Have you ever wondered how airline alliances or hotel loyalty programs work behind the scenes? In this episode, Matt is joined by an expert in loyalty programs, former Malaysia Airlines Enrich CEO and current StatusMatch.com CEO Mark Ross-Smith for a chat about the world of airline alliances. Find out what airlines need to do in order to join an airline alliance such as Oneworld, Star Alliance or SkyTeam, the pros & cons for airlines, and what happens if an airline wants to leave an alliance. The discussion also covers priority boarding, Qantas lifetime status, the strange relationship between Qantas and Qatar Airways, the latest airline status matching trends, and more! Episode contents: 1:29 - Fortnightly news round-up 11:41 - Interview with Mark Ross-Smith Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Frequent Flyer Solutions webinars Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Qantas Tightens Lounge Guest Eligibility Velocity’s New Peak & Off-Peak Reward Seat Pricing Ola Waves Goodbye to Velocity Partnership Qantas to Introduce Boarding Groups Qantas Launches Free Wifi on Select International Flights Virgin Australia Introduces Real-Time Baggage Tracking Rex Expands Jet Network to Hobart ACCC Backs Flight Delay Compensation Scheme in Australia Woolworths Devalues Everyday Extra Great BA Premium & Business Award Availability to Singapore Huge Qantas International Network Expansion in 2023 Qantas to Lease Finnair A330s for Singapore, Bangkok Flights Batik Air Malaysia to Fly Perth-Auckland Virgin to Fly Boeing 737-700s to Tokyo