Alaska Airlines Bans State Senator Reinbold, Internet Wonders How She'll Get To Sessions

An Alaska state senator has officially been banned from Alaska Airlines for refusing to follow mask guidelines on flights.

A video posted on social media showed Lora Reinbold in the Juneau International Airport arguing with the flight staff when they told her to comply with mask protocol.

“We have notified Senator Lora Reinbold that she is not permitted to fly with us for her continued refusal to comply with employee instruction regarding the current mask policy,” spokesman Tim Thompson told the Anchorage Daily News on Saturday.

The move raises questions as to how Reinbold will get to Juneau, the state's capital.

Since there’s no land access to Juneau, some Alaskans have pointed out on social media that the only way from Anchorage would be by a ferry, which would be a days-long trip. On Sunday, Reinbold reached Juneau after a 14-hour car trip, which included going through Canada, to get to the ferry.

Many social media users have shown their support for the airline and lauded the decision to ban Reinbold, who had called the airline's staff, "mask bullies." She also called the airline out for "mask tyranny" and called employees at the airline's counter "uptight."

Reinbold explained that she had tried to get a mask exemption.

“I was reasonable with all Alaska Airlines employees,” she told the Anchorage Daily News.

It's unclear how long she will be banned from flights.

Reinbold will be able to attend committee meetings via teleconference but will be unable to vote on the floor. In April, Reinbold was banned from most of the Capitol building for refusing to follow mask rules, the Washington Post noted.