From Paper Tickets to Digital Passes: How Business Travel Has Evolved

Stepping onto a plane in 2018 versus now? The whole experience feels like time travel. Business trips used to mean paper boarding passes, last-minute printouts, and hoping you didn’t lose that one super-important document. Today, the rhythm of business travel has changed. We’re living in the era of mobile passes, AI-driven alerts, and digital everything. Yet no matter how techy things get, staying efficient and stress-free on the road remains the ultimate goal. 

Back in 2018, Chardell Robinson, Cadence VP of Corporate Sales & Account Management, was interviewed by Forbes Magazine about the evolving landscape of travel. Fast forward to today, and those changes have only picked up speed. This post explores how business travel has shifted—from traditional tools to today’s tech-savvy methods. Whether you’re here to ride the wave of new trends or just looking to cherry-pick the best upgrades, these tips will help you travel smarter (and maybe stress a little less). 

The Great Shift in Business Travel 

Business travel used to be anything but glamorous. Remember juggling a dozen paper documents, or holding up the security line to dig for your ID? If you traveled for work even five years ago, you probably had to: 

• Print out every ticket and reservation  

• Carry paper maps (or scribbled directions)  

• Keep a folder of receipts (hello, messy briefcases)  

• Rely on credit cards or cash (and hope your card didn’t get declined)  

Today, your smartphone is the hub for all things travel—from passport storage to real-time airport alerts. Travel routines are streamlined, boarding passes are just QR codes, and sharing live updates with the office is a tap away. Still, there are tried-and-true practices from the “old days” worth keeping. Here’s how to strike the perfect balance. 

5 Essential Business Travel Tips (Then vs. Now) 

1. Keep Track of the Essentials 

Then (2018): Worried about losing your bag or misplacing your passport? Savvy travelers used tools like Tile or Chipolo apps to track valuables. Smart move! Copying your passport before a big trip was a must (just in case). 

Now: Instant visibility is the norm. Apple AirTags pop up with a ping when your suitcase hits the carousel. Digital passports stored on your smartphone add a layer of security, while cloud storage for documents means you can access important papers from anywhere—not just that one, easily-misplaced folder. Need a backup? Share a secure doc with your assistant in seconds. 

Pro tip: Still bring a physical copy of your passport for backup… just in case your phone takes a swim. 

2. Breeze Through Security 

Then (2018): Frequent flyers praised programs like TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and even the MyTSA app, which shaved precious minutes off security lines. 

Now: Speed and security have leveled up! CLEAR uses advanced biometrics, like fingerprints or iris scans, to quickly verify your identity and even expedite your journey through the TSA line. Meanwhile, TSA PreCheck, which is included with Global Entry, is rolling out new features like Touchless ID. to make security even smoother. For international travel, Global Entry steps in with facial recognition for seamless customs and immigration. And Mobile Passport simplifies things for U.S. travelers with fast electronic customs forms. At some airports, AI-powered security now predicts busy times, so staying on schedule has never been easier. 

Pro tip: Enroll in a couple of programs to cover both domestic and international trips. 

3. Leverage Your Smartphone 

Then (2018): You probably used your phone for navigation, email, and booking rides. Maybe, if you were extra-savvy, you’d use it for cashless transactions or scanning boarding passes. 

Now: Prepare to be amazed by what your phone can do! AI-driven travel apps like TripIt and App in the Air alert you in real-time to delays or gate changes. With expense management apps, gone are the days of saving every little receipt. Your phone? It’s your ticket, travel wallet, car key, and sometimes, your office. Even Google Maps and Waze provide real-time crowd estimates at airports and stations. 

Pro tip: Download crucial apps ahead of time and make sure they work offline for international trips. 

4. Get Into a Routine 

Then (2018): Business travelers found comfort in routines—mapping airport layouts, identifying best dining spots, and planning when to leave for meetings. 

Now: Routine is easier (and even more enjoyable)! Lounges like Plaza Premium or Centurion by AMEX offer coworking spaces and elevated snacks for downtime. Airports now have interactive guides, showing you where to find everything—from the quickest coffee to the quietest spot for a call. Scan QR codes at restaurants for contactless ordering, and use AI-powered mapping to dodge crowded areas as you dash to your gate. 

Pro tip: Choose flights at the same time of day so your body (and brain) can lock into travel mode faster. 

5. Practice Self-Care 

Then (2018): Meditation apps like Headspace and Simple Habit were the go-tos for anyone wanting to keep calm during turbulence (in the air or at the office). 

Now: Travel wellness is having a moment. Airports are introducing yoga rooms, nap pods, and on-demand spa services. Nutritious dining options have multiplied, and services like ClassPass provide gym access around the globe so you can squeeze in a workout during your layover. While apps like Headspace are still great for mindfulness on the go, today’s travelers have even more ways to prioritize their well-being during a trip. From guided meditations to wellness lounges, staying balanced while traveling has never been so accessible. 

Pro tip: Schedule micro-breaks during your trip to recharge your energy (and maybe your phone). 

Trends to Watch 

Curious about what’s next? Here’s what business travelers are buzzing about for 2025 and beyond:  

• Eco-friendly travel: Sustainability is becoming a priority. Many airports and hotels now offer water refill stations, so don’t forget to pack a reusable bottle to cut down on plastic waste.  

• Sustainable amenities: More hotels and airlines are adopting contactless check-ins and using biometrics for keyless room entry, making travel more seamless and eco-conscious.  

• Personalized services: AI is raising the bar, offering tailored recommendations for restaurants, meetings, and even wellness amenities—making life easier for frequent flyers. 

Traveling Smarter, Not Harder 

Adapting to modern business travel doesn’t mean leaving everything from the “old days” behind. Mix digital innovation with a few tried-and-true habits, and you’ll breeze through airports, keep calm under pressure, and actually enjoy the ride. 

Interested in even more travel hacks, exclusive tips, and the latest trends? Subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates that’ll keep your business trips smooth and, dare we say, fun. 

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