Alaska Airlines Bans State Senator After “Continued Refusal” To Comply With Mask Policy

• Senator Lora Reinbold has been banned by Alaska Airlines for her “continued refusal” to comply with the mask policy.
• “Federal law requires all guests to wear a mask over their nose and mouth,” the airlines reminded in a statement.
• As a result of the ban, Reinbold was forced to drive for more than 14 hours and then ride a ferry for a Juneau trip.

Alaska Airlines has officially banned Republican state Senator Lora Reinbold from taking flights following her repeated defiance of the mask mandate.

In a statement, airline spokesperson Tim Thompson announced that they have already informed the senator that “she is not permitted to fly with us for her continued refusal to comply with employee instruction regarding the current mask policy.”

Thompson further shared:

“This suspension is effective immediately, pending further review. Federal law requires all guests to wear a mask over their nose and mouth at all times during travel, including throughout the flight, during boarding and deplaning, and while traveling through an airport.”

Senator Reinbold has previously described the airline staff as “mask bullies” after she was asked by attendants to wear a mask during a flight. She eventually apologized to them by sending a cake with a message that read “AK Airlines flight attendants, I’m sorry if I offended you.”

Now the senator reacted to the ban, saying:

“Alaska Airlines sent information, including my name, to the media without my knowledge nor permission. I do believe constitutional rights are at risk under corporate covid policies”

“I was respectful of Alaska Airlines policies,” she also added. “We had a pleasant safe flight with happy flight attendants and great talented pilots. I hope to be on an Alaska Airlines flight in the near future.”

Since the ban, Reinbold had to drive over 14 hours and then take a “long unexpected trip to Juneau by road/ferry system” for an official travel.

“I am keenly aware of the monopoly in air transport to Juneau that needs reviewed,” pointed out Reinbold. “Nothing could get in the way to be in the Capitol to fight to executive branch infringement on the legislature & defending your rights by trying to stop HB76 which is on the Senate floor tomorrow!”