By suzanne downing 
Seattle-based Alaska Airlines is circulating a new internal poster that instructs employees not to hand over passenger information on the spot when approached by law enforcement officers, but to escalate such requests to supervisors and legal teams for proper review. The key words are “STOP. don’t comply.”
The handout, marked “©2025 Alaska Air Group. For internal use only”, depicts a cartoon law enforcement officer in uniform, holding a document stamped “SUBPOENA WARRANT” with bright red circles highlighting both words. The illustration reinforces a central message: only valid, court-approved documents can authorize the release of sensitive passenger information.
The poster includes several clear directives:
- “Ask for a subpoena or warrant to verify.”
- “If a law enforcement officer or government official asks you for guest information, DON’T COMPLY. Notify your supervisor immediately.”
- For non-urgent requests, the poster directs officers to email the company’s legal office at LegalRF@alaskaair.com.
- It also provides a QR code linking to internal resources and lists privacy@alaskaair.com for employee questions or concerns.
Branded under the airline’s “Data Privacy” initiative, the materials appear to be part of a wider push to remind staff of passengers’ rights and the company’s legal obligations during a time when Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials are rounding up criminals for deportation.
While the bold “DON’T COMPLY” language may seem confrontational, federal law requires carriers to cooperate with law enforcement and security officials, especially under provisions like 49 U.S.C. § 114, which governs Transportation Security Administration data requests.
At the same time, airlines cannot disclose personal information absent proper legal authority, a safeguard meant to protect constitutional rights under the Fourth Amendment.
Alaska Airlines did not publish the materials publicly. The poster, according to its markings, is intended strictly for employee use.
Suzanne Downing
Every single illegal alien has to go. All of them. Maybe companies obstructing ICE ought to be severely fined.
As much as we want illegal aliens deported, we must remember that the entire TSA is utterly unconstitutional. If the airlines conducted security, it would not be. Having the federal gov’t handle it has proven to be tyrannical. “Security theater” is a by-word, fading into the background as we get used to this absurd delay-causing rigmarole. As more and more people are coming to believe that 911 was an Inside Job, we should not view refusal of cooperation with federal surveillance as a bad thing. Yes, we want illegal aliens out of the country. But what about the 4th amendment? “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, papers and effects shall not be violated.”
I’m guessing you’ll have to ‘comply’ when asked by TSA Agent.
Otherwise(!) … “No Ticky, No Laundry!”
I’m okay with this. Assurance of my privacy means much to me.
Correct answer. Do I want illegal aliens arrested and/or deported? Yes. Do I want them identified by legal means using warrants? Yes.
For years now, if I have to fly Outside, I tell whoever is helping me find a ticket, “Any airline but Alaska Air.”
I really wish they would take the name of my beloved state off of their planes.
I’ve hated Ak Air for 30 years.
Bingo!
I really, really wish that so-called “Alaska Airlines” would take the LONG overdue and honest step of renaming themselves “Woke Seattle Airlines” already. I’m surprised that they haven’t yet replaced the Eskimo on their panes with a portrait of Karl Marx.
I think it is Joe Redington’s portrait, but it does look like an Eskimo. Remember the totem pole alternate logo? Maybe we ought to have the Alaska Flag. But “Woke Seattle Airlines” is the best suggestion of all!
Too many people trying to play lawyer and making up their own rules trying to represent people who break the law. The government doesn’t have to have a warrant in every situation. I do not want AK Airline employees trying to flex their power, acting like they are lawyers there to represent criminals, terrorists, murderers, etc., on my flights especially when they are untrained and Not lawyers. I don’t want my flights held up while they get their jollies trying to make LE jump through hoops in order to help illegals and other criminals because of their personal views.