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. LUV 2000 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


January 12, 2001