By Susan Delaney, Senior Finance Executive & Elite Traveler
I’ve been in the business travel game for more than 15 years now, logging over 150,000 miles annually. From long-haul flights to back-to-back meetings in Asia and Europe, I know my way around airports and hotel lounges better than most. I’ve earned top-tier status with American Airlines, IHG, and Hilton, and I’ve seen the landscape of corporate travel evolve in ways I never expected. But as I look ahead to 2025, the road warrior life is undergoing some seismic shifts — and it’s not all for the better.
The New Reality of Travel Loyalty Programs
Loyalty programs, once a traveler’s golden ticket to upgrades, lounge access, and a sense of VIP treatment, are losing their shine. The devaluation of travel loyalty programs has been particularly brutal over the last few years. Where I could once count on complimentary upgrades to business class, those upgrades have become increasingly elusive. Why? Credit card partnerships.
Credit cards have democratized access to elite perks. More travelers than ever have high-status membership tiers without needing to clock in the actual miles. It’s no longer just the frequent fliers in line for upgrades — it’s also credit card holders who may fly just a few times a year but still get the same treatment. While this might sound egalitarian, it means more competition for the few seats or rooms available for an upgrade. The number of times I’ve been bumped from an upgrade in the past year alone has skyrocketed.
The Pricing Dilemma: Economy vs. Premium Economy vs. Business Class
Let’s talk about ticket prices. The gap between economy and premium economy — and from there, to business class — has become a canyon. For long-haul flights, premium economy can be up to 75% more expensive than a standard economy ticket, while business class can be two to three times that price.
According to industry data, business-class fares are expected to increase by around 5-10% in 2025 due to rising fuel costs, inflation, and demand post-pandemic. At the same time, economy seats might increase only slightly, leaving premium economy travelers — people like me, who need some extra comfort but can’t justify the business-class price — squeezed in between.
For those of us with budget-conscious CFOs, it means a growing number of business travelers are being relegated to premium economy, if not economy, on trips that used to justify business-class fares. And while premium economy provides more legroom and amenities, it’s a far cry from the business-class experience we used to enjoy regularly.
Hotels: Are Perks Getting Better or Worse?
Now, let’s talk about hotels. Hilton Diamond status used to feel like winning the travel lottery. But over the past few years, I’ve noticed a steady decline in the services and perks offered to elite guests. Once upon a time, I could count on a full breakfast, room upgrades, and the occasional suite. Now, breakfast options are often scaled back to a basic continental offering, and the lounge experience — where available — has seen significant cuts.
Lounges used to be a haven after a long day of travel or meetings. You’d walk in, and there’d be a spread of decent food, plenty of drink options, and a quiet place to unwind. Today? I’m lucky if there’s a decent coffee machine and a few snacks. According to industry insiders, labor shortages and cost-cutting measures have forced hotels to trim their offerings, particularly in non-core business hubs. And as more people gain access to elite status through credit cards, overcrowding in lounges has also contributed to this reduction in services.
Young Business Travelers and the Changing Landscape
Now, here’s where things get interesting: younger business travelers are changing the game — and it’s not all bad. Millennials and Gen Z have different priorities than us seasoned travelers. They’re less interested in piling up miles or points and more focused on experiences. They want eco-friendly hotels, flexibility, and a better work-life balance. And honestly, I respect that.
I’ll admit, I’ve been guilty of chasing status. There’s something addictive about hitting 100,000 miles or 75 nights in a hotel chain. But the next generation doesn’t seem as concerned with racking up those loyalty points. They’re the ones pushing for remote work, fewer long-haul trips, and greener travel options. While it’s meant fewer perks for road warriors like me, I see a silver lining: more focus on wellness and sustainable travel.
These younger travelers are advocating for greener, more efficient travel. According to some reports, business travelers are increasingly looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint, and companies are stepping up to meet that demand. Airlines are investing in sustainable aviation fuels, and there’s a push for hybrid meetings to reduce the need for unnecessary flights. In fact, 50% of corporate travel managers are now prioritizing sustainability in their travel policies .
The Rise of “Bleisure” Travel
One trend I’ve embraced — and that I think will continue to grow — is “bleisure” travel. I never used to combine business with leisure, but the last few years have shifted my perspective. With companies encouraging remote work and flexibility, I’ve found myself staying an extra day or two in some cities to explore, unwind, or just enjoy a change of scenery. This trend is gaining momentum, with 89% of business travelers saying they want to add leisure days to their work trips .
It’s a welcome shift. After all, with rising travel costs and fewer perks, why not make the most of being away from home? I’ve seen colleagues extend trips in Asia to visit family or tack on a weekend in Europe. And with remote work here to stay, I think this blending of business and leisure will only increase.
Looking Ahead: What Does 2025 Hold?
So, what’s next for business travel? Here’s what I predict for 2025 and beyond:
1. More Automation and Technology: Expect to see more contactless experiences at airports and hotels. From facial recognition boarding to app-based check-ins at hotels, the future will be frictionless — at least, that’s the goal. Already, we’re seeing advancements in biometrics and AI-enhanced booking systems that aim to streamline the entire travel experience.
2. Higher Prices, Fewer Perks: Unfortunately, I don’t see prices leveling off anytime soon. Business travel is going to remain expensive, and the divide between economy, premium economy, and business class will only grow. Hotels will continue to cut perks for elite guests, especially if labor shortages persist. For those of us who rely on these perks, it’s going to be tough.
3. Sustainability and Flexibility: Companies will keep pushing for greener travel options. I expect we’ll see more emphasis on virtual meetings and fewer in-person trips, particularly for shorter distances. When we do travel, there will be more focus on sustainable choices — from eco-friendly hotels to carbon offset programs.
In many ways, business travel in 2025 will be more challenging than it was pre-pandemic. But it will also be more thoughtful, more sustainable, and — for those of us willing to adapt — still filled with opportunity. I may not get as many free upgrades, but if it means a healthier planet and a more balanced approach to work and life, I’m willing to roll with it.
So, here’s to the future of business travel — it might look a little different, but I’m ready for it.
