My buddy Jeremy, who I met years ago, I believe on an Air New Zealand delivery flight for their new 777-300, is a popular and talented aviation photographer. He recently tweeted something concerning, a risk which all travelers should know about.
“Honest question: can a crew member physically prevent me from getting off of the airplane until I showed them the contents of my phone (they wanted to see the last 3 photos) to verify that I did not take a photo that contained them in it.”
Honest question: can a crew member physically prevent me from getting off of the airplane until I showed them the contents of my phone (they wanted to see the last 3 photos) to verify that I did not take a photo that contained them in it. pic.twitter.com/d6m42a8ck4
— JDL (@photoJDL) October 28, 2022
The incident happened on October 28 on an American Airlines flight (AA 5510) operated by PSA between Charlotte and Asheville. Jeremy was tweeting back and forth with other avgeeks and included some disturbing details.
Jeremy writes: “I was off the plane and the FA had the captain prevent me from going further down the jetbridge and then brought me *back* onto the plane and took the phone out of my hands.”
“I had stepped into the jetbridge and the FA had what I think was the pilot or FO block me from going further. Then they brought me back on the plane and the FA demanded I open my phone and show them the last several photos and then took the phone out of my hands to inspect them.”
VIDEO: Drunk Passenger on American Airlines Throws Up on First-Class Seatmates
Jeremy is a smart man who understands airline policies. He went on to tweet: “I get that they may have a policy about not photographing staff without their permission. I get that and support that. Does suspecting a passenger violated that enable them to functionally detain someone and search a personal device?”
I’ve sent Jeremy a message asking for more information about what happened but he’s definitely not the first nor the last passenger to whom this has happened, which is the point of this article.
As Zach Honig, a very popular aviation blogger, who used to work for The Points Guy, wrote: “This is incredibly upsetting to hear. I can’t believe they thought for a moment that it’s acceptable to force you back onto the plane and demand to see your phone. Sorry this happened to you ?”
Zach has firsthand experience with this as he wrote a post in 2015 titled: “When Photography Gets You in Trouble at 35,000 Feet.”
Zach was on another American Airlines flight, a widebody to London with his girlfriend. “The purser was accusing her of taking pictures on the plane, which, apparently is forbidden. Except that it’s not — well, not exactly. The thing is, Sarah didn’t even have a camera — I was the one taking pictures. The purser went so far as to say “this could be trouble for the both of you,” which carried some pretty serious implications, especially given the current state of commercial air travel.”
Zach contacted American Airlines PR and they confirmed the policy to him with this statement: “American allows photography and video recording for personal use. For many customers, taking photos and sharing them on social networks has become part of their travel experience. When photographs and video are used for professional purposes, we do our best to notify flight crews so they are aware and prepared to offer some additional latitude with journalists and bloggers.”
Another AvGeek, Charles Ryan Teo, replied to Jeremy’s thread stating: “I had crew insisting on me deleting the photos but that was during the flight. I was on Transasia. No issue with other crew on this flight, only with this particular one. I was just taking photos of the cabin and nothing else.”
VIDEO: Shocking Video Shows Passenger Punch American Airlines Flight Attendant in Back of Head
@dubshn1028 from Ireland chimed in with: “It happens a lot of some European airlines where a warning is given not to photo crew or pax but they can photograph the outside of the plane I know some of the bloggers get away with it.”
Personally, I have also had a similar experience in 2006 while flying Newark to Porto, Portugal on TAP. I was on a government/airline-funded press trip and was shocked that within a minute of boarding the aircraft, I was scolded. I wrote on my blog: “I got off to a bad start with the flight attendant, because when I first sat down I took a picture. He came over and said, “no pictures allowed on the plane.” I thought he was joking, but he wasn’t. Have you ever heard of such a stupid thing? I reverted to sneaking pictures (not using a flash) so I could share my experiences with you.”
I can understand about not wanting me to take photos of the flight attendants and other passengers, which I almost never do without asking for their permission but not being able to take photos of the seat, the food and myself is ridiculous.
I did take a big chance, continuing to take pictures, which I wouldn’t do today. It was dumb, especially on a foreign airline as I could have ended up in jail. My advice includes a few basic and simple things:
1. Don’t take photos of the crew or other passengers without their permission.
2. If asked not to take photos, stop.
3. If asked to delete your photos, it’s best to comply or risk being banned from the airline, losing your status/miles or worse, being arrested (depending on the country).
