Evangelist banned by Alaska Airlines after delivering in-flight sermon before departure

A Florida evangelist has been barred from flying with Alaska Airlines after delivering an unsolicited religious message to passengers aboard a delayed flight before take-off from Orlando.

Whitney Lynn, an Orlando-based Christian preacher, stood up during the delay on a San Diego-bound flight (AS708 operated by Boeing 737 MAX 9 registered N709AL) and addressed fellow passengers for less than a minute, telling them that the delay might be part of “God’s perfect timing” and encouraging them to place their faith in Jesus. She later posted videos of the incident on social media, where one clip attracted millions of views.

According to Lynn, no member of the cabin crew asked her to stop speaking. However, shortly afterwards, an airline employee instructed her to leave the aircraft, explaining that the flight crew no longer felt safe with her remaining on board.

As she deplaned, Lynn described the incident as “spiritual warfare,” claiming opposition to her message was due to the mention of Jesus. Additional videos showed her speaking with airport police and informing other passengers at the departure gate that she had been removed from the flight.

In a statement, Alaska Airlines said the crew had become “increasingly concerned” about the passenger’s behaviour and removed her “for safety reasons.” The airline also confirmed that she has been prohibited from travelling on Alaska Airlines for the foreseeable future.

Lynn said she was eventually able to arrange alternative travel to attend a funeral in California, but later received notification that she was also barred from flying with Alaska Airlines’ sister carriers, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air, while the incident is under review. Although she was issued a flight credit, she says it is now unusable because of the travel ban.

The evangelist has indicated that she plans to seek legal advice and has no intention of stopping her practice of preaching to fellow passengers during airline journeys.