Exhibit 23.1

                      [LETTERHEAD OF ERNST & YOUNG]

                     CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
(Form S-8) pertaining to the Southwest Airlines Co. 2000 Aircraft Appearance
Technicians Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan 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, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.




                                              /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

                                              ERNST & YOUNG LLP


December 18, 2000