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) and related Prospectus of Continental
Airlines, Inc. (the "Company") for the registration of $1,800,000,000 of Pass
Through Certificates and to the incorporation by reference therein of our
reports dated January 16, 2001 (except Note 16, as to which the date is January
22, 2001) with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of
the Company included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended
December 31, 2000, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                          /s/ Ernst & Young LLP


Houston, Texas
August 16, 2001