Anti-mask state senator takes to the highway after airline ban

Alaska Airlines has banned an anti-mask state senator for refusing to follow federal law and airline policy requiring face masks.

"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 in a prepared statement Saturday, adding that the suspension was effective immediately.

Reinbold, an Eagle River Republican in her ninth year as a state legislator, is one of more than 500 people banned by Alaska Airlines for refusing to wear a face mask while flying.

Unable to fly back to Juneau for the Senate session scheduled for Monday morning, Reinbold drove last weekend from Eagle River to Haines, where she boarded a state ferry to Juneau.

Last week, Reinbold was recorded in the Juneau airport arguing with Alaska Airlines staff about mask policies as she readied to board a flight to Anchorage. A video posted to social media appears to show airline staff telling Reinbold her mask must cover her nose and mouth.

Reinbold said she had been inquiring about a "mask exemption with uptight employees at the counter."

She was allowed to board the flight to Anchorage.

It was at least her second run-in with airline employees over face mask requirements. Last year, she referred to Alaska Airlines staff as "mask bullies" after being asked by flight attendants to wear a mask. After the highly publicized incident, she reportedly sent a cake to some flight attendants bearing the inscription: "I'm sorry if I offended you."

Reinbold has been a vocal opponent of COVID-19 mitigation measures and has repeatedly objected to the airline's mask policy, which was enacted before the federal government's mandate this year, and also has objected to face masks, COVID-19 testing and screening protocols at the Capitol in Juneau.

Thompson said the length of Reinbold's ban from the airline will be determined by a review.