EXHIBIT 23.1



                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8) pertaining to the 2002 SWAPIA Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan and the 2002
Mechanics Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan of Southwest Airlines Co. of our
report dated January 16, 2002, 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, 2001, filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.



October 25, 2002