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The Town Travellers Took Over

Rathkeale in County Limerick, Ireland, may seem like any other sleepy rural village though it is anything but. Irelands traveling community seem to have chosen the town as their spiritual home, their Mecca and have all but made it their own.

The settled community now claim to be under siege and in this the town that travellers took over, a cross-cultural tug of war has reached boiling point with those settled beginning to speak up about the situation. There is however more to this story than meets the eye. Over the course of a six month investigation, one which lead the presenter of this documentary Paul Connolly across Europe and home again. Connolly drilled down to the very core of Rathkeale’s many secrets, answering questions which for decades now have cast long dark shadows over the town the travellers plan to one day take over completely.

In this film we see how have Rathkeale’s travellers amassed such enormous wealth, and how much of those millions if any are the proceeds of crime.

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Dirty damn thieving travelers, they give gypsies a bad name, now that is doing something.

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Traveller families enjoy their own Gathering in Limerick town of Rathkeale

Irish travellers have again staged their annual version of the gathering – and descended on the limerick town of....

Irish Travellers have again staged their annual version of The Gathering – and descended on the Limerick town of Rathkeale.

The travelling community regard Rathkeale as their spiritual home according to a new report in the New York Times . The paper says that hundreds of families return to Rathkeale every Christmas from all across the globe. Some use the trip home to stage fairytale weddings and christenings. Others, according to the report, say that old scores have to be settled as armed police patrol the streets in a bid to prevent outbreaks of violence. The town’s population of 1,500 will swell to 4,500 for the Christmas holidays with expensive cars and trailer homes on view. The report says: “A long history of violence between clans hangs like a cloud over the travellers. When they congregate at Christmas, brawls involving knives, cudgels, iron bars and screwdrivers have been known to erupt, and traffic violations multiply. Last year alone, the police seized 30 vehicles for various offenses.” Many of the travellers have bought or built houses in Rathkeale in the last decade. The majority of the houses remain boarded up during the year but burst into life over the festive holiday season. The New York Times alleges that some of the property deals have been funded by money laundering schemes. One resident told the paper: “People won’t say a bad word against them in public because they’re afraid of getting a bottle through the window or something a lot worse. “Who really believes tarring driveways or fixing gutters gets you those massive houses or flashy cars?” Travellers with links to Rathkeale have been involved in major news stories in recent years including the recent jailing of four men and a woman in Britain for enslavement. British police believe the family involved own property in Rathkeale. The New York Times says that others with Rathkeale connections have been jailed for various offenses from Australia to Iceland, including smuggling and handling counterfeit goods. In 2010, two men were caught trying to buy illegal black rhino horns from undercover federal agents. Edward Grace from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service told the paper: “The agency expects more indictments of members of the Rathkeale Irish Traveller group. “These Irish Traveller gang members are the middlemen in the operation that also involves Chinese and Asian gangs. “They have access to large amounts of cash to buy the horns, and they have the network to sell them on at exorbitant prices. Some people will say, ‘What’s the harm here? These animals are already dead.’ But they are fuelling an illegal trade and that means more incentive to kill endangered species.” Grace added that rhino horns fetch about $5,000 a pound in the United States but are worth $25,000 a pound by the time they get to Asia where they are ground down to make potions with unproved medicinal benefits and perceived aphrodisiacal qualities. Two years ago Irish customs officers seized rhino horns worth an estimated $700,000 at Shannon airport while the pan-European police force Europol has identified a network of gangs it calls the Rathkeale Rovers in a variety of crimes, including the smuggling of rhino horns. A statement from Europol said: “Significant players within this area of crime have been identified as an Irish and ethnically Irish organized criminal group, who are known to use intimidation and violence to achieve their ends. “Elements of this group are also involved in a variety of other serious crimes across the European Union such as drugs trafficking, organized robbery, distribution of counterfeit products, tarmac fraud and money laundering.” Not all residents are concerned by the influx of travellers at this time of year. Butcher and boxing club coach Joe Williams told the New York Times that the police presence is ‘overkill’ and claimed that many of the travellers have been unfairly stigmatized. Williams said: “You would get the impression it’s not safe to walk out your door, but it’s simply not the case. “The vast majority of travellers are very good people. There are a few bad apples, but that’s the same in every part of society.”

Businessman John Dinnage insisted that relations between the travellers and the other residents of Rathkeale are largely cordial. He said: “They’re good for business. They’re the only ones who seem to have any money. It’s the media that gives this town a bad name, not the travellers.”  

