I share my travel experiences here at OMAAT, including flight reviews and airport lounge reviews. I often get reader questions about the logistics of picture taking, and am asked if I ever run into issues.
In this post, I’d like to step back a bit and look at the big picture — is taking pictures on airplanes and airports allowed, and are there any restrictions? It’s complicated, so let me share my experience.
In this post:
Taking pictures on airplanes is usually allowed
There are a countless number of airlines in the world, so of course not every airline is going to have the same policy regarding photography onboard aircraft. Very broadly speaking, taking pictures on airplanes is fine, as long as you’re not violating the privacy of others. That’s to say that on a vast majority of airlines, if you’re just photographing the seat, out the window, etc., you shouldn’t have any issues. There are two major caveats.
First of all, it’s common for airlines to have rules against photographing other people without their consent. In other words, you typically can’t just start snapping pictures of strangers. Now, admittedly there’s always a grey area here. Like, if you’re taking a selfie on a plane, odds are that someone else may also appear in the picture, in some form. You’re unlikely to have issues there.
Some airlines aren’t even that strict when it comes to taking pictures of others. For example, Delta allows photography onboard, including pictures of other people and crew, as long as the intent isn’t malicious.
Second of all, there are a very small number of airlines that do have rules against photography. In my experience, Central Asia is probably the region where you’ll most consistently find rules against photography on planes. For example, Turkmenistan Airlines and Uzbekistan Airways are two airlines I know of that prohibit photography onboard their flights.
Personally my approach is to just take pictures and assume it’s allowed, unless I’m told otherwise. However, I’m always very careful to not get other people in the pictures, because it’s common courtesy, as I see it.
Airport photography is a bit trickier in terms of rules
Rules around photography at airports can be a bit more inconsistent, since it often comes down to the laws of a country, rather than it coming down to an airline policy. Furthermore, in many situations, airline policies might actually be stricter than airport policies.
For example, in the United States, you’re basically allowed to take pictures anywhere, even at security checkpoints. You know, we love our freedom in the United States. 😉 You’re even (legally) free to photograph strangers as much as you’d like (not that I’m recommending doing that, but I’m just saying that you can).
Now, in the United States, airlines will typically have stricter rules than airports regarding photography. For example, many airlines prohibit taking pictures of employees or other passengers without their consent. Let’s say you have a bad experience with a gate agent, and you decide you want to record your interaction as evidence (I’m not taking a stance on this, but am just sharing a hypothetical).
That’s absolutely not illegal, but it may violate the airline rules. So you could get kicked off a plane for doing that (by violating the contract of carriage), but you wouldn’t be arrested for that, or anything. However, the airline could call the police on you if they decide they no longer want to transport you, and you therefore have no business being in the terminal anymore.
Meanwhile in other countries, the rules are much less consistent:
- It’s common for airports to ban photography around security checkpoints and immigration checkpoints
- A lot of countries have unenforced laws regarding airport photography — for example, at least going back several years (I’m not sure if it’s still the case), UAE airports technically banned any sort of photography of planes or the airport without permission, but it was rarely enforced
- Countries have differing restrictions when it comes to the right to privacy that people have in public
Much like on airplanes, I generally just take pictures unless I’m told otherwise, or am asked to stop. The exception is at security or immigration, where I don’t mess around.
Misunderstandings & power trips do happen
I think it’s worth emphasizing that even if you’re following the rules, you could still run into issues sometimes when taking pictures. Some airline or airport employees may not know or understand the rules, may be exercising a little too much discretion, or may be on a power trip. All are possible.
For example, in 2018 I wrote about a bizarre Lufthansa flight, where a purser accused me of video recording the crew. She was aggressive about it and even stopped the safety demonstration to confront me. There was only one issue — I wasn’t doing what she was claiming, and I even proved it to her. It was super awkward.
In both Central Asia and Africa, I also seem to have the most issues with inconsistency regarding photo rules. For example, I took two flights in TAAG Angola first class. On the first flight, they had no issues with me taking pictures, and found my interest in the product charming. On the second flight, it was the complete opposite, and the crew was openly hostile and threatening about it.
As another example, when I flew Pakistan International Airlines, the lead flight attendant had no issues with me taking pictures, and we had a nice discussion about it. However, another flight attendant screamed at me to stop taking pictures, but was ultimately overruled. So it shows you the inconsistency with all this.
I think there’s one other important point to acknowledge, as much as I hate to say it. I suspect race, nationality, etc., will also factor into how many issues you’ll have taking pictures. I would imagine that some minorities probably deal with a lot more pushback than others, so that’s at least worth mentioning. This is very much a “your mileage may vary” situation.
