For decades, airlines have focused on monetising loyalty currencies through points, miles and co-branded credit cards. But according to loyalty experts, the next phase of airline loyalty will be less about the currency customers earn and more about commercialising the status they hold.

Speaking on the latest episode of the Travel Trends podcast, Mark Ross-Smith, CEO of Loyalty Status Co., argued that airlines are beginning to rethink one of the least commercialised elements of their loyalty programmes.