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  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_Debenturesdue2027Domain" name="Debenturesdue2027Domain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_DerivativeAssetFairValueAmountOffsetAgainstCollateralTotal" name="DerivativeAssetFairValueAmountOffsetAgainstCollateralTotal" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiabilityOffset" name="DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiabilityOffset" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_DerivativeAssetNoncurrentCollateralObligationToReturnCashOffset" name="DerivativeAssetNoncurrentCollateralObligationToReturnCashOffset" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueAmountOffsetAgainstCollateralTotal" name="DerivativeLiabilityFairValueAmountOffsetAgainstCollateralTotal" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAssetOffset" name="DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAssetOffset" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_DiscountedCashFlowMember" name="DiscountedCashFlowMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" name="DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_DueToThirdPartiesForSettledFuelContracts" name="DueToThirdPartiesForSettledFuelContracts" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationAxis" name="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationDomain" name="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_FairValueMeasurementwithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisGainLossIncludedinOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTotal" name="FairValueMeasurementwithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisGainLossIncludedinOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTotal" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_FairValueOfFuelDerivativeLevelsInWhichLettersOfCreditMayBeSubstitutedForAircraft" name="FairValueOfFuelDerivativeLevelsInWhichLettersOfCreditMayBeSubstitutedForAircraft" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_FairValueOfFuelDerivativeLevelsInWhichLettersOfCreditMayBeSubstitutedForCashThreshold1" name="FairValueOfFuelDerivativeLevelsInWhichLettersOfCreditMayBeSubstitutedForCashThreshold1" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_FairValueOfFuelDerivativeLevelsInWhichLettersOfCreditMayBeSubstitutedForCashThreshold2" name="FairValueOfFuelDerivativeLevelsInWhichLettersOfCreditMayBeSubstitutedForCashThreshold2" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_FairValueValuationTechniqueAxis" name="FairValueValuationTechniqueAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_FinanceLeaseRightofUseAssetAccumulatedDepreciation" name="FinanceLeaseRightofUseAssetAccumulatedDepreciation" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_FinanceLeasedAssetsNumberofUnits" name="FinanceLeasedAssetsNumberofUnits" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_FinanceLeasesNetInvestmentinSalesTypeLeasesContingentPayments" name="FinanceLeasesNetInvestmentinSalesTypeLeasesContingentPayments" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_FinanceLeasesNetInvestmentinSalesTypeLeasesContingentPaymentsonLeasedProperty" name="FinanceLeasesNetInvestmentinSalesTypeLeasesContingentPaymentsonLeasedProperty" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_FinanceLeasesNetInvestmentinSalesTypeLeasesUnguaranteedResidualValuesofLeasedProperty" name="FinanceLeasesNetInvestmentinSalesTypeLeasesUnguaranteedResidualValuesofLeasedProperty" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_FortLauderdaleHollywoodInternationalAirportMember" name="FortLauderdaleHollywoodInternationalAirportMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_FourthQuarterCYMember" name="FourthQuarterCYMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_FuelDerivativeAssetsAbstract" name="FuelDerivativeAssetsAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_FuelDerivativeLiabilityAbstract" name="FuelDerivativeLiabilityAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_FuelPayable" name="FuelPayable" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_FutureMinimumLeasePaymentsUnderCapitalLeasesAndNoncancelableOperatingLeasesTableTextBlock" name="FutureMinimumLeasePaymentsUnderCapitalLeasesAndNoncancelableOperatingLeasesTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_HOUMember" name="HOUMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_HedgeAdjustmentAxis" name="HedgeAdjustmentAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_HedgeAdjustmentDomain" name="HedgeAdjustmentDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_HedgesettlementlossesrecognizedinFuelandoilexpense" name="HedgesettlementlossesrecognizedinFuelandoilexpense" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_InterestRateSwapContractLength" name="InterestRateSwapContractLength" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_InterestRateSwapDerivativeAircraftLeases" name="InterestRateSwapDerivativeAircraftLeases" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_InvestmentGradeCreditRatingAbstract" name="InvestmentGradeCreditRatingAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_InvestmentGradeRatingFairValueOfFuelDerivativeLevelInWhichCashIsReceived" name="InvestmentGradeRatingFairValueOfFuelDerivativeLevelInWhichCashIsReceived" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_InvestmentGradeRatingFairValueOfFuelDerivativeLevelsInWhichAircraftOrCashCollateralIsPledged" name="InvestmentGradeRatingFairValueOfFuelDerivativeLevelsInWhichAircraftOrCashCollateralIsPledged" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_InvestmentGradeRatingFairValueOfFuelDerivativeLevelsInWhichCashIsProvidedThreshold1" name="InvestmentGradeRatingFairValueOfFuelDerivativeLevelsInWhichCashIsProvidedThreshold1" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_InvestmentGradeRatingFairValueOfFuelDerivativeLevelsInWhichCashIsProvidedThreshold2" name="InvestmentGradeRatingFairValueOfFuelDerivativeLevelsInWhichCashIsProvidedThreshold2" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_LeaseLiability" name="LeaseLiability" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_LeaseRelatedAssetsandLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" name="LeaseRelatedAssetsandLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_LeaseRightofUseAsset" name="LeaseRightofUseAsset" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_LeaseTermsForOwnedAircraft" name="LeaseTermsForOwnedAircraft" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_LeasesOtherInformationAbstract" name="LeasesOtherInformationAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_LesseeOperatingLeaseLeaseNotyetCommenced" name="LesseeOperatingLeaseLeaseNotyetCommenced" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermsofContract" name="LesseeOperatingLeaseTermsofContract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_LesseeOperatingandFinanceLeaseTermofContract" name="LesseeOperatingandFinanceLeaseTermofContract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_LesseeOperatingandFinanceLeasesWeightedAverageAssumptionsTableTextBlock" name="LesseeOperatingandFinanceLeasesWeightedAverageAssumptionsTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_LesseeRenewalTerm" name="LesseeRenewalTerm" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_LetterofCreditPercentofCollateral" name="LetterofCreditPercentofCollateral" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_LettersofCreditCollateralPledgedAggregateFairValue" name="LettersofCreditCollateralPledgedAggregateFairValue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentsOptions737Mx" name="LongTermPurchaseCommitmentsOptions737Mx" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_LosAngelesWorldAirportMember" name="LosAngelesWorldAirportMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_LosAngelesWorldAirportTerminal1.5Member" name="LosAngelesWorldAirportTerminal1.5Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_MaturityofLeaseLiabilitiesAbstract" name="MaturityofLeaseLiabilitiesAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_MaximumSumOfDerivativesOfCounterpartyToBeIncludedInOther" name="MaximumSumOfDerivativesOfCounterpartyToBeIncludedInOther" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_MunicipalBondsIssued" name="MunicipalBondsIssued" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_NetPresentValueAircraftOperatingLeases" name="NetPresentValueAircraftOperatingLeases" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_NetPresentValueofPrincipalRemaining" name="NetPresentValueofPrincipalRemaining" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_NextYearMember" name="NextYearMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_NonInvestmentGradeCreditRatingAbstract" name="NonInvestmentGradeCreditRatingAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_NonInvestmentGradeRatingFairValueOfFuelDerivativeLevelInWhichCashIsProvidedThreshold1" name="NonInvestmentGradeRatingFairValueOfFuelDerivativeLevelInWhichCashIsProvidedThreshold1" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_NonInvestmentGradeRatingFairValueOfFuelDerivativeLevelInWhichCashIsProvidedThreshold2" name="NonInvestmentGradeRatingFairValueOfFuelDerivativeLevelInWhichCashIsProvidedThreshold2" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_NonInvestmentGradeRatingFairValueOfFuelDerivativeLevelInWhichCashIsReceived" name="NonInvestmentGradeRatingFairValueOfFuelDerivativeLevelInWhichCashIsReceived" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_NonInvestmentGradeRatingFairValueOfFuelDerivativeLevelsatWhichAircraftOrCashcollateralIsPledged" name="NonInvestmentGradeRatingFairValueOfFuelDerivativeLevelsatWhichAircraftOrCashcollateralIsPledged" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_NoncurrentLeaseRelatedObligations" name="NoncurrentLeaseRelatedObligations" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_NotesPayableAircraftFloatingRateThrough2020Member" name="NotesPayableAircraftFloatingRateThrough2020Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_NumberofAircraftGroundedUnderEmergencyOrder" name="NumberofAircraftGroundedUnderEmergencyOrder" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_NumberofMAXAircraftExpectedToBeDeliveredin2020" name="NumberofMAXAircraftExpectedToBeDeliveredin2020" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_NumberofMAXAircraftExpectedToBeDeliveredinFourthQuarter2019" name="NumberofMAXAircraftExpectedToBeDeliveredinFourthQuarter2019" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueinSixYears" name="OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueinSixYears" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsNet" name="OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsNet" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsNetCurrent" name="OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsNetCurrent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsNetInFiveYears" name="OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsNetInFiveYears" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsNetInFourYears" name="OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsNetInFourYears" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsNetInThreeYears" name="OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsNetInThreeYears" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsNetInTwoYears" name="OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsNetInTwoYears" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsNetThereafter" name="OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsNetThereafter" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_OperatingLeasesNetFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFiscalYearMaturityAbstract" name="OperatingLeasesNetFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFiscalYearMaturityAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_OtherAssetsCurrentMember" name="OtherAssetsCurrentMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_OtherComprehensiveIncomeOtherChangesNetOfTaxMember" name="OtherComprehensiveIncomeOtherChangesNetOfTaxMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_OtherRevenueMember" name="OtherRevenueMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_OtherRevenueRecognizedFromPointsRedeemed" name="OtherRevenueRecognizedFromPointsRedeemed" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_Outstandingremainingguaranteedobligation" name="Outstandingremainingguaranteedobligation" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_OwnedAssetsNumberOfUnits" name="OwnedAssetsNumberOfUnits" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:decimalItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_PassengerAncillarySoldSeparatelyMember" name="PassengerAncillarySoldSeparatelyMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_PassengerLoyaltyAirTransportationMember" name="PassengerLoyaltyAirTransportationMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_PassengerRevenueNonLoyaltyMember" name="PassengerRevenueNonLoyaltyMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_PassengerRevenueRecognizedFromPointsRedeemed" name="PassengerRevenueRecognizedFromPointsRedeemed" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_PercentOfEstimatedFuelConsumptionCoveredByFuelDerivativeInstrumentsAxis" name="PercentOfEstimatedFuelConsumptionCoveredByFuelDerivativeInstrumentsAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_PercentOfEstimatedFuelConsumptionCoveredByFuelDerivativeInstrumentsDomain" name="PercentOfEstimatedFuelConsumptionCoveredByFuelDerivativeInstrumentsDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_Percentageofactualconsumptionhedged" name="Percentageofactualconsumptionhedged" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_PeriodAxis" name="PeriodAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_PeriodDomain" name="PeriodDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_Permanentlygroundedaircraftliabilitycurrent" name="Permanentlygroundedaircraftliabilitycurrent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_Permanentlygroundedaircraftliabilitynoncurrent" name="Permanentlygroundedaircraftliabilitynoncurrent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_PotentialConcessionsandOtherConsiderations" name="PotentialConcessionsandOtherConsiderations" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_PrincipalRemaining" name="PrincipalRemaining" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_PropertyMember" name="PropertyMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForLeaseNumberOfUnitsTotal" name="PropertySubjectToOrAvailableForLeaseNumberOfUnitsTotal" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:decimalItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_PropertySubjecttoorAvailableforFinanceLeaseAxis" name="PropertySubjecttoorAvailableforFinanceLeaseAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_PropertySubjecttoorAvailableforFinanceLeaseDomain" name="PropertySubjecttoorAvailableforFinanceLeaseDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_PropertySubjecttoorAvailableforFinanceLeaseMember" name="PropertySubjecttoorAvailableforFinanceLeaseMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_PropertyTypeAxis" name="PropertyTypeAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_PropertyTypeDomain" name="PropertyTypeDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_ProprietaryConstructionReimbursement" name="ProprietaryConstructionReimbursement" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_ReceivableFromThirdPartiesForSettledFuelContractsCurrent" name="ReceivableFromThirdPartiesForSettledFuelContractsCurrent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_Reimbursementforairportconstruction" name="Reimbursementforairportconstruction" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_RemainderofCurrentYearMember" name="RemainderofCurrentYearMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_RepaymentsOfConstructionObligation" name="RepaymentsOfConstructionObligation" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_RevenueAmountsDeferredAssociatedWithPointsAwarded" name="RevenueAmountsDeferredAssociatedWithPointsAwarded" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_ScheduleOfAccountsPayableTