EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
     We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption 'Experts' in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3) for the shelf registration pertaining to
future issuance of shares of its common and preferred stock and/or issuance of
debt securities and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report
dated February 4, 1998, with respect to the consolidated financial statements
and schedule of Amtran, Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the
year ended December 31, 1997, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
                                          /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
Indianapolis, IN
August 20, 1998