Republican State Senator Laura Reinbold of Alaska, like many Republicans, has had a problem with mask mandates despite scientist reports that say masks are one of the easiest and most effective ways to stop the spread of the virus.
But it seems Alaska Airlines has had enough of Reinbold's "continued refusal to comply" with their mask rules.
The airline, which so happens to be the only service to offer flights from Reinbold's hometown of Anchorage to the state capital in Juneau, banned Reinbold from any and all future flights for her continued refusal to comply with mask regulations.
Alaska Airlines has banned Alaska Senator Lora Reinbold for her "continued refusal" to follow mask rules https://t.co/BDCtmjdTI5— KTLA (@KTLA) 1619383705.0
BREAKING: Alaska Airlines has banned GOP state senator Lora Reinbold for "continued refusal" to wear a mask on flig… https://t.co/I2XREq0sFR— Steve Hofstetter (@Steve Hofstetter) 1619457623.0
Alaska Senator Lora Reinbold said she had to travel by road and ferry — a trip that takes more than 19 hours — to g… https://t.co/cITbK3HJg9— Hoodlum 🇺🇸 (@Hoodlum 🇺🇸) 1619472319.0
Twitter found Reinbold's ban both hilarious and necessary.
Huge Respect for @alaskaairptfs . @LoraReinboldAK is choosing to not Mask .Her choice has Consequences. As a Public… https://t.co/0UE6xr6Pkm— DDS (@DDS) 1619397183.0
Lora Reinbold’s making her way to Anchorage after getting the Alaska airlines boot https://t.co/Edx9gsmV9J— Blaz (@Blaz) 1619446233.0
Alaska Airlines have banned GQP Alaska State Sen. Lora Reinbold for refusing to wear masks on flights. Alaska Airl… https://t.co/dhcr5lJsgw— Ricky Davila (@Ricky Davila) 1619460292.0
Because of the ban, Reinbold had to drive 14 hours, crossing through Canada to reach Juneau on Monday, April 23.
Alaska Airlines has banned a Republican State Senator for refusing to comply w/mask regulations. The #maskhole is L… https://t.co/NgZWfrNGlC— 🌊Sheryl Lynne is vaccinated!! Thank you POTUS (@🌊Sheryl Lynne is vaccinated!! Thank you POTUS) 1619442389.0
Good. https://t.co/JSIeGO3ibb— Patron God of Sarsparilla & Mauby. (@Patron God of Sarsparilla & Mauby.) 1619463216.0
Thinks she’s better than the people she was elected to SERVE. Appreciate Alaska A’s making a strong move to do righ… https://t.co/wTbKMsjuh8— TRUTHBTOLD (@TRUTHBTOLD) 1619460778.0
In a somewhat disjointed post on her Facebook, Reinbold stated:
"...I am keenly aware of the monopoly in air transport to Juneau that needs reviewed!"
"...Nothing could get in the way to be in the Capitol to fight to executive branch infringement on the legislature & defending your rights by trying to stop HB76 which is on the Senate floor tomorrow!"
I want to be an Alaska Airlines frequent flyer now! I’ve never been to Alaska, but now I’m thinking I should chec… https://t.co/wYRUSJowe6— Lee Santos (@Lee Santos) 1619459718.0
Thank you @AlaskaAir I just flew a flight in Feb and as always it was a great flight and I will continue to fly wi… https://t.co/aThfv5Y94B— Renee W. (@Renee W.) 1619458930.0
Republicans not understanding how the corporate private property rights they’ve fought over a century to protect wo… https://t.co/RS8aQpo3Fq— Brendan Woodruff (@Brendan Woodruff) 1619457395.0
Alaska Airlines also issued a statement after they notified Reinbold of their decision.
"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."
All because of a small mask...says a lot about how @LoraReinboldAK “values” Alaskan constituents & the employees… https://t.co/kwHMhdPQZF— LivingTheDream (@LivingTheDream) 1619456976.0
She sure owned the libs😂😂 https://t.co/CfHLlqcTOL— Boy Mom 🐝🍷🥑 (@Boy Mom 🐝🍷🥑) 1619455776.0
Reinbold was less-than-thrilled by her newfound inability to fly.
"I inquired about mask exemption with uptight employees at the counter. I learned about (Alaska Airlines) decision before I knew there was even an inquiry and before I had a chance to talk to or discuss this with anyone at Alaska Air."
Meanwhile, the Federal Aviation Administration has opened an inquiry into the incident and will be "strictly enforcing a zero-tolerance policy toward passengers who cause disturbances on flights or fail to obey flight crew instructions."