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfAccountsPayableTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsInCashFlowHedgingRelationshipsGainLossInStatementOfFinancialPerformanceTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsInCashFlowHedgingRelationshipsGainLossInStatementOfFinancialPerformanceTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsInHedgingRelationshipsGainLossInStatementOfFinancialPerformanceTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsInHedgingRelationshipsGainLossInStatementOfFinancialPerformanceTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsNotInCashFlowHedgingRelationshipsGainLossInStatementOfFinancialPerformanceTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsNotInCashFlowHedgingRelationshipsGainLossInStatementOfFinancialPerformanceTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_ScheduleOfFairValuesOfFuelDerivativesAmountsPostedAsCollateralAndCollateralPostingThresholdsLineItems" name="ScheduleOfFairValuesOfFuelDerivativesAmountsPostedAsCollateralAndCollateralPostingThresholdsLineItems" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_ScheduleOfFairValuesOfFuelDerivativesAmountsPostedAsCollateralAndCollateralPostingThresholdsTable" name="ScheduleOfFairValuesOfFuelDerivativesAmountsPostedAsCollateralAndCollateralPostingThresholdsTable" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_ScheduleOfFairValuesOfFuelDerivativesAmountsPostedAsCollateralAndCollateralPostingThresholdsTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfFairValuesOfFuelDerivativesAmountsPostedAsCollateralAndCollateralPostingThresholdsTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_ScheduleOfVolumeOfFuelHedgingTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfVolumeOfFuelHedgingTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_ScheduleofPropertySubjecttoorAvailableforOperatingorFinanceLeaseTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleofPropertySubjecttoorAvailableforOperatingorFinanceLeaseTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_SecondQuarterCYMember" name="SecondQuarterCYMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_SubleaseTerms" name="SubleaseTerms" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_SupplementalFinancialDataLineItems" name="SupplementalFinancialDataLineItems" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_SupplementalFinancialDataTable" name="SupplementalFinancialDataTable" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_SupplementalFinancialInformationAbstract" name="SupplementalFinancialInformationAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_SupplementalFinancialInformationAccountsPayableAbstract" name="SupplementalFinancialInformationAccountsPayableAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_TermLoanAgreementDue07012019Member" name="TermLoanAgreementDue07012019Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_TermLoanAgreementDue2020Member" name="TermLoanAgreementDue2020Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_TermLoanAgreementDue2026Member" name="TermLoanAgreementDue2026Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_ThirdQuarterCYMember" name="ThirdQuarterCYMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_TotalCostofAirportProject" name="TotalCostofAirportProject" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_TotalExpectedCostOfAirportProject" name="TotalExpectedCostOfAirportProject" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="luv_TotalExpectedCostOfAirportProjectNonproprietary" name="TotalExpectedCostOfAirportProjectNonproprietary" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_TotalPassThroughCertificatesMember" name="TotalPassThroughCertificatesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_UnobservableInputAxis" name="UnobservableInputAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_UnobservableInputDomain" name="UnobservableInputDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_UnsecuredSeniorNotesDue2019MemberMember" name="UnsecuredSeniorNotesDue2019MemberMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_UnsecuredSeniorNotesDue2020Member" name="UnsecuredSeniorNotesDue2020Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_UnsecuredSeniorNotesDue2022Domain" name="UnsecuredSeniorNotesDue2022Domain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_UnsecuredSeniorNotesDue2026Member" name="UnsecuredSeniorNotesDue2026Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_UnsecuredSeniorNotesDue2027Member" name="UnsecuredSeniorNotesDue2027Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_ValuationTechniquesForFairValueMeasurementsDomain" name="ValuationTechniquesForFairValueMeasurementsDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_VolumeOfFuelHedgingAxis" name="VolumeOfFuelHedgingAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_VolumeOfFuelHedgingDomain" name="VolumeOfFuelHedgingDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_VolumeOfFuelHedgingLineItems" name="VolumeOfFuelHedgingLineItems" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_VolumeOfFuelHedgingTable" name="VolumeOfFuelHedgingTable" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_YearFourMember" name="YearFourMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_YearThreeMember" name="YearThreeMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="luv_YearTwoMember" name="YearTwoMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
</xsd:schema>
