Form: S-8

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

April 2, 2003

CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Published on April 2, 2003

EXHIBIT 23.1



CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8) pertaining to the Southwest Airlines Co. 2002 Ramp, Operations,
Provisioning and Freight Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan and the Southwest
Airlines Co. 2002 Customer Service/Reservations Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan
of our report dated January 21, 2003, 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, 2002, filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.

ERNST & YOUNG LLP



Dallas, Texas

March 28, 2003