Woman Strikes American Airlines Employee After Refusing to Wear Face Mask

Image: American Airlines plane. (photo via American Airlines) (Photo via American Airlines)
Image: American Airlines plane. (photo via American Airlines) (Photo via American Airlines)
Janeen Christoff
by Janeen Christoff
Last updated: 4:52 PM ET, Thu August 13, 2020

A woman traveling to Las Vegas struck an American Airlines employee after she was denied boarding for not wearing a mask.

The American Airlines employee at Phoenix Sly Harbor Airport reported that 47-year-old Yolanda Yarbrough hit him while she was connecting at the airport to a flight to Las Vegas, according to Fox News.

On her first flight from Los Angeles to Phoenix, Yarbrough did not follow the mask mandate and therefore was denied boarding on the second flight.

A spokesperson for American Airlines released a statement saying, "After arriving into Phoenix and being informed that they would not be able to take their connecting flight to Las Vegas, the individual became irate and struck an American team member in the terminal."

Yarbrough did not seriously injure the American Airlines employee, however, she is now on the airline's internal refuse list.

American's strict mask policy states that all passengers over the age of 2 must wear a mask and that there are no exemptions for medical conditions. Masks must be worn upon entering the departure airport to the time passengers leave the arriving airport. Masks can only be removed when eating or drinking.

This is not the first time airplane passengers have had issues with the mask mandate and it likely will not be the last.

Earlier this month, a woman was removed from an American Airlines flight for an offensive face mask, and drunk passengers in Europe began to brawl over the wearing of face masks.

Last month, a man held up an American Airlines flight claiming HIPPA rights over not wearing a face mask, and Delta had to turn a flight around after multiple passengers refused to wear a face mask.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Janeen Christoff

Janeen Christoff

Executive Editor - AGENTatHOME | TravelPulse Content Strategy

Editor Executive Editor - AGENTatHOME | TravelPulse Content Strategy true [email protected] 9088 14744 Janeen Christoff caught the travel bug while living in London, England. After two years on the road, she settled in Los Angeles and focused her writing on

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Every Island Tells a Story: Part 2 – Selling the Caribbean Through Immersive ExperiencesWednesday, August 19, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Continue the journey in the second installment of our Every Island Tells a Story webinar series. This...
Upcoming Webinar
The Art of Destination Recommendation: Alternative Destination Strategies for Travel AdvisorsTuesday, August 18, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
What if your next best sale is a destination your client hasn’t considered—and you’ve never visited?...
Upcoming Webinar
From Interest to Booking: Selling HANKYU × PONANT Japan CruisesFriday, August 21, 2026
4:00pm Eastern
Take the next step in selling HANKYU × PONANT Japan cruises with a practical, advisor focused look at...
Upcoming Webinar
Every Island Tells a Story: Part 2 – Selling the Caribbean Through Immersive ExperiencesWednesday, August 19, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Continue the journey in the second installment of our Every Island Tells a Story webinar series. This...
Upcoming Webinar
The Art of Destination Recommendation: Alternative Destination Strategies for Travel AdvisorsTuesday, August 18, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
What if your next best sale is a destination your client hasn’t considered—and you’ve never visited?...
Upcoming Webinar
From Interest to Booking: Selling HANKYU × PONANT Japan CruisesFriday, August 21, 2026
4:00pm Eastern
Take the next step in selling HANKYU × PONANT Japan cruises with a practical, advisor focused look at...