Airlines Rejected by High Court on California Rest-Break Law (1)

The US Supreme Court refused to insulate airlines from California’s meal and rest break requirements, leaving intact a ruling that Alaska Airlines Inc. said will mean “nationwide tumult” for the industry.

The justices, without comment, let stand a damage award against Virgin America Inc., now part of Alaska, in a class action suit by California-based flight attendants. Alaska contended that a federal airline law supersedes the California rules.

Alaska and the industry say the appeals court ruling will force airlines to add extra crew to many flights at a time companies are already suffering from a labor shortage. The lack ...