“Passengers are not permitted to take pictures during this flight without prior permission from the airline," cabin crew announced on a recent Kenya Airways flight to Nairobi.
Travellers shared similar looks of confusion that the window seat shot of clouds or snap of the in-flight meal tray had been thwarted before take off.
Although it’s not illegal, some airlines have introduced their own restrictions on taking photos to protect passenger privacy or stop viral moments from being shared on social media.
But, as passengers film everything from full “get ready with me” videos to in-air passenger brawls, what are the rules on in-flight photography?
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Can I take pictures on flights?
According to the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), if filming or photography “does not endanger the safety of the cabin in any way”, it is up to the cabin crew and captain to decide the rules.
Each airline will have a different photography policy, but most carriers generally say that taking pictures is fine so long as you respect the privacy of your fellow passengers. However, rules can change on a flight-by-flight basis.
Some carriers in Central Asia, including Uzbekistan Airways and Turkmenistan Airlines, have been known to enforce strict camera restrictions on flights, with photography and filming banned in the cabin. Check with cabin crew before boarding if you’re planning to film on an aircraft.
Ryanair’s conditions of carriage state that recording or photographing personnel at the airport or onboard the plane without consent is “strictly prohibited”.
The Irish airline note that, “only recordings or photographs personal to you may be permitted”.
EasyJet state similar, welcoming photography “so long as it doesn’t disturb other people” or feature customers “without their consent”.
In 2023, Australian airline Qantas updated its conditions of carriage to prohibit passenger photography of staff or other travellers without their prior consent. The airline said: “Seek consent before filming or photographing Qantas Group staff, contractors or other customers.” Personal photography is generally allowed to be shared, provided no other people feature in the shots.
German flag carrier Lufthansa state: “The taking of photographs and filming on board is only permitted if the rights of the people photographed – in particular their privacy rights – can be safeguarded and ensured. In the event of a violation, taking photographs and filming on board may be prohibited by the crew at any time.”
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