are you allowed to take pics on a plane?

[myhappyplace]

I am taking my brother on his first wdw trip and it will also be his first flight. Am I allowed to take a picture of him in his seat, or is this a big security no-no?
I was in JFK airport in November and there were birds on branches inside the airport. I can't explain, but a man was taking pictures of these birds perched on branches and an airport employee told him he wasn't allowed to take pictures in an airport. Oops...I have taken them in the airport, but if its true, then probably not allowed on the actual plane either, huh?
Does anyone know the official rules of photography in both airports and planes? Thanks!

 

[mousermerf]

You can't take photos around security checkpoints, but otherwise it should be okay.

On the plane itself shouldn't be a problem (once they say you can use electronic devices) unless you're using the flash and blinding other passengers. I took photos out my window on my trips to DL of various interesting look landscapes, including a few snaps of big craters and the grand canyon.

 

[mkt]

It is allowed, but a flight crew member (or air marshal) could decide that it's not and make your life a living hell. I'd avoid it.

As for JFK, it's a public building... it's allowed, no matter what the fearmongers at the PAPD, TSA, and the FAA have to say... and no matter what law they pass- it's allowed, the laws are unconstitutional.

But don't press it or you'd likely find your way on the no-fly list as retaliation.

 

[Hrudey3032]

My brother used his digital camera on our last flight into Orlando out the window as the view at nice was pretty cool.

 

[mousermerf]

It is allowed, but a flight crew member (or air marshal) could decide that it's not and make your life a living hell. I'd avoid it.

Or just be generally non-invasive with it and totally compliant if they decide to throw their weight?

Sometimes to get what you want you have to let others think they're in charge.

 

[mkt]

Or just be generally non-invasive with it and totally compliant if they decide to throw their weight?

Sometimes to get what you want you have to let others think they're in charge.

bingo, otherwise they can have police waiting for you with the catch-all "interfering with a flight crew" BS charge.

9/11 did change everything, for the worse. The US constitution no longer exists.

 

[happymom52003]

We've taken pics of our kids on each flight to Disney we've had. We just do not go over board....a couple of quick shots of the kids buckled in their seats with big smiles for the scrapbook. No big deal.

 

[myhappyplace]

wow...quick responses, thanks!

 

[WDW Monorail]

I have done it before. Only thing is that the plane was still at the gate in MIA.

My mother has had the opportunity to fly in and take pictures of the cockpit of an A-340 over the Atlantic. However, this was pre-9/11. I don't think anyone is allowed in there anymore even though I have had the opportunity to do so in the recent past.

 

[mouselvrmom]

I always take pictures on the plane and have never had any issues with it. No passengers have complained and the flight crew I'm sure didn't even notice.

 

[Victoria]

Just make sure you don't take pictures of the actual plane itself. For some reason that is prohibited. On a trip this summer I had a TSA reprimand me for taking pictures of the plane I was going on from inside the airport. He stood there and demanded I delete the picture. I have no idea what even possessed me to take a pic (I have been on tons of planes :shrug but I now know that this makes TSA's pretty cranky.

It was a ridiculous situation and if it weren't for the fear of ending up on a no-fly list, I would have argued with him about my rights. I wasn't worth it though...I hate road trips.

 

[Timmay]

Or, instead of listening to all of the "constitution experts" in here, why don't you just ask the lead flight attendant if it is okay to do what you want to do and explain why.

The plane is private property, and if they don't want you taking pictures on their property...don't.

 

[mkt]

Well Timmay, without that constitution, our country is worth nothing

But I will agree about the plane being private property- the airport however, typically isn't.

 

[Timmay]

Well Timmay, without that constitution, our country is worth nothing

Throw in laws along with the constitution, and you are 100% correct.

Man, I would kill to sit and have a few beers with you and debate things.

 

[mkt]

Throw in laws along with the constitution, and you are 100% correct.

Man, I would kill to sit and have a few beers with you and debate things.

It wouldn't be a debate. I see nothing wrong with authority and laws. I see plenty wrong with flagrant violations of rights, making up rules on the spot, and lack of accountability. I see more wrong when this happens in public places/buildings.... see TSA for more information

I'm certain that on principle you would agree with me.

 

[EPCOT.nut]

I took pictures of the plane we were on as we walked up to it on the tarmac and we took silly pictures of each other during the flight and no one blinked an eye. Of course we took the obligatory pics out of the window, too. This was on 4 different planes on the same trip to Vegas. Guess it just depends on the day and the airline - we flew Delta.

I say just go for it and if you are asked not to then you will have the choice to compy or face whatever consequences there are!

 

[Bonnet]

They'd probably allow it if it isn't a nuisance, so no flash and what not. If they didn't, it's not that big of a deal, you could probably get away with it if they're not looking!