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'Please don't leave us' - Limerick town begs Travellers

20.24 11 Oct 2022

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The community of Rathkeale in Limerick is urging its Traveller population to consider becoming permanent residents of the town. 

Rathkeale has a population of around 1,500 people most of the year but that figure doubles around the festive period as local Travellers return home to celebrate Christmas with their family. 

Rathkeale Community Council says the local economy would benefit hugely from more full time residents and are hoping Travellers will stay on after Christmas this year. 

“When you’re coming into Christmas you have extra footfall from the Travellers coming home for Christmas,” local beautician Emma explained to Newstalk ’s Henry McKean. 

“It’s mental at Christmas. It’s people coming home and celebrating being together - that’s the whole point of Christmas whether you’re from the Traveller community or not. 

“Communities integrate and everyone gets on with everybody and we all come together.” 

Still, Emma understands that many Travellers find the idea of living permanently in one place an incredibly boring idea and that they love hitting the open road in the New Year. 

“It’s their own culture, people come and go and they want to travel,” she added. 

“It’s great to have them around town but it’s not much you can do really if they’re going to come and go.” 

In much of Ireland, the relationship between Travellers and settled communities is often characterised by hostility and mutual distrust. However, that is not the case in Rathkeale where the two traditions have lived side by side for generations. 

“That’s the town that we’re in,” Emma said warmly.  

While another woman said she did not blame them for leaving the town, citing how expensive many things were. 

“There’s no incentive to stay here, there’s nothing left in the town,” she complained. 

Still, few places have perfect inter-community relationships and one woman told Newstalk she thought the Travellers were “horrible people”.

While another man said he did not like how busy the town got during the festive season. 

“The town is quiet now, that’s the way we like it,” he said. 

Christmas was “hell,” he added. 

“Messin’ around on the streets, stopping people going about on their daily business. You name it! We put up with it at Christmas. That’s my view on it.”

Main image: A Traveller camp. Picture by: Alamy.com 

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Rathkeale project to develop relationships between the Traveller and Settled community wins all Ireland Pride of Place award

RATHKEALE was awarded a major prize at the all-Ireland Pride of Place community awards on Saturday evening for the work of local people’s efforts to improve relationships within the town.

The awards, hosted by Marty Morrissey, took place online due to the Covid pandemic with 6,000 people logging in from across Ireland to see community groups pick up gongs.

Rathkeale took top spot in the Areas With a Population Less of 1000 – 2000 with Judges praising the work that has gone in to improving relations between the Traveller and Settled Communities though the town’s Pre Social Cohesion Group.

“The winning entry is about a town and the resolution of issues within that town. Various local events have now been organized on a cross community basis, between the Traveller and Settled Communities. The Pre Social Cohesion Group epitomizes what can be achieved when people   come together and work to achieve the extraordinary.”

Sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Pride of Place competition was initiated 18 years ago though a Co-operation Ireland programme to acknowledge the invaluable work undertaken by volunteers and those involved in local community development.

It has grown into the largest competition recognising community development achievements on the island of Ireland.

President Michael D. Higgins, who is Joint Patron of Co-operation Ireland with Queen Elizabeth, said the awards played an important role.  

“The Pride of Place awards are a most important initiative, reminding us that creating societies that are ethical and inclusive is a task for all of our citizens, of all ages and circumstances.”

Pride of Place founder and Chairman Tom Dowling said; “These Awards continue to be as important as ever after all these years and the purpose of the awards has never changed. They are about recognising and celebrating the extraordinary, inspirational tireless work being done by communities all over the Island of Ireland as they strive to make their place a better place in which to live.”

Dr Christopher Moran, Chairman of Co-operation Ireland said: “Pride of Place deserves its position as one of the most prestigious community awards on the island of Ireland and Co-operation Ireland is delighted that it continues to go from strength to strength.”

George Jones Chairman, IPB Insurance said: “We are proud to be title sponsors of the Pride of Place awards and continue to be amazed by the standard of submissions and their social impact on communities is a testament to an individual and collective vision for a better Ireland.  

“This competition provides a fitting platform to recognise the vast strides communities across the island of Ireland are making. It is essential, now more than ever, that in these challenging times that we reflect and focus on the positives and take time to celebrate the excellent work accomplished around the island of Ireland.”

