CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

Published on May 5, 1995



Exhibit 23.1





CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS




We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectuses of Southwest
Airlines Co. for the registration of $400,000,000 of Debt Securities and Pass
Through Certificates and to the incorporation by reference therein of our
report dated January 26, 1995, 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, 1994, filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.





ERNST & YOUNG LLP




Dallas, Texas
May 4, 1995