Southwest Airlines continues to sweeten the deal for its Business Select passengers. Along with priority seating, bonus miles, and a free drink, Business Select travelers also enjoy priority security or “Fly By” lanes at a number of airports across the country. Now travelers flying out of the Seattle/Tacoma area can enjoy that perk, as well.

The “Fly By” lane is intended to make things quicker and easier for business travelers going through security. Shorter lines, no large families to get stuck behind, and fewer confused first-time fliers should make things move a little quicker.

Is a faster security line, along with the other perks, worth the extra cost of a Business Select fare? Let us know what you think.

For the first time in years, Southwest Airlines doesn’t anticipate turning an annual profit. Over the past several years, the Dallas-based airline has enjoyed success and growth even as other carriers seemed to collapse. However, with fuel prices continuing to rise and a potential recession looming, Southwest CEO Gary Kelly knows 2008 is going to be a challenging year.

Starting in 2007, Southwest Airlines started an aggressive marketing campaign directed towards business travelers, hoping the added profit would help to counteract rising fuel expenditures. One of the major directives of the campaign was introducing Southwest Airlines’ Business Select Airfare, which gives business travelers the first shot at seat selection. Southwest Airlines’ new boarding process also ensures that business travelers won’t have to stake their claim to a decent seat by plopping down on the floor an hour before take-off.

Keep reading to get Gary Kelly’s perspective on business travel in the upcoming year…