My approach to taking pictures at airports & on airplanes
As someone who takes a lot of pictures on airplanes and at airports, let me share my general approach to trying to fly under the radar (no pun intended), and to avoid issues. Perhaps the airplane example is more valuable, since I find the experience to be more consistent.
I don’t volunteer any more information than I have to, and I also try to downplay the reason I’m taking pictures (I don’t want to say “oh, I’m taking pictures because I’m reviewing this flight”).
I think first impressions count, so I’ll always try to be very nice to the flight attendants and smile as I board, so they’re not suspicious in any way. Then I’ll just start taking pictures. In a vast majority of situations, crews don’t even notice, or don’t care.
Sometimes they’ll politely ask about why I’m taking pictures, either to investigate, or just out of curiosity. I usually try to be enthusiastic, and say something like the following:
- “Oh, this is such a beautiful cabin! Is it new?”
- “I’m a huge aviation geek, and this is my first time flying [airline, product, cabin, or whatever]”
- “I just love airplanes, and love to take pictures of my experiences”
I’ll then typically at the end just add “it’s not a problem if I take pictures, right? I’ll make sure that no other people appear in them.” In 99% of situations, that’s the last question I hear regarding pictures.
Lastly, in situations where I do take pictures with people in them (like a “bartender” on the airlines that have that amenity or a flight attendant standing in the aisle), I’ll always ask them beforehand if it’s okay if I take a picture, and emphasize that I want to respect their privacy.
Meanwhile for airports where I’m not sure if photography is allowed (as above, I’m talking mainly about Central Asia airports), it’s pretty easy to still take pictures undercover. iPhones are compact, and you can take pictures in a way where it doesn’t necessarily look like that’s what you’re doing. If you put some AirPods in and talk while taking pictures, it makes it look all the less suspicious.
Worst case scenario, if some security guard with a very big hat comes up to you and demands you delete everything, in my experience they usually haven’t heard of the “recently deleted” folder, so… 😉
Bottom line
I can’t imagine there are many people who take more pictures on airplanes and at airports than I do, so I figured I’d share my experience, since I know some people are unfamiliar with the rules. Ultimately there’s a ton of variability, though usually it’s not a problem to take pictures on airplanes and at airports, as long as you’re doing the best to respect the privacy of others.
What has your experience been with taking pictures on airplanes and at airports? Have you had any bad or strange experiences?
I was visiting friends in Spain and was told there is a law against taking a picture of someone else’s child (not something I would do without parent’s permission) even if it’s like a general photo of a public area. So since I was videoing an area 360* of Madrid’s beautiful squares I had to watch for children and avoid them. Who knew!
I flew a domestic United Airlines flight earlier this year. I was visiting the USA for the first time in decades and wanted to record my experience; I had priority boarding and I walked to the back of the plane, turned around and photographed the (at that point, empty) cabin.
I heard a stern voice behind me. "Excuse me, sir. Photography on board is strictly prohibited."
I turned around to see a grinning...
I flew a domestic United Airlines flight earlier this year. I was visiting the USA for the first time in decades and wanted to record my experience; I had priority boarding and I walked to the back of the plane, turned around and photographed the (at that point, empty) cabin.
I heard a stern voice behind me. "Excuse me, sir. Photography on board is strictly prohibited."
I turned around to see a grinning flight attendant. "Only joking!" she said.
The cabin crew were great on that flight.
I thought an order from cabin crew onboard is no joke.
I have a bomb. "Only joking!" won't end well.
In the US, airports are public property. The Supreme Court and many district courts have repeatedly affirmed the constitutional right to take pictures and videos from a public space is safeguarded by the first amendment. Once you get on the airplane, you’re at the mercy of the airline, you’re now on private property.
At PDX the Port, who owns and operates the airport, takes the position that photography is not permitted in the gate areas which are leased to the airlines but are elsewhere.
As far as I know no one has tested this prohibition in court but means one shouldn't expect that you can take pictures everywhere in an airport without risk. It might take being arrested and prevailing in court, or on appeal, potentially all...
At PDX the Port, who owns and operates the airport, takes the position that photography is not permitted in the gate areas which are leased to the airlines but are elsewhere.
As far as I know no one has tested this prohibition in court but means one shouldn't expect that you can take pictures everywhere in an airport without risk. It might take being arrested and prevailing in court, or on appeal, potentially all the way to the Supreme Court to get an answer. But of course that's really the way it always is.
And no one trip and broke a hip then sue the airline for pain and suffering at PDX yet.
In Europe you have to be mindful of privacy and ensure you don’t include anyone who can easily be recognised . It’s considered an invasion of privacy and a breach of GDPR.
Too many Americans ( and others) are quick to start recording staff when there’s an issue believing they have the right to do so. The don’t.
