Federal appeals judges reject lawsuit against Alaska Airlines by former state senator

The Ninth Circuit upheld the dismissal of the lawsuit by former Alaska state Sen. Lora Reinbold against Alaska Airlines. The three-judge panel indicated Reinbold's constitutional challenge failed and that the airline is not a government actor. Reinbold, banned in 2021 for refusing to wear masks during the COVID-19 emergency, filed suit in 2023 after leaving office. She argued the airline's dominance on the Anchorage–Juneau route gave it power over government access, courts, and essential services. The panel's May 20 order leaves in place the dismissal, while Reinbold's June 3 request for en banc review remains pending.