Karl kennedy a detroit-based travel consultant who does about 100,000 miles a year with united airlines, said he has seen evidence of this trend this year. 'It's been harder to get upgraded to first class these days because so many frequent fliers are crowding the air budgets had been cut to the bone. But you can't keep your people in the office forever. Webinars and e-meetings may save time but you don't get to know people in the same way. Companies realized they had to get back on the road and grow their business.'