Southwest Airlines today announced a new business class of fares that will allow travelers to have the first choice of seats on flights.

The new "Business Select'' class of fares will also include a free cocktail during the flight and extra frequent flier credit, according to the announcement from Southwest.

"We know that our true road warriors want to make traveling on Southwest Airlines as quick and easy as possible, and providing the choice to be among the first to board is key,'' Southwest Vice President Kevin Krone said in a statement.

The new business class of fares will be available beginning Thursday, according to a Southwest spokeswoman.

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Southwest operates Bay Area flights out of Oakland, San Francisco and San Jose.

— Bay City News