Have you ever been yelled at or physically detained because you took photos on a plane? If yes, please share the details (airline, year, what happened) in the comments section.
KEEP READING:
- How to Save Money With a Secret Third Carry-On
- How to Use Your Wireless Headphones to Watch In-Flight Movies
- 10 Airport Security Hacks Every Traveler Should Know
- How to Get the Best Coach Seat on the Plane
- The Sleep Hack Every Traveler Needs to Know
- Never Get Your Valuables Stolen on the Beach
Wow! People are so angry!
A few years ago on Southwest Airlines I took a picture that I was going to text to the person picking me up at the other end of the flight so they knew we were finally taking off as the plane was late. Yes, the flight attendant was in the picture but otherwise was the back of the seats. In front of all the passengers she confronted me basically yelling and threatening me. I complied deleting the picture. I started flying less on Southwest and now is not an airline I choose because of that incident. Until I saw this article I really didn’t know this was such an airline policy even though I fly several times a year. I thought the particular flight attendant had a personal problem with it. She could have discreetly asked me to delete the picture but chose to make a big issue in front of everyone.
Do you ever stop to think that perhaps there is a very legitimate reason a person would not want their picture posted (location obvious)? You have obviously never had a stalker. It’s scary and very dangerous.
If they grabbed him to escort him back into the Plane, That is Assault! By Preventing him from leaving is Unlawful Detainment (Possible Kidnapping?) By taking his Phone is Theft of Property!! All kinds of 1st & 4th Amendment violations here,He needs to file a Police Report, contact a Lawyer!!
Don’t give people thaw latitude to suspect you of any suspicious behavior with your phone on board an aircraft. Turn it off, stow it away, read a good book. What were you doing with your “picture taking” that gave them suspicion to detain you. They’ve invited you into their home…misbehave and you may not be invited back. Get a grip and don’t be so SELF-ENTITLED! Oh , I’m soooo sorry, I forgot…IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU!! Buh-Bye!!!
Lexi, you have no business going through anyone’s phone but yours (or those of your biological minor children).
I would not have stopped going up the jetway and kept on my merry way. Sounds like the crew were on a power trip- which happens all too often. Pilots and FA’s love to act like they are God’s gifts to the airline- as if the company could function without any other work group but them.
Most of them are liars and cheats, always wanting more for doing less, and always playing the victim card as being abused by the company. Not that management are angels.
The only people I am required to hand my phone over to are relevant LEO’s and Customs & Immigration officers. Certainly not any airline employee. When I worked in the terminals and later on the ramp I always had a camera in hand to snap quick photos (US). A lot of workers do. What’s the difference between that and a passenger documenting their travels? None.
Back in 2008 when a little flight attendant’s ego got in her way, I decided I would never fly American Airlines again, and I never have. This story is another reason to show why I will not fly AA ever again.
Yes they can. A plane is not a public place. It is private property so they get to set the rules. You are paying for the “privilege” to use the plane. So you can be offended all you want, but it ends poorly if you try to fight. Getting added to the no fly list is more than a hassle.
Wow, excusing this kind of behavior by airline staff with profane language Anita on public comments is not acceptable. Are you sure you aren’t referring to yourself? Anyway, stories like this one are why I haven’t flown in years. Airline staff believe that it’s ok to abuse passengers so this comes as no surprise that they also don’t respect your private property.
Most of you clearly don’t read the informational packets in your back seat pocket where it states that there is no recording or taking pictures inside of the aircraft and of the crew. Do you think that we want to become a meme or shared on your social media pages? Flying is a privilege, not a right. And flight attendants can ask you to delete the photos and go into the phones trash and delete them from there too. I have done so multiple times.
From what I understand it is illegal for you to take pictures/video without their consent. When I worked at the airport we were told for security reasons Noone is allowed to take pictures in or around the airport often had to stop them from doing that.
We are living in a very rude invasive
society now. It is unacceptable to take pictures of people without their
permission. 90% of people are now
narcissistic assholes who have no manners and a sense of decency.
I have no sympathy for the photographer.
Oh boo hoo, hoo. GO cry to your mommy.
Grow up and move on.