CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Published on February 25, 1997
Exhibit 23
CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
(Form S-8 Nos. 333-20275, 33-48178, 33-57327, 33-40652 and 33-40653 and Form
S-3 Nos. 33-52115 and 33-59113) and in the related Prospectuses of our report
dated January 23, 1997 with respect to the consolidated financial statements of
Southwest Airlines Co. for the year ended December 31, 1996 included in its
Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 24,1997, filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Dallas, TX /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
February 20, 1997