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                                                                    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. 2000 Holiday Perfect Attendance
Challenge of our report dated January 18, 2001 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, 2000, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.





                                                               ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Dallas, Texas
March 19, 2001