Exhibit 23.1


CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement (Form S-8) pertaining to the Southwest Airlines Co. 1991
Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended, of our report dated
January 18, 2000, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements of Southwest Airlines Co. included in its Annual Report
(Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1999 to be filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 25, 2000.




						/s/ Ernst & Young, LLP

						ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Dallas, Texas
September 21, 2000