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Limerick town turned into 'war zone' by feuding groups

One of several cars extensively damaged and left abandoned on the street. Picture: David Raleigh

Armed Gardaí were patrolling the town of Rathkeale in Co Limerick, Monday night after violent incidents erupted between rival groups, leaving the town “like a war zone”, locals said.

A number of vehicles were written off in ramming incidents, and machetes were allegedly produced, as gardaí sealed off a large section of the town.

Local Fianna Fáil councillor Kevin Sheahan, who is a former Garda, suggested that Gardaí used whatever was in their power - including clearing perpetrators from the streets with “batons”, in order to restore order in the west county Limerick town.

“The town is like a bombshell. These people are out of control,” a local source said.

At least three separate groups are involved in a local feud that sources said they fear will result in persons being seriously injured or worse.

Sources said a gang linked to a notorious crime family, which it is claimed have attempted to extort lands and properties from locals and have been causing “havoc” in the town for several weeks.

Concerns of Christmas chaos were voiced three weeks ago by Cllr Sheahan, who said he had been personally warned that he was a possible target for one of the feuding groups because he raised the issue of rising tensions at a meeting of local councillors.

Locals said the town was on a “knife-edge” over the last few weeks after Gardaí had seized weapons at a property in the town, shots were reportedly fired at a car, a mobile home was attacked by men wearing balaclavas and armed with slash hooks, and a Garda was seriously injured in a ramming incident.

The injured Garda underwent surgery but has since returned to duty, said local sources.

Cllr Sheahan warned at a local council meeting last month that “law and order has gone out the window” in Rathkeale.

He and others have called for an increased and sustained Garda presence in the town, in anticipation of further violence and in anticipation of the traditional increase in the Traveller community over the Christmas period.

Speaking tonight, Cllr Sheahan said: “This is shameful that this could happen in a town in my municipal district, and that this could happen at a time of the year when traditionally extra steps are taken by the Gardaí in anticipation that this type of thing is likely to happen.

I think it is a disgrace that the town of Rathkeale is getting negatively labelled again. I know a lot of people in the settled community and the Traveler community and the overwhelming majority of them are A1, they are good citizens.

“The ones that come home for Christmas and triple the population – they are not the people causing this grief - they are people that come home to have celebrations, there might be incidents but they are manageable incidents,” said Cllr Sheahan.

He claimed those involved in the current feuding in the town are “outsiders that were previously in Rathkeale and they are back here now.

“It may not be a popular solution, but I believe that the heavy-handed approach that these people are taking in Rathkeale, needs to be responded to with heavy-handed treatment from An Garda Síochána.

“This means you get in and clear them off the streets with batons or whatever, and you use whatever resources are available to you, and you have to do it with numbers, you can’t do this with half a dozen Gardaí.” 

Cllr Sheahan said Gardaí “have to absolutely crack down and put a stop to this, and let it be known by the people who contemplate doing these things that this is not acceptable and will not be accepted”.

The ordinary people of Rathkeale, both the settled and Traveller community are totally opposed to all this, they don't deserve this, no community deserves this.” 

Videos of the aftermath of violent incidents were shared on social media on Monday showing several cars extensively damaged and left abandoned on the street and large groups of people recording the carnage on their mobile phones.

Local Fine Gael councillor Adam Tesky said he had been “inundated” with calls and texts from concerned local people.

He called for an armed garda unit to be present in the town for the foreseeable future to restore calm.

“I’m shocked and appalled by this, I have been in touch with the Chief Superintendent’s office and I have made me feelings and concerns, and those of locals, known to him. I understand this is an ongoing garda matter,” said Cllr Tesky.

He commended Gardaí who responded to Monday’s violent incidents, but he reiterated “there is an outcry for a more sustained armed Garda response in the town”.

Local sources said there were scenes of “mayhem” in the town Monday.

“There are cop cars everywhere, there are Gardaí everywhere, there is evidence of weapons thrown on the street,” said one source.

“The is a feud between rival factions and it is starting to boil over now. Those involved are not to be messed with,” warned another.

Some locals have called for “the army” to be deployed to the town “because people are living in fear and it’s an absolute disgrace”.

“These people are not afraid of the Gardaí,” they added.

“A large section of the town has white crime scene ribbons put across it, a large proportion of it has been sealed off towards the fire station.

“Gardaí are investigating a public order and dangerous driving incident in Rathkeale, Co Limerick, this afternoon," said a Garda spokesperson.

