CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Published on February 1, 2007
Exhibit 23
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Forms S-8 Nos.
33-20275, 33-57327, 33-40652, 33-40653, 333-64431, 333-67627, 333-67631, 333-82735, 333-89303,
333-52388, 333-52390, 333-53610, 333-53616, 333-57478, 333-98761, 333-100862, 333-104245,
333-117802, 333-139362 and Forms S-3 Nos. 333-126738 and 333-100861) of Southwest Airlines Co. and
in the related Prospectus of our reports dated January 30, 2007, with respect to the consolidated
financial statements of Southwest Airlines Co., Southwest Airlines Co. managements
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, and the effectiveness
of internal control over financial reporting of Southwest Airlines, Co., included in this Annual
Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2006.
/s/Ernst & Young LLP
Dallas, Texas
January 30, 2007
January 30, 2007