Form: S-8

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

July 30, 2004

EXHIBIT 23.1

Published on July 30, 2004



EXHIBIT 23.1



CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
(Form S-8) pertaining to the Southwest Airlines Co. 2003 Non-Qualified Stock
Option Plan of our report dated January 21, 2004, 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, 2003, filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission.


/s/ ERNST & YOUNG, LLP



Dallas, Texas
July 27, 2004