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. 2000 Flight Simulator
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


January 12, 2001