An evangelist who says she preaches on almost every flight has claimed she was kicked off an Alaska Airlines plane after sharing the message of Jesus with fellow passengers during a lengthy delay.
Whitney Lynn, 40, was removed from Alaska Airlines Flight 708 before take-off at Orlando International Airport on Thursday after standing in the aisle and addressing passengers as they waited to depart for San Diego.
Videos posted to her Instagram account show Lynn delivering an impromptu sermon to the cabin while passengers remained seated.
“I know we’re all waiting. It’s kind of frustrating, this wait … But I wanna tell you that God’s timing is perfect and God knows everything, and maybe he’s sparing her from danger today,” she tells those onboard.
But what began as a message of faith quickly ended with Lynn being escorted from the aircraft.
Alaska Airlines confirmed the woman was removed after crew became concerned about her behaviour.
“Our flight crew became increasingly concerned about a guest’s behaviour on board the aircraft, which was also affecting other guests,” an airline spokesperson said.
“The passenger was asked to deplane the aircraft for safety reasons.”
People reported the airline also confirmed Ms Lynn will not be permitted to fly with Alaska Airlines “for the foreseeable future.”
A second video posted online shows an airline employee asking Ms Lynn to collect her belongings before leaving the aircraft.
When she asks why she is being removed, the employee tells her the crew no longer “feel safe” with her remaining onboard.
“I didn’t know the message of Jesus Christ was unsafe,” Ms Lynn replies while packing up her belongings.
Another clip shows her leaving the aircraft before speaking with airport security officers inside the terminal.
Ms Lynn later described the incident as “spiritual warfare” and posted a smiling photo alongside the officers, saying she had shared Jesus with them and prayed over them.
She also uploaded what she claimed was a letter from Alaska Airlines Corporate Security informing her she had been temporarily banned from travelling with Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air while the incident is investigated.
“I am writing to inform you that we have placed a hold on your ability to travel on Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Horizon Air flights,” the letter states.
“This decision was made based on reports we received regarding your recent travels with us.”
Despite being removed from the flight, Ms Lynn insisted the experience became an opportunity to continue her ministry.
She said she later converted the airport shuttle driver who took her back to her hotel before praying with another man she met at reception.
“Looking back, I can clearly see God’s hand in it all. What seemed like a setback became an opportunity for people to hear the gospel and give their lives to Christ,” she wrote.
The incident is unlikely to change Ms Lynn’s approach.
Ms Lynn revealed she preaches on most flights because passengers are a captive audience.
“They have no choice but to hear the truth,” she said.
“When I have a gift, and I have a life raft, if you’re drowning, I want to give you that life raft so you can be saved.”
The circumstances surrounding Ms Lynn’s removal remain under review.
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