I was told that for long flights I could get extra fees paid for more room, or business class or first class when I thought it made sense to do so. I mean, not for a short hop, say to Santa Clara or Palo Alto from part of the West Coast.
However, so far, because any staffer that works for me is not allowed to go business or first class without the staffer or me paying for such an upgrade, I have always taken an extra leg room premium coach seat because he or she would also not have to pay anything for those upgraded premium coach seats.
I try to avoid out of town business trips regardless.