Form: S-8

Initial registration statement for securities to be offered to employees pursuant to employee benefit plans

December 21, 2000

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

Published on December 21, 2000



Exhibit 23.1

[LETTERHEAD OF ERNST & YOUNG]

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 Stock Clerks 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


December 18, 2000