The attorney general of Alaska has written to the state’s namesake air carrier, Alaska Airlines, saying he is concerned that internal policies could be affecting criminal prosecutions and harming efforts to combat the flow of illegal narcotics into Alaska.
The letter from Attorney General Stephen Cox comes just months after an Alaska Airlines employee poster leaked on social media, which urged workers not to hand over any information to law enforcement without a warrant or subpoena.
Alaska attorney general questions Alaska Airlines’ policies
Alaska Attorney General Stephen Cox wrote to Alaska Airlines’ boss Ben Minicucci on December 30, 2025, to express concerns that some of the carrier’s internal policies could be affecting law enforcement efforts to disrupt drug trafficking into the state.
The letter, which Cox shared in a press release, said that “prosecutors have declined to pursue otherwise viable cases due to concern that calling an Alaska Airlines employee as a witness would expose them to employment retaliation.”
Framing the airline’s perceived stance on law enforcement cooperation against the “unprecedented public safety and public health crisis” Alaska is facing from illegal narcotics, Cox wrote:
“In discussions with our law enforcement partners, I have been advised that Alaska Airlines has adopted internal policies and practices that actively discourage employees from cooperating with law enforcement outside of formal legal process.”
“I understand—and share—the importance of safeguarding privacy, due process, and individual rights. At the same time, Alaska’s transportation systems—commercial aviation foremost among them—play an unavoidable role in the movement of people and goods into our state,” the letter continued.
“When employees observe conduct that is plainly suspicious or dangerous, policies that deter good-faith cooperation with law enforcement may unintentionally shield criminal activity and exacerbate the harm being done to Alaska communities.”
Cox says that the airline’s Code of Conduct encourages staffers to alert law enforcement about bullying or potential human rights violations, but then seemingly forbids workers from cooperating with investigators making information requests about crimes.
Furore followed social media leak of internal sign
Cox states that one of the primary reasons for his letter is the leak of an internal Alaska Airlines poster that was shared at some airports earlier this year.
The poster warned: “If a law enforcement officer or government official asks you for guest information, don’t comply. Notify your supervisor immediately.”
The poster added: “Ask for a subpoena or warrant to verify.”
In many regards, the poster seemed like it was simply reminding employees of basic data protection and legal principles, but the poster whipped up a storm on social media, with some commentators suggesting the airline was trying to obstruct legal investigations.
Alaska Airlines distances itself from signage
For its part, Alaska Airlines has tried to distance itself from the poster as much as possible, claiming that it was distributed without permission from the corporate head office.
“This unsanctioned poster does not reflect any change in longstanding policy regarding our interactions and partnerships with local, state and federal law enforcement,” the airline said after the social media post went viral.
“Alaska Airlines takes our legal obligations seriously and is committed to following all applicable laws and working cooperatively with local, state and federal authorities.”
A spokesperson for the carrier added that it hadn’t introduced any policy that was meant to discourage employees from cooperating with law enforcement, although the airline noted that workers receive “training on the correct policies and procedures for engaging with law enforcement in a manner consistent with legal process and company guidelines.”
Bottom Line
Alaska Airlines is being put under pressure to explain its approach to cooperating with law enforcement that are investigating criminal cases. Alaska Attorney General Stephen Cox is concerned that the airline’s current approach might scare employees off from legitimately cooperating with law enforcement.
Cox has requested a meeting with senior Alaska Airlines leaders to “explore whether there is room for clarification or refinement, and determine how Alaska Airlines and the State of Alaska can work together, consistent with the law, to reduce the flow of illicit controlled substances into our state.”
