Alaska Airlines Announces Ban on GOP State Senator Over Mask Rules

(Anchorage Daily News) JUNEAU — Alaska Airlines said Saturday that it banned state Sen. Lora Reinbold, R-Eagle River, from its flights for continuing to refuse to follow mask-wearing requirements for travelers.

“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 said by email.

“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,” he said.

The ban had cast uncertainty on how Reinbold might have rejoined the Alaska Senate when legislative work resumed Monday. No other airline has regularly scheduled direct flights between Anchorage and Juneau.

But Reinbold embraced an alternate travel solution: On Sunday, she posted to her Facebook page describing “a long unexpected trip to Juneau by road/ferry system.” To reach a port serviced by a ferry to the capital city on Sunday, she would’ve had to drive hundreds of miles from Eagle River to either Skagway or Haines, which also would require going through part of Canada.

She made it to Juneau and was on the Senate floor at the state Capitol on Monday morning. Read Full Article >