No more photographs?

[Self Loading Freight]

See

http://blogs.sun.com/roller/page/simons?entry=aerial_photography_considered_harmful

on which the blogger says:

"Aerial Photography Considered Harmful

On my recent trip back from India on British Airways, I was inspired by Julieanne Kost's recent book, Window Seat (not to be confused with another book of the same title by Dicum) to snap some landscape photos at 35000 feet. I think we were over Iran at the time. After taking several shots, imagine my surprise when one of the BA attendants closed the window shade and informed me that it was against British Airways policy for passengers to take such photos for security reasons. I thought she was kidding, but the head attendant confirmed what I had been told. And that it had nothing to do with where we were flying. "

Is this true? Is it just BA? When did this happen?

And, for heaven's sake, WHY?

R

[Pax Vobiscum]

Numerous countries formally prohibit aerial photography - Spain is (or was up to a year or so ago) an example and BA flights there always (used to) make an announcement to that effect. I don't know if Iran comes into this category, but I wouldn't be surprised.

Such prohibitions may have made sense 50 years ago, but the invention of the reconnaissance satellite (and Google Earth:ok:) render them asinine. I often take snaps from BA flights (Greenland is a favourite) and have never had a problem.

[wiggy]

In "Crew Orders" there did indeed used to be a long list of countries , or areas thereof ( e.g. parts of Canada) where air to ground photography was forbidden..however that list has now gone and I suspect the attendant was either out of date or being over zealous in his/her interpretation of current regulations...just a thought, I wonder if the blogger was the only one with the blinds open in a otherwise darkened cabin :bored:

[the_fish@blueyonder.]

I often take pictures out of the window, epesicially if I'm flying over something particulary interesting or outstanding. I've never been told otherwise, nor heard anyone else or any announcements to suggest otherwise either. I'm not saying such announcements were not made, or
are not made, maybe I just haven't flown over the right places. :}

[derekl]

Ahh, "security reasons", the best catch-all since "health 'n' safety".

In those happy days when I could join my pilot pals on the FD, I took many pictures from there, on occasion with their assistance. I've taken hundreds of airborne pics over the last 30 years and I've never heard of such a restriction.

[StarWinder]

I always love flying in and out of India on EK, who have forward and downward cameras, and hearing the cabin crew reminding pax that photography at Indian airports and over Indian territory is verboten :ugh:

[Self Loading Freight]

Hm. I'll pop over to the Cabin Crew forum and ask there - it does seem as if it was that oh-so-rare incident, 'rules' being made up on the spot or incorrectly remembered by someone with whom one Must Not Argue.

I sometimes fantasise about carrying a little notebook around with me to write such things down as they happen to me (as one did earlier this year, where I was effectively threatened with arrest for photography on a main street in the USA), and where the unarguable one can be asked to append their name, rank and signature.

It would be confiscated in seconds, of course.

R

[725308]

Why are photographs also banned or 'prohibited' from being taken in baggage reclaim/passport hall areas when arriving at BAA airports?

[flybywire]

Hm. I'll pop over to the Cabin Crew forum and ask there - it does seem as if it was that oh-so-rare incident, 'rules' being made up on the spot or incorrectly remembered by someone with whom one Must Not Argue.
I sometimes fantasise about carrying a little notebook around with me to write such things down as they happen to me (as one did earlier this year, where I was effectively threatened with arrest for photography on a main street in the USA), and where the unarguable one can be asked to append their name, rank and signature.
It would be confiscated in seconds, of course.
R

Hi SLF!!! I just wanted to say that I have indeed replied to your post in the cabin crew forum with the current BA procedure. I have been keeping an eye on the development after the security level was raised two weeks ago and we changed lots of things, but nothing regarding filming/taking photos.

I hope it will be of any help!
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=240259

[Getoutofmygalley]

Why are photographs also banned or 'prohibited' from being taken in baggage reclaim/passport hall areas when arriving at BAA airports?

Security reasons :}

[Globaliser]

Why are photographs also banned or 'prohibited' from being taken in baggage reclaim/passport hall areas when arriving at BAA airports?It's not just BAA airports; it's very common around the world. I think it's intended to stop people photographing the precise immigration and customs setups to examine at their leisure for weaknesses.