Podcast #102: Airline Alliances with Mark Ross-Smith

What do hotel loyalty programs and airline alliances have in common? Quite a lot, it turns out.

In episode 102 of the AFF on Air podcast, loyalty expert Mark Ross-Smith joins Matt to explain how airline alliances and hotel loyalty programs work behind the scenes. In particular, the discussion looks at the costs and benefits for airlines in joining a global alliance like Oneworld, SkyTeam or Star Alliance.

The pair also talk about Qantas lifetime status, priority boarding, the bizarre relationship between Qantas and Qatar Airways, and the latest news in the world of status matching.

Mark Ross-Smith is the former CEO of the Malaysia Airlines Enrich loyalty program and current CEO of StatusMatch.com.

Listen now to AFF on AIR Episode 102: “Airline Alliances with Mark Ross-Smith”

You can also view the episode notes.

Enjoyed this episode?

If you’d like to discuss this episode, ask Matt a question or suggest a topic for a future episode, feel free to post a comment on the AFF on Air Discussion thread.

Subscribe to automatically receive the latest episodes

You can subscribe to the AFF on AIR podcast by email, or listen on your preferred platform:

All AFF on AIR episodes are available for you to listen to at any time!

Matt Graham

The editor of Australian Frequent Flyer, Matt's passion for travel has taken him to over 90 countries… with the help of frequent flyer points, of course!
Matt's favourite destinations (so far) are Germany, Brazil & Kazakhstan. His interests include aviation, economics & foreign languages, and he has a soft spot for good food and red wine.

You can connect with Matt by posting on the Australian Frequent Flyer community forum and tagging @AFF Editor.