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                                                                      EXHIBIT 23

                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
(Form S-8 Nos. 333-20275, 33-48178, 33-57327, 33-40652, and 33-40653 and Form
S-3 Nos. 33-52115 and 33-59113) and in the related Prospectuses of our report
dated January 23, 1998 with respect to the consolidated financial statements of
Southwest Airlines Co. for the year ended December 31, 1997 included in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K.

                                                   ERNST & YOUNG LLP

                                                   /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Dallas, Texas
March 16, 1998