo. This is free and doesn’t count as baggage.
  • Battery-powered wheelchairs have dangerous goods rules. Tell the airline the battery type when requesting assistance, as special procedures might be needed.
• Onboard: Staff can help you get to and from the lavatory with an aisle wheelchair, but they can’t lift you or help inside the lavatory. If you need this help, you must travel with someone.

Tips for Passengers

While this covers a lot, airline rules and fees can change. For the most up-to-date info for your specific flight, always check the official JetSMART website before and after booking. Their site has the latest fees, policy changes, and contact details – it’s the best place for planning. Double-checking baggage dimensions or pet document needs directly with the airline can save you unexpected costs and hassle.

Once you arrive, you don’t want to be stuck with heavy luggage, especially if there’s a long wait between landing and your hotel check-in. Luggage storage services like Qeepl can help. They have secure locations worldwide where you can store your bags for a few hours or days. This means you can drop your bags and explore the city hassle-free right away, making the most of your trip. It’s a simple and budget-friendly way to maximize your travel time.

To make your budget flight even smoother, try these extra travel hacks. Always check in online to save time and avoid airport check-in fees. Wear your bulkiest clothes (like a heavy jacket or boots) on the plane to save luggage space and weight. Since there’s no in-flight entertainment, download movies or music to your device beforehand. Lastly, pack a power bank, as charging ports aren’t always available. A little prep makes your “SMART” flight more comfortable and enjoyable. It’s all about being prepared.