Yes, it is a PITA for non-elites. It was suggested on one recent trip that I carry-on only, like the men were doing, but I nixed that one quickly as I had a lot of stuff for a presentation as well as business suits and such.

I am one of the lucky ones- with a district credit card (and a small number of things I can use it for) I can put it directly on that, then file my cc expenditures. Others, however, have to file for reimbursement.