Southwest Air Offers "Boarding & Cocktail" Service

Something a little better than steerage:

Southwest Airlines Co. said Wednesday it would offer elite business travelers the chance to pay higher fares to board sooner and get frequent-flier bonuses and a cocktail.

The "business select" passengers will pay $10 to $30 more per flight on Southwest, known for its no-frills service and low fares.

The airline plans to set aside about 10 percent of seats for the category, which Southwest hopes will raise more than $100 million next year.

That cocktail is a nice touch but the price is steep. For $30, you ought to get two drinks and a lap dance.

Boarding sooner? Not my thing since I try to minimize to the greatest extent possible the amount of time I'm strapped inside aluminum tubes. Board last, aisle seat, get off first -- that's the ticket.