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Media Please Contact:        Public Relations
                             214/ 792-4847

       SOUTHWEST AIRLINES NOMINATES NEW MEMBER FOR ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS


         DALLAS - April 12, 2002 - John T. Montford, senior vice
president-legislative and political affairs for SBC Communications Inc., has
been nominated for election to the Southwest Airlines Board of Directors.
Subject to Shareholder approval, his term will begin at Southwest's annual
meeting of Shareholders on May 15, 2002, as two long-time members of Southwest's
Board, Sam Barshop and Gene Bishop, retire from the Board.

         Montford joined SBC Communications Inc. in September 2001, where he is
responsible for legislative affairs across the company's 13 state territory. He
previously served as chancellor of the Texas Tech University System where he was
responsible for the University's legislative affairs, community relations,
budget, development, marketing activities, and strategic planning.

         "John Montford's extensive and varied experience and demonstrated
wisdom and leadership will be of great value to Southwest Airlines as we
approach our 32nd year of operation," said Southwest's Chairman, Herb Kelleher.
"Gene Bishop and Sam Barshop have each made magnificent contributions to the
Board and to the success of Southwest Airlines, and they will be sorely missed
both personally and professionally."

         Before being named chancellor, Montford served 14 years as a member of
the Texas Senate. During his tenure, he served as chairman of the Senate Finance
Committee and chairman of the Senate State Affairs Committee. He was elected
president pro tem for the 73rd Legislative Session.

         "I am honored to join the distinguished Board of Southwest Airlines,"
Montford said. "This Company has revolutionized the way Americans travel, and I
look forward to the continued success the next 32 years will bring."

         Montford was on active duty as an officer in the United States Marine
Corps from 1968-1971. He served as an elected district attorney from 1979-1982.
He received his bachelor's degree in political science and a law degree from the
University of Texas at Austin. He and his wife, Debbie, have three children.






         For the seventh year in a row, FORTUNE magazine has recognized
Southwest Airlines in its annual survey of corporate reputations. This year,
FORTUNE listed Southwest Airlines among America's Top Ten most admired
corporations. In 2002, as in 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997 and 1996, Southwest
also was named the most admired airline. EDITOR'S NOTES:

o    This release, as well as past news releases on Southwest, are available
     online at www.southwest.com. News media also can access an online press
     room via www.southwest.com. Just go to "About SWA" and "Media Relations" to
     sign up for a user name and password.

o    To receive future releases automatically via e-mail, sign up for e-mail
     news alerts at www.southwest.com. Just click on "About SWA" and "News
     Releases."