ALASKA Airlines banned state Senator Lora Reinbold “effective immediately.”
The ban was official on April 24, 2021 as the senator was traveling to Juneau, Alaska for a legislative meeting.
Why did Alaska Airlines ban Alaska state Senator Lora Reinbold?
Alaska Airlines banned Republican Senator Lora Reinbold for allegedly refusing to follow coronavirus mask rule requirements.
Reinbold was reportedly recorded in Juneau International Airport arguing with Alaska Airlines staff about their mask requirements.
According to a video shared on social media, the airline staff appear to be telling Reinbold her mask must cover her nose and mouth.
The senator has reportedly spoken out against coronavirus spread prevention measures and has previously objected to Alaska Airlines’ mask policy.
What did Alaska Airlines say about Senator Lora Reinbold?
Tim Thompson, a spokesman for the airline issued a statement to the Anchorage Daily News regarding Reinbold’s ban, saying: “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.”
Reinbold reportedly told the Anchorage Daily that she had not been notified of the ban and would hope to travel with them in the near future.
Thompson said the length of Reinbold's ban will be determined by a review, but for now it is effective immediately.
The airline has banned over 500 people in the past.
The senator referred to Alaska Airlines staff as “mask bullies” last year after being asked by flight attendants to wear a mask aboard a flight, according to the Anchorage Daily.
After the incident, she reportedly sent a cake to some flight attendants bearing the inscription: “I’m sorry if I offended you.”
Reinbold told the newspaper that she “was reasonable with all Alaska Airlines employees” while trying to inquire about “a mask exemption with uptight employees at the counter.”
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