Alaska Airlines Puts State Sen. Lora Reinbold On No-Fly List For Violating Mask Rules

Even as top experts and the government in the US continue to urge people to wear masks and follow social distancing, there are many who choose to ignore these mandates. One such case is of Sen. Lora Reinbold, R-Alaska. She has been banned by Alaska Airlines from its flights for refusing to adhere to mask-wearing requirements for travelers.

Alaska Airlines’ spokesman Tim Thompson told the Anchorage Daily News on Saturday that they notified Reinbold that she is not permitted to fly with them "for her continued refusal to comply with employee instruction regarding the current mask policy." The suspension was effective immediately, he added.

According to Reinbold, she wasn’t notified of a ban and that she hoped to be on an Alaska Airlines flight in the near future.

The Incident

The incident happened last week at Juneau International Airport where the senator was seen arguing with Alaska Airlines staff over mask-wearing policies. A video surfaced on social media showing the airline staff telling Reinbold that her mask must cover her nose and mouth.

Speaking with the newspaper about the incident, Reinbold said that she was “reasonable” with all Alaska Airlines employees and that she was able to board the flight to Anchorage.

Reinbold Not A 'Mask Fan'

Reinbold has often spoken against COVID-19 mitigation measures. She has also repeatedly objected to Alaska Airlines’ mask policy, enacted before the federal government's mandate earlier this year.

In 2020, the senator called Alaska Airlines staff “mask bullies” after she was asked by flight staff to wear a mask aboard a flight, AP reported. It further said that Reinbold reportedly sent a cake to some flight attendants with a message: “I’m sorry if I offended you.”

So far, Alaska Airlines has banned over 500 people for not following mask-wearing policies.

According to the Alaska Airlines’ spokesman, the length of the ban on senator will be decided after a review. The airline ban had cast uncertainty on how Reinbold, who was in southcentral Alaska this weekend, would rejoin the Alaska Senate in Juneau when legislative work resumes on Monday. No other airline has regularly scheduled direct flights between Anchorage and Juneau.

But Reinbold figured an alternate travel solution: A ferry ride. On Sunday, she posted to her Facebook page describing “a long unexpected trip to Juneau by road/ferry system.”

In the post, the senator wrote that she has "a new appreciation for the marine ferry system", (and) is "keenly aware of a monopoly in air transport to Juneau that needs reviewed!”