CHICAGO, Oct 22 (Reuters) -

Southwest Airlines ( LUV ) surprisingly reported a

third-quarter profit on Wednesday, helped by stronger revenue

and lower-than-expected operating costs.

The Texas-based carrier reported an adjusted profit of 11

cents a share, compared with analysts' average expectations of a

loss of 3 cents, according to data compiled by LSEG. Operating

revenue totaled about $6.95 billion, compared with $6.29 billion

expected by analysts.