Alaska state senator says airline ban is political

September 13, 2021 carleyshaffer1 US 0

FILE - In this Jan. 27, 2021 file photo, Alaska state Sen. Lora Reinbold, an Eagle River Republican, holds a copy of the Alaska Constitution during a committee hearing in Juneau, Alaska. Alaska Airlines has banned the Alaska state senator for refusing to follow mask requirements. Last week Reinbold was recorded in Juneau International Airport arguing with Alaska Airlines staff about mask policies. A video posted to social media appears to show airline staff telling Reinbold her mask must cover her nose and mouth. Reinbold has been a vocal opponent to COVID-19 mitigation measures and has repeatedly objected to Alaska Airlines' mask policy, which was enacted before the federal government's mandate this year. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer, File)

In this Jan. 27, 2021 file photo, Alaska state Sen. Lora Reinbold, an Eagle River Republican, holds a copy of the Alaska Constitution during a committee hearing in Juneau, Alaska. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer, File)

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UPDATED 2:36 PM PT – Sunday, September 12, 2021

An Alaskan state senator was recently banned from Alaska Airlines for allegedly failing to comply with their mask policy, which will cause her to miss votes at the State Capitol.

“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,” said spokesman Tim Thompson. Thompson said in terms of the length of Reinbold’s ban, it is to be determined as it’s subject to review.

Whoa! A source just sent this video of Sen. Reinbold at the Juneau airport. She was refusing to wear the mask and the police got involved! She’s also filming @AlaskaAir employees and asking for their names. Hyper loose. A second video is below. #akleg pic.twitter.com/EfaoSU3K9k

— The Alaska Landmine (@alaskalandmine) April 22, 2021

Due to the ban, which reportedly went into effect in April, Sen. Lora Reinbold (R) has asked to be excused from votes starting Sept. 11 through Jan. 15 since she can’t fly into Juneau.

Reinbold claimed the action by the airline is a “political ban.” The senator has defended herself, stating she had worn a mask, but an activist had her banned.

“I was reasonable with all Alaska Airlines employees,” Reinbold said in a statement.

However, reports said the ban may have stirred from Reinbold’s previous involvement in arguments with airline employees regarding mask policy, though the airline has insisted she failed to comply.