Wine by the Case: Viral Airplane Seat Shaming & Passenger Rights Explained
Another week. Another viral meltdown. Another reason the internet needs a lawyer.
On this episode of Wine by the Case, we pour a budget-friendly Scarlet Path Zinfandel (Lodi, California) and break down the airplane incident that turned one passenger into the internet’s latest target.
A woman declined to give up her seat for a child.
Another passenger hit record.
Social media did what social media does.
But what does the law say?
What We’re Uncorking This Week
On Wine by the Case, we don’t just sip — we litigate (politely).
This episode covers:
Passenger filming & viral harassment
Airline legal duties & crew authority
Seat-switching etiquette vs. legal obligation
Privacy in public spaces
When online outrage becomes harassment
Spoiler: No one owes you their seat at 30,000 feet.
Kindness is optional. Contract law isn’t.
Real Law. Real Consequences.
As the video spread, so did the fallout — online pile-ons, reputational damage, and even real-world stalking.
Chris Sensenig and Alexis Rosenberg break down:
What airlines are actually responsible for
Whether passengers have any duty to switch seats
The risks of filming strangers for content
How viral fame can turn into legal exposure
Because being “right” on the internet doesn’t make you legally right.
The Pairing
Scarlet Path Zinfandel – Lodi, CA
Bold. Affordable. Slightly spicy.
A fitting companion for high-altitude legal drama.
Meet the Hosts
Chris Sensenig — Employment attorney with 28+ years of experience navigating employment law, compliance, and situations best described as “please don’t go viral.”
Alexis Rosenberg (Litigation Lex®) — Partner at Rosenberg Law, P.A., with 20 years of experience in business, healthcare, cannabis, and insurance law. Regular legal commentator on Court TV, Law & Crime, and iCrime with Elizabeth Vargas. Proudly not a sommelier.
Watch Wine by the Case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzFStXEnrwg
Where law meets life — and occasionally meets turbulence.