First Class Our travel picks for 2008 offer the best in comfort, innovation and convenience--so you can get the most out of your trip.

Was 2007 the biggest mess for business travelers since 2001? Flight delays were at an all-time high, new carry-on restrictions meant long waits at baggage carousels for bags you never wanted to check in the first place, full planes meant the uncomfortable reality of middle seats and lengthy boarding times--not to mention the slow-moving queues at security checkpoints.

Still, there have been bright spots amid the trials. There's the metasearch engine that's so well-engineered that it seriously slims down the time it takes to research the cheapest, most convenient itinerary; the frequency program that lets entrepreneurs enjoy the same perks and discounts as the big guys; and the new hotel chain that scores big on style but low on price.