British Airways has updated its conditions of carriage to prohibit passengers from filming, photographing, or live streaming cabin crew without their consent. The flag carrier says the move is intended to protect its staff from unwanted recording.
Under the new rules, if the airline reasonably believes a passenger has filmed, live streamed, or photographed crew or other colleagues without consent, it may take measures to prevent the behaviour. This could include removing the passenger from the flight or banning them from future travel.
When the aircraft lands, the airline may decide to make passengers leave the aircraft, refuse carriage for the rest of the journey, or report the incident to the relevant authorities for criminal prosecution. The rules are expected to cover devices such as Meta glasses and GoPros.
Most carriers generally allow photography as long as passengers respect the privacy of fellow travellers, but rules can vary on a flight-by-flight basis. According to the UK Civil Aviation Authority, if filming or photography does not endanger cabin safety, it is up to the cabin crew and captain to decide the rules.
British Airways recently became the first British airline to roll out Elon Musk’s Starlink internet system, with a maiden journey on a Boeing 787-8 from London Heathrow to Houston. The airline stated that this system will enable passengers to access fast, reliable internet for streaming, working, and staying connected during flights.