"Gardaí received a report of a number of vehicles engaged in dangerous driving on the R523 Road in Rathkeale town and attended the scene.

“Gardaí directed a number of people present to disperse and closed the road for examination.

“Investigations are ongoing. Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this incident to come forward.

“Any road users who were travelling in the Rathkeale area between 2pm and 4pm this afternoon who may have camera footage (including dash cam) is asked to make it available to Gardaí.” 

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Rathkeale Garda Station on 069 63 222, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.”

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Irish Traveller teen marries cousin in huge wedding with 73 best men and entire town invited

Chantelle Kielly, 18, married her cousin Jim in a huge wedding in Rathkeale, Co Limerick during wedding season - a period that can see up to 10 ceremonies a week. The whole thing was caught on camera.

• 10:42, 23 APR 2024

An Irish Traveller teen married her first cousin in a massive wedding ceremony, which saw an astonishing 73 best men, and her entire town invited.

Chantelle Kielly, 18, tied the knot with cousin Jim in Rathkeale during wedding season in 2021 - and the whole thing was caught on TV cameras.

Traveller families typically spend 10 months of the year travelling and return home in December for wedding season, which can see up to 10 nuptials a week.

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Their lavish big day was featured in an episode of Channel 4's My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding, which aired in Spring 2022.

The bride's family paid the groom's family a dowry ranging between between €50,000 and €120,000 to secure the marriage.

While marrying a cousin may raise eyebrows, it is perfectly legal in Ireland and quite common within Traveller communities.

The couple went all out for their big day, inviting the entire town of Rathkeale to witness the impressive event, which included seven bridesmaids and 73 best men.

Chantelle's dress was embellished with 20,000 crystals and they had a custom-made Barbie cake

Dressmaker Thelma Madine, who often appears on My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding, said: "They are really nice people, the girls are very respectable. We always say the Irish travellers are like going back 50 years but the Rathkeale girls are like going back 100 years.

"They’re all family and I think that’s how they keep the wealth in Rathkeale because they just don’t let it go out."

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18-Year-Old Irish Traveler Marries 1st Cousin In Wedding With 73 Best Men And Barbie Cake

Traveler weddings operate on a whole different scale than events any of us could imagine. The culture calls for weddings to be an extravagant community celebration that blows typical weddings out of the water.

Chantelle Kielly, who grew up in an Irish Traveler community based in Rathkeale, dreamed of her wedding day for a long time. The 18-year-old's bridal dreams came true in a major way when she married her first cousin, Jim.

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While that might morally raise some eyebrows, marrying cousins is common in the Traveler community. It's also perfectly legal to marry your first cousin in the UK and Ireland.

Traveler communities spend about 10 months each year traveling. When they return home, they celebrate December as wedding season. The community can attend as many as 10 wedding ceremonies in a week.

Chantelle and Jim were thrilled to add their wedding to that schedule. First, the groom had to make things official with the bride's family, which involves a dowry that can be between €50,000 to €120,000 (about $54,000 to $130,000).

The whole town was invited to the couple's massive wedding, which had an equally enormous bridal party. While the bride kept it to a modest seven bridesmaids, the groom opted for 73 best men.

The wedding was featured on a Channel 4 reality show that focuses on the elaborate weddings Travelers celebrate. Chantelle and Jim also enjoyed a custom Barbie cake. Her dress, created by popular Traveler designer Thelma Madine, was adorned with over 20,000 crystals.

"The dress looked beautiful, she really does," the designer told The Sun .

"They are really nice people, the girls are very respectable. We always say the Irish travellers are like going back 50 years but the Rathkeale girls are like going back 100 years. They're all family and I think that's how they keep the wealth in Rathkeale because they just don't let it go out."

Chantelle shared her gratitude for the event in a speech on her big day.

"I want to thank my mother and father for giving me this big day, my sisters and all the people enjoying this wedding," she said.

Recognising that the interests and needs of our Travellers may differ from the settled community we are looking for knowledgeable volunteers to help maintain this page, even if it is just a note about a service you know about. So, if you can highlight useful information and you advocate for high standards and respect, please get in touch

Traveller Resources

Rathkeale is an inclusive, progressive and principled community enhanced by the Travellers who live here and visit at Christmas.

Resources of specific interest to Travellers include:

June 2019 by the Rathkeale Community Council. Volunteer contributors are acknowledged if they request such an acknowledgement. Page content is temporarily maintained by David Lamont of the Rathkeale Community Council.

