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                                                                      EXHIBIT 23



                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the  incorporation  by  reference in the  Registration  Statements
(Forms S-8 Nos. 333-20275,  33-48178, 33-57327,  33-40652, 33-40653,  333-64431,
333-67627, 333-67631, 333-82735, and 333-89303, and Forms S-3 Nos. 333-29257 and
33-59113)  of  Southwest  Airlines  Co. and in the related  Prospectuses  of our
report  dated  January 18,  2000,  with  respect to the  consolidated  financial
statements of Southwest  Airlines Co. included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K)
for the year ended December 31, 1999.

                                                               ERNST & YOUNG LLP

                                                           /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

                                       22


Dallas, Texas
March 24, 2000