Then there’s that Josh Cahill clown who does exactly that, and has no hesitation filming...
In Europe you have to be mindful of privacy and ensure you don’t include anyone who can easily be recognised . It’s considered an invasion of privacy and a breach of GDPR.
Too many Americans ( and others) are quick to start recording staff when there’s an issue believing they have the right to do so. The don’t.
Then there’s that Josh Cahill clown who does exactly that, and has no hesitation filming staff and customers without redacting it images. Noel Philips does it too. Walking up to a checkin in filming. Some airlines make announcements not to film on board. If you have a doubt, ask.
Actually you don't know if you have the right until you test by allowing yourself to be arresting and then challenging the validity of the prohibition.
There are a lot of arrests and laws that are deemed unconstitutional and restrictions on taking pictures aren't exempt from the possibility that they might be also.
In the years following 9/11, there were many additional restrictions at US airports. We needed written approvals to take photos from the garage at Logan, for example.
I would also be approached regularly by airport police when I would take photos within the airport. Those restrictions have lifted for the most part.
If this is how someone gets some pleasure in life... have at it.
As long as I am not in the pic - I don't care.
Whatever you do do not take pictures of anybody without prior consent unless you are on the broadway or sth similar. And do not publish them.
Just common courtesy and simply logic. Your plus one thinks you are on a business trip but alas you are not? Bad luck if some influencer just posts your face on social media.
So you do not post pictures of strangers on the internet. It can be expensive for every party involved.
In the United states you generally have a First Amendment right to photograph anything that is in plain view from a public space.
Where is the last picture at? Ashgabat?
Tashkent.
I still remember his train ride with the locals heh :p
There are airports around the world which are actually air force bases with a civilian terminal attached at one end. Obviously, photography there is prohibited. PNQ is one example I am aware of, I am sure there are more.
Spot on. Same for FUO (Foshan) when I last visited in 2011...
Shoot first, ask questions later.
I mean, with your camera. (Yeah, that's the ticket!)
Common sense. Don't take pictures at TSA, customs, or baggage area. On a plane ONLY pics of your fellow travelers. Why do people feel the need to take a picture of a flight attendant or the seatback pocket?
Hotties, George, that's why. /s
Why do Americans say "customs" when they mean "immigration"? So dumb.
They also say ticket counters for check in.
Why do we say “dial a number?” Started out with rotary dial phones.
We “dumb Americans” call them ticket counters because you used to be able to buy tickets there, they today still check your ticket (e-ticket is still a ticket), etc. We say Customs, because Customs is separate from the baggage area. Maybe George did mean Customs. You collect your baggage and them proceed through Customs who may stop you.
Jessica and Icarus....
Why do we say “dial a number?” Started out with rotary dial phones.
We “dumb Americans” call them ticket counters because you used to be able to buy tickets there, they today still check your ticket (e-ticket is still a ticket), etc. We say Customs, because Customs is separate from the baggage area. Maybe George did mean Customs. You collect your baggage and them proceed through Customs who may stop you.
Jessica and Icarus. If you two have dual citizenship, I hope neither passport says USA on it.
No intelligent person would want to have a US passport nowadays . Republicans can’t understand irony and sarcasm, let alone string a coherent sentence together. They can’t even find the US on a map.
I'm not sure why its common sense in the US given that there you generally have a First Amendment right to photograph anything that is in plain view from a public space.
Airplanes are tricky. But there's zero question whatsoever that photography in a U.S. airport is 100% legal and cannot in any way be restricted. The only possible restriction is photography at the Customs and Border Protection checkpoint upon arrival in the United States from an international flight. But even then I think the First Amendment would trump (no pun intended) the department's regulation preventing photography if a case went to the federal courts.
Speaking of our laws, this president, and that court, psh, depending on who's doing it, that could be an extrajudicial renditioning to El Salvador, or a pardon and billions in crypto proceeds as prize. I think we kinda have a problem... lotta messes to clean up once the adults are back in-charge.
@FNT - last year a young Asian woman with an SLR was taking pictures in the queue at LAX Customs Arrivals and two officers there went bat-shit at her! They screamed at her to stop, pulled her out of the line and immediately made her delete the photos from her camera in front of everyone else. Zero tolerance that day for sure.
Sorry DELTA Diamond. You can’t take pictures at TSA Screening either.
I am on leave today, but my day job has involved litigating the right to photograph at federal facilities, particularly border crossings.
At border crossings, photography is generally legal. But photographing CBP officials is not. Nor is photographing/videographing more secure areas - for example, videographing an official activating a cypher lock by punching in a passcode is not permitted.
As for general photographing, there is something a difference between the US and Europe. Germany seems...
