THE NEW RULES OF BUSINESS TRAVEL

In the era of hybrid teams, everyone is a road warrior-not just sales teams and C-suite execs. It's part of why business travel spending is expected to finally reach, and perhaps surpass, pre-pandemic levels by the end of the year, according to Deloitte. But, as with everything, work trips are not what they were in 2019. From airlines to banks, companies are finding new ways to make business travel easier-and even a little fun.

- David Salazar, Stirling Kelso, Madeline Nguyen, Heidi Mitchell, Henry Chandonnet

01 Grab a premium seat - there are more of them.

Business fliers whose spending limits allow for upgrades have a growing number of opportunities to escape economy class. That's because carriers which know deep-pocketed corporate passengers boost margins - have been increasing their business and premium economy seat counts, especially on trans- and intercontinental routes. American Airlines, in particular, has been investing in upscale offerings that CEO Robert Isom calls "one of the bright spots" of the business. Key to that investment are its forthcoming Flagship Suites, which will feature sliding doors for maximum privacy along with lie-flat seats and exclusive amenity kits. These suites will debut on new long-haul, mostly international aircraft, and will replace America's Flagship First seats on older planes. The suites will be joined by new luxe, recliner-style premium economy seats with wireless charging. The airline expects to debut both the suites and the premium economy seats later this year.

02 Airline lounges are great. Credit card lounges are next level.