Why taking pictures on a flight could get you kicked off a plane
US airlines in particular have written policies on filming and photography on planes
SNAPPING a couple of pictures while you relax onboard a flight is common practice - how else will your Instagram followers know you're going on holiday?
But taking a picture could end your holiday before it even begins.
Some airlines have policies about filming other passengers, which could result in you getting thrown off your flight.
Frequent flyer and blogger was famously kicked off a United Airlines flight in 2013 after taking photos of his seat.
: "We have spoken with Mr. Klint about his experience.
"Separately, we welcome customers to record their personal experiences on board provided they don't take photos or videos of customers and crew members without their consent.
"This is both a security and service measure we take that also respects the privacy of other customers. United's policy was implemented in 2010."
The photo policies are mainly found on American airlines - but Brits may be affected too.
Airlines including American Airlines, Delta, and United - which all fly to the UK - have policies on filming and photography on board.
The specific policies aren't always well publicised, with some only appearing in the back pages of in-flight magazines.
In most cases, the airlines allow passengers to film and take photos for personal reasons, like holiday snaps of your family - but some go a step further.
What's more, what happens when you breach these policies is generally at the discretion of the flight attendant.
United Airlines
United Airlines flies directly to the UK from several US destinations.
In its in-flight magazine, the airline said: "The use of small cameras or mobile devices for photography and video is permitted on board, provided that the purpose is capturing personal events.
"Any photographing or recording of other customers or airline personnel that creates a safety or security risk, or that interferes with crew members’ duties, is prohibited."
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American Airlines
American Airlines has a code-share agreement with British Airways so some of its flights are operated by BA and vice versa.
In its in-flight magazine, American Airlines said: "The use of still and video cameras, film or digital, is permitted only for recording of personal events.
"Two-way pagers, radios, TV sets, remote controls, commercial TV cameras, smartphone projectors and personal humidifiers may not be used at any time during a flight.
"Please refrain from using any voice or audio recording or transmission while on an American aircraft.
"Unauthorized photography or video recording of airline personnel, other customers, aircraft equipment or procedures is prohibited."
A spokesperson for British Airways confirmed with Sun Online Travel that BA doesn't have a similar photography policy.
Delta
Delta has a code-share agreement with Virgin Atlantic, which means that occasionally, flights booked through Virgin could in fact be operated by Delta.
In Delta's in-flight magazine, the airline states: "You may use small cameras/mobile devices to take pictures on your flight. Always get consent from other passengers and crew members before including them."
A spokesperson for Virgin Atlantic has confirmed with Sun Online Travel that the carrier doesn't have a film and photography policy in place.
Other airlines in the UK
A spokesperson for Tui confirmed that the company doesn't have a photo and filming policy.
They said: "The safety and wellbeing of everyone on board is our main priority, and we therefore ask all customers to behave responsibly and respectfully when flying with us."
Thomas Cook also doesn't have a formal photo and filming policy.
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