This was published 1 year ago
Airline review: JetSmart, Airbus A320-200 economy; Buenos Aires to Ushuaia
Jetsmart is a budget carrier that flies throughout South America.Credit: Alamy
THE FLIGHT
JetSmart flight WJ1803; Airbus A320-200 economy class; Buenos Aires to Ushuaia; departs 7.20am; flight time three hours, 10 minutes (on time).
FREQUENCY
As chartered. Flights are organised by Viking to transport cruise passengers on ship embarkation and disembarkation dates. Jetsmart is a low-cost South American carrier headquartered in Santiago, Chile.
THE LOYALTY SCHEME
On this special flight chartered by Viking for Antarctica-bound guests, no loyalty points are accrued. Passengers on JetSmart's regular routes can join a paid membership club for discounts and exclusive offers.
CARBON EMISSIONS
0.423 tonnes for one Economy Class passenger. JetSmart asserts its fleet of mostly A320neo aircraft uses 20 per cent less fuel. The airline has introduced some aircraft that run on BioFuel, an organic fuel that claims to reduce emissions by 80 per cent.
CHECKING IN
Most Antarctica cruises sail from Ushuaia, Argentina. Cruise companies sell cruise/fly packages that include a round-trip charter flight from Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires, to Ushuaia. Such is the case with our Viking voyage. After an overnight stay at Hilton Buenos Aires, we meet in the lobby at 5.30am for a private airport transfer. On the bus, I'm handed my boarding pass in exchange for a signed declaration that I'm not carrying dangerous goods or weapons.
The airport is chaotically busy and crowded, even pre-dawn. It's a relief to be shepherded through by a Viking representative, who leads us to the security checkpoint and explains that laptops and water can stay inside hand luggage. Our checked bags, collected last night from the hotel, should already be on the plane. There's no immigration line or passport control for this domestic flight.
THE SEAT
There are 186 navy leather economy seats in a 3-3 one-aisle configuration, with fairly standard 17.5-inch (44.5cm) width and 29-inch (73.7cm) pitch. No USB or power outlets. It's comfortable enough for three hours, but I had somehow expected a charter flight would be fancier.
BAGGAGE
There's some flexibility with luggage allowance; weight limits are not applied. Some people, including myself, check one suitcase. Others check two or more. I take a handbag and backpack as carry-on. The overhead bins are full by the time I board, so both bags go under the seat in front.
ENTERTAINMENT
No seatback screens and no magazines. Most people watch downloaded shows on their tablets or read.
SERVICE
Two female flight attendants dressed in navy/aqua uniforms look after us in a calm and friendly way. Announcements are made in Spanish and English.
FOOD
Ham and cheese sandwiches are offered to every passenger. Some, but not all, also receive a bag of Lay's potato chips. It's not clear why some win the chip lottery. A choice of drinks (coffee, tea, juice, soft drink, water) is served.
ONE MORE THING
Viking's 13-day cruise voyage to Antarctica departs from Buenos Aires and includes these flights to and from Ushuaia, where passengers board Viking Polaris or Viking Octantis.
THE VERDICT
A straightforward, well-organised start to an Antarctic adventure.
OUR RATING OUT OF FIVE
★★★½
The writer flew courtesy of Viking. See viking.com
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