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Travellers returning from Britain put Rathkeale at risk – Pavee Point

Travellers gathering in large numbers are ‘playing russian roulette’, warns co-director.

Martin Collins warned against the traditional early December return by Travellers to Rathkeale because ‘of the risk of contracting and spreading the virus, not just in the Traveller community but also in the settled community’.

The traditional Christmas return from Britain of members of the Travelling community to Rathkeale, Co Limerick threatens a significant increase in Covid-19 cases in the town, leading Travellers' group, Pavee Point, has warned.

Every December the town’s 1,700 population effectively doubles to 3,000 with members of the Travelling community arriving to visit relatives; but, often, to hold weddings and other gatherings.

"Everybody is absolutely [right] to be concerned about Rathkeale," said Pavee Point co-director Martin Collins, who said those gathering in large numbers were "playing Russian roulette, and, potentially there could be deaths".

Rathkeale, Co Limerick: David Lamont, public relations officer of the Rathkeale Community Council, says the town is being unfairly singled out. Photograph: Liam Burke/ Press 22

From last March, he said he had warned against the traditional early December return by Travellers to Rathkeale because “of the risk of contracting and spreading the virus, not just in the Traveller community but also in the settled community”.

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Members of his own family living in London, made the “devastating” decision not to travel: “Under the circumstances, it’s the right thing to do, it’s the most responsible thing to do,” he told The Irish Times.

Calling for a ban on the sale or renting of marquees, he said: “During the pandemic I’ve seen many Travellers hiring marquees, and having parties in their own back yards, birthday parties, anniversaries, and so forth, and that’s just not on, it’s not acceptable.”

Meanwhile, a number of files are being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions following incidents dealt with by gardaí in Rathkeale across the Christmas period “involving gatherings by large groups at private establishments and on public thoroughfares in the town”.

Videos taken at a number of house parties in the town, with large crowds, no social distancing and no masks, have been shared widely locally in the past few days, prompting calls for extra gardaí to be deployed.

"The videos circulating are very alarming. The local community is very concerned and upset and they feel forgotten about and left behind," said Fianna Fáil Minister of State Niall Collins, who sought details of the Garda's Christmas policing plan for the town, but was refused.

Covid-19 figures

The latest Covid-19 figures available from the Health Protection and Surveillance Centre (HPSC) broken down by local electoral area put the 14-day incidence rate in the Adare-Rathkeale district at above the national average.

The data, collected between December 8th and the 21st, put the number of Covid-19 cases in the district – which includes 27,000 people and extends far beyond Rathkeale’s own boundaries – at 353.7 per 100,000.

The numbers per 100,000 for other parts of Limerick then were Newcastle West: 266.3; City East: 260.3; City North: 109.5; City West: 106; and Cappamore-Kilmallock, with 74.7 cases per 100,000 people.

In September, two local councillors, Fine Gael's Adam Teskey and Independent Emmett O'Brien, raised concerns about the Christmas risks, though both were then criticised for doing so. The numbers, Cllr O'Brien told The Irish Times, had caused "a predictable soar" in cases.

Agreeing with Pavee Point’s advice that people should not travel, Mr Collins said: “At this stage we are probably gone past that point. What I would ask is for people to adhere to proper etiquette and public health guidelines.

“People are fearful, and say to me that when some people are challenged who aren’t wearing face masks, that they get abused. I don’t know if they are members of the Travelling community or not, but they can certainly be categorised as people who have returned to Rathkeale for the Christmas period,” the TD added.

However, David Lamont, public relations officer of the Rathkeale Community Council, said Rathkeale was being unfairly singled out. Visitor numbers were up, but there was little evidence that masking or social distancing rules were being broken, he said.

Businesses “are sticking very closely to the guidelines, and you can’t walk into a shop...without a mask – that’s what I’m genuinely seeing, genuinely”, Mr Lamont said.

“Lots of positive things have happened in the last quarter of this year, with businesses refurbishing and painting premises, to say to customers that Rathkeale is safe, we appreciate your business and we don’t take it for granted,” he said.

The HSE held a Covid-19 “pop-up” test clinic in Rathkeale on December 21st and tested 121 people: “There are no plans for any further pop-up testing facilities before the new year,” said a HSE spokesman.

The HSE, as it did last year, has set up a triage clinic in the town that will operate until January 8th, bar Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Last year, it treated 422 people over 19 days.