I am on leave today, but my day job has involved litigating the right to photograph at federal facilities, particularly border crossings.
At border crossings, photography is generally legal. But photographing CBP officials is not. Nor is photographing/videographing more secure areas - for example, videographing an official activating a cypher lock by punching in a passcode is not permitted.
As for general photographing, there is something a difference between the US and Europe. Germany seems to have a "right of solitude" and one can be prosecuted for photographing individuals, but photographing a crowd remains quite legal. Here in the US, I assume that I check my rights at the door when I leave my house.
"Here in the US, I assume that I check my rights at the door when I leave my house."
Yeah, they aren't even really honoring the whole 'at your house' thing much anymore, depending on what you look like. *waving goodbye to the 3rd, 4th, 9th, and 14th Amendments*
3rd, "No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in...
"Here in the US, I assume that I check my rights at the door when I leave my house."
Yeah, they aren't even really honoring the whole 'at your house' thing much anymore, depending on what you look like. *waving goodbye to the 3rd, 4th, 9th, and 14th Amendments*
3rd, "No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law."
4th, "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures."
9th, "The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people."
14th, The 14th Amendment makes the right to privacy in the home enforceable against state and local governments, not just the federal government.
The US Supreme Court has interpreted these and other amendments (like the First, Third, Fourth, and Fifth) to create a fundamental constitutional right to privacy that includes personal and marital privacy in the home, even though the word "privacy" isn't explicitly written in the Constitution.
Or, ya know, 6-3 decision can void all this and more, on a whim, if they receive 'gratuities' (bribes) or are threatened by Dear Leader. Insane, I know.
Although your specialty is federal facilities I'd be curious to know your reaction to the Port's position that they don't govern and airlines can therefore prohibit photography and videography in the gate areas that are leased to them.
Enforceable?
As I've sent you an email before, taking photos in the U.S. even at security checkpoints are protected by the First Amendment.
I remember in Hong Kong when you had extra security screening on U.S. and Australia bound flights, photos were forbidden even if you were not taking photos of the screening process.
I remember you getting crap from the Pakistan crew for taking photos lol
As I note, above, I have litigated this issue. The ACLU was well represented on the other side. There was a settlement, so no actual adjudication. But the settlement reflected an apparent ACLU concession that the right to photograph at a port of entry (land border station, airport immigration or seaport immigration) is not unfettered. Rather certain functions - like someone punching numbers into a cypher lock - are not permitted under rules published in the CFR.
jfhscott, so, you represented the government (but not this admin) in cases like these, against the ACLU, who wanted a more broader interpretation, like Mike O. prefers?
Well, I will out myself a bit. I am with GSA, which owns most Land Ports of Entry (AKA, customs and border patrol on highways). DOJ did the formal litigating when some people taking photographs got roughed up by CPB. Not a good look, and ACLU represented the claimants who also sought injunctive relief.
ACLU was satisfied (at least satisfied enough to settle) with a settlement which identified limited areas photography cannot take place and...
Well, I will out myself a bit. I am with GSA, which owns most Land Ports of Entry (AKA, customs and border patrol on highways). DOJ did the formal litigating when some people taking photographs got roughed up by CPB. Not a good look, and ACLU represented the claimants who also sought injunctive relief.
ACLU was satisfied (at least satisfied enough to settle) with a settlement which identified limited areas photography cannot take place and time place and manner type restrictions (e.g., you cannot set up a ladder to take pictures which is either unsafe or interferes with the flow of pedestrian traffic). To some extent the government wanted broader rights to limit photography, and ACLU sought for broader rights. But it settled and guidance has issued to CBP. But I think all the attorneys got what the broad contours of the law were, hence the ability to settle.
Oh, all of this happened during 45. Settlement discussions in San Diego were my last trip prior to the world shutting down.
I've recently flow 2 long haul flights with KLM.
They always announce that picture taking should be informed to a cabin crew first.
You're right. KLM is explicit about that. Other airlines do not say so much. I recall mainland Chinese airlines sometimes demand all windows be closed when flying over certain airports, etc. And, Japanese airlines (ANA, JAL) include a segment of their safety videos advising against taking photos while evacuating.
Hope you were in Business Class and got your delft blue houses!
Airfrance is also explicit about the (common sense) fact that you are not allowed to record or take picture of the crew or other passengers.
In France is prohibited by law. The right to your image.
I have a very memorable picture from 2006 of a brand new TAAG 777 in Luanda half obscured by the hand of a security guard trying to block me from photographing it.
What did Leo's character say in Blood Diamond, "T.I.A." Hmm. That must've been an Angola-thing, because, security don't seem to mind much in S.A. Have flown jump seat with Airlink while over (let's call them 'less strict') countries airspace.