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Airports will be packed this summer. That makes finding good direct flights even more valuable for Alaska travelers.

Traveler Michael Ricchiuti waits in Salt Lake City International Airport after his flight was canceled by snow Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023, in Salt Lake City. Brutal winter weather hammered the northern U.S. Wednesday with "whiteout" snow, dangerous wind gusts and bitter cold, shutting down roadways, closing schools and businesses and prompting dire warnings for people to stay home. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

The summer travel season is upon us. Cruise ships are sailing into ports and RVs are on the road.

The common denominator of these events is crowds. As the days get longer, the crowds get bigger on the tour boats, bigger at hotel lobbies and bigger at the airport. And if you’re concerned about the crowds here at the Anchorage airport, just wait until you get to Seattle.

Seattle is a crucial connecting airport for Alaskans traveling around the world. But the summertime crowds are going to be massive. Smart travelers look at nonstop flights to avoid problems along the way, including delays, lost luggage and weather cancellations.

Many travelers have booked their peak-season flights already. But things come up and plans change. If you’re in the market for a flight Outside this summer, let’s review who’s flying nonstop flights where — and how much it costs to get a ticket.

International flights

Anchorage-Vancouver on Air Canada. The airline offers one flight per day, leaving at 4:55 p.m. The flights start this weekend and run through Sept. 30, 2024. For most of the summer, the one-way fare is $421. Fares are subject to change without notice. Air Canada is a member of the Star Alliance group, which includes United Airlines. Travelers can earn and burn their MileagePlus points on these flights.

Anchorage-Frankfurt on Discover Airlines. Discover also is a member of the Star Alliance airline group, so you can use your MileagePlus points. Discover offers two nonstops per week (Tuesdays and Saturdays) from Anchorage, starting on June 8. Prices start at $799 roundtrip. Book at United.com .

Anchorage-Frankfurt on Condor Airlines. Condor’s first flight of the season is this weekend. For the next three weeks, Condor will fly twice each week on Thursdays and Saturdays. Starting June 11, Condor boosts its schedule to three times weekly, adding a Tuesday flight. Fly for $670 roundtrip through June 20, before prices go up. Travelers can earn and burn Alaska Air miles with Condor.

Mileage tickets between Anchorage and Frankfurt on Condor start at 27,500 miles each way. But there are extra fees: $49 for the outbound flight to Frankfurt and $193 per person for the return flight.

Anchorage-Seattle/Everett on Alaska Air. Alaska has resumed its daily Anchorage-Paine Field nonstop for the summer. The airline uses Horizon Air to fly the route on one of its E175 2x2 aircraft (no middle seats). There are a few dates in June (7-12) where you can get a $119 one-way fare. After that, most days are available for $167 one-way on the southbound flight ($169 one-way northbound).

Anchorage-Seattle/Tacoma. Alaska Air’s schedule to Seattle from Anchorage is impressive: 18-21 flights per day. To get the best rate of $167 one-way (Saver), plan on buying your tickets at least 21 days in advance. It’s an extra $35 each way to get a Main cabin ticket. Same seat, but you can pick it out in advance and earn full Mileage Plan credit.

Delta is offering six flights every day to Seattle. The cheap seats are priced the same: $167 one-way. It’s $30 more to get Main for advance seat assignments and full SkyMiles credit. But for $50 more ($217 one-way), you can get Comfort+ with a little extra legroom.

Anchorage-Portland on Alaska Air. Travelers can choose from three departures each day from Anchorage. Two of the flights are on Horizon’s E175s. Again, I’m partial to these aircraft because there’s no middle seat in coach. In first class, there’s just one seat on the left side, with two on the right. Saver tickets start at $177 one-way, with Main cabin seats for $35 more each way.

Anchorage-San Francisco. Daily nonstops on Alaska are available for $197 one-way for Saver seats, with a 21-day advance purchase. Add $40 each way for Main. The seasonal nonstops operate through Sept. 30.

United’s nonstop Anchorage-San Francisco flights resume on May 23. Pricing for Basic Economy is $197 one-way. Add $40 one-way for Economy so you can carry aboard a rolling bag or other in-cabin item.

Anchorage-Los Angeles/LAX on Alaska Airlines. The airline offers a daily red-eye flight from Anchorage, starting at $197 one-way. You must purchase your ticket 21 days in advance to get that price on the southbound flight. Northbound flights are more in the summer, from $341 one-way (Saver).

Anchorage-San Diego on Alaska Airlines. This is a new route for the airline, which operates once per week on Saturdays between now and Sept. 28. Plan ahead and get tickets for as little as $219 one-way (Saver).

Mountain states

Anchorage-Las Vegas on Alaska Airlines. Twice-a-week nonstop service is available on Fridays and Sundays. Plan ahead and get tickets for $197 one-way (Saver).

Anchorage-Phoenix on Alaska Airlines. Daily service is available all the way through the summer until Aug. 19, when Alaska reverts to four-times-weekly service. Tickets in mid-June are available for as little as $187 one-way (Saver). Northbound tickets cost more, but some late-June dates are available for $199-221 one-way.

Anchorage-Salt Lake City. Delta and Alaska Airlines resume their seasonal flights this weekend with three-times-weekly service on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. After June 10, Delta adds two more days: Thursdays and Mondays. One-way tickets sell for about $217, with a 21-day advance purchase.

Anchorage-Denver. United flies the route year-round. Alaska has resumed its seasonal nonstop flights, through Sept. 28. On May 23, United adds a second daily nonstop. Plan ahead and tickets are available for $187 one-way southbound. Northbound tickets cost more, from $189-$289 one-way in late June.

Midwestern states

Anchorage-Minneapolis. This is the most competitive destination, with three airlines vying for customers. Early-season flights on Sun Country Airlines are the cheapest: $119 one-way, starting May 25 for southbound flights. Flying north costs more: from $179 one-way.

Alaska Airlines starts seasonal service to the Twin Cities this weekend with three flights per week: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. On June 13, Alaska starts daily flights, from $219 one-way.

Delta flies nonstop year-round, with prices starting at about $210 one-way.

Anchorage-Chicago. In the height of the summer season, three airlines also fly this route: American, Alaska and United. Starting next month, both United and Alaska add an additional flight, offering two each day. All three carriers offer basic economy tickets at about $195 one-way.

Anchorage-Dallas. American has resumed its nonstop flights for the summer, currently scheduled all the way through Jan. 6, 2025. On June 6, American adds a second daily flight, which will fly through Sept. 2. Prices are super-high through most of June and really do not mellow out until June 25, when you can get a basic economy ticket for $548 roundtrip.

Anchorage-Houston on United Airlines. United’s seasonal daily flight resumes on May 23. Prices are high, even with advance notice: from $741 roundtrip starting June 13.

Eastern states

Anchorage-Detroit on Delta. Starting June 7, Delta will operate three flights each week, Friday-Sunday. Prices are high, starting at $717 roundtrip.

Anchorage-Atlanta on Delta. Starting May 23, Delta resumes its daily Anchorage-Atlanta nonstop flights. Prices are super-high, from $1,117 roundtrip.

Anchorage-New York/JFK. This is a new route for Alaska Airlines — the longest in its system. Nonstop flights start on June 13 and are priced starting at $551 roundtrip.

Anchorage-Newark on United. Seasonal nonstops from Anchorage to Newark resume May 23, priced from $571 roundtrip (departing June 7).

Anchorage-Washington, DC/Dulles on United. This is a new flight for United. Dulles is a big hub for the airline. Seasonal daily service starts May 23. Plan ahead to get roundtrip tickets for $741 (departing June 7).

Alaska Airlines drops its nonstop flights from Anchorage to Maui and Kona. But Anchorage-Honolulu continues to operate each day. Flights in June are available for $197 one-way going south. Flying north costs more: from $279 one-way.

There are fewer nonstop flights between Fairbanks and the Lower 48, but they’re important.

Fairbanks-Seattle: Delta has two daily flights and Alaska has five daily flights, starting at $179 one-way.

Fairbanks-Denver: United offers daily flights, starting May 23. from $291 one-way.

Fairbanks-Minneapolis: Starting June 7, Delta will fly each day to Minneapolis, starting at $479 roundtrip.

Fairbanks-Chicago: United’s daily flights are scheduled through Sept. 25. Prices start at $573 roundtrip.

All fares (and schedules) are subject to change without notice. Sources: Google.com/flights , Alaskaair.com , Delta.com

Scott McMurren

Scott McMurren is an Anchorage-based marketing consultant, serving clients in the transportation, hospitality, media and specialty destination sectors, among others. Contact him by email at [email protected]. Subscribe to his e-newsletter at alaskatravelgram.com. For more information, visit alaskatravelgram.com/about.