Trip Reports - Photographing F/C Cabin Scenes Including FAs

I'll be doing a bit of F and C class travel mostly on United in the near future, and would like to photograph not only the food presentation, but also perhaps the FAs serving, etc. - just to share with friends. Can I expect to encounter any resistance if I'm pleasant about it?

I suppose it's a completely personal choice. The F/A's are by no means obligated, nor should they feel they are, to allow someone to take their picture. Just ask nicely and explain that it's for a "trip report". You shouldn't get much resistance, if you do just politely say okay and wait for the next opportunity....

This will be interesing.... Im not sure I would dare ask some of the UA FA's... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

I agree.
Some of those United matrons can be downright menacing.
All kidding aside, you might actually download and print a couple of sample reports from this site and take them with you. I would especially print up a couple of the Photo reports. You can click and drag the photos over to the report you create before you print it.

Good luck ~

I doubt you will have a problem. I've taken photos on planes and at airports. Generally I snap cabin overviews and seat shots, but you could take photos of the food if you wanted. These non-obtrusive photos are much better than actually taking photos of the FA's, since you don't have to worry about what the FA's think. If anything they'll be refreshed by someone who isn't jaded to the traveling experience, or they'll just think you're weird...either way, it doesn't matter! If you want to take photos of them, just ask.

I don't think taking photos is that uncommon. I think a lot of "first-timers" do it. Even though you aren't a 1st timer, who cares!

Thanks. I figured folks might be a little more edgy these days, or some anti-photo policy put in place, but hearing no objection I'll dive right in and go for it.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Hey Explore. I like the pics taking deal, just be careful. I was spanked in Frankfurt, Germany when I was photographing the ELAL 757 at the gate, guess that was a no-no. They have police and security all around the plane, thought it was cool. Before long, I was being followed and watched closely, drove me crazy til I flew out of there that day(it was airside). FYI, they leave from a special gate and is closely watched, etc. Next time, look, smile, and get out of there! :=)))

In the case of European Airports, they have become very edgy with pics, if in doubt, check out the British plane spotters who were arrested in Greece, as the Greek people just can't understand the idea of watching planes for the fun of it, a past time in many other places. NEVER TAKE PICS OF AN AIRPORT IN A MUSLIM COUNTRY, BIG TIME NO-NO!!! fyi :=))) Why we photograph their planes when they come to the West.

As for inflight, my advice would be more in regard to everyone, not just the (stews :=))) ), is that you should respect everyone's privacy. There are those who DO NOT want their pic taken and they will feel uncomfortable when they see you put that camera up, both crew and pax. I have looked at my pics later at home and saw people, (cringe), who didn't want their pic taken. Long story here. Yes, many crews are very edgy. During the Gulf War we took a short flight on Pan Am and they said no pics. I am getting that feeling now. Also, you need to realize that cameras bring alot of unwanted and unneeded attention, at a time when you don't want to be profiled or hassled, etc...

Just be respectful to their privacy. Maybe take some shots when the cabin is empty, and don't photograph customs or security areas, including anything with ELAL, as I promise they will get you. The Britts even have a no pics sign in their customs halls, and take my word for it, they mean it! A good airport for pics of planes is Zurich Airport, incredible outside observation deck, one of the best in the world.

Good luck.

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MD
AA PLT,1 MLN Miles+
Hilton Gold
Sheraton Gold

Thanks, worldtraveler, for the thoughtful reply.

I was thinking more of inflight shots, but the advice on airports is good too, especially in re El Al! Last time I was at LHR, the open-air obsy deck on the Queen's Building was still functional, though views are somewhat obscured by piers, distance from runways, etc. LHR views from Bath Road are pretty good, esp. from the Heathrow Visitors Centre. Probably more foreign airlines here than anywhere else.

"LHR views from Bath Road are pretty good, esp. from the Heathrow Visitors Centre. Probably more foreign airlines here than anywhere else. "

Hey Explore. Do what I do and stay at the LHR Rennaissance Hotel, the rooms are small and it is old, but facing the Airport, you have the most incredible view of the runway and T 1, love it! I will be staying there at the end of January, yeah! FYI, and I didn't even know this til recently when I went for a walk, it is very close to the BAA Heathrow Centre, which is cool by itself, similar view. It is fun to wake up at 5am to all the early morning flights arriving from every corner of the world. The best part is when Concorde takes off, it shakes the entire building, http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif. Enjoy.


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MD
AA PLT,1 MLN Miles+
Hilton Gold
Sheraton Gold

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Worldtraveler36:
NEVER TAKE PICS OF AN AIRPORT IN A MUSLIM COUNTRY, BIG TIME NO-NO!!! fyi :=))) </font>


I wouldn't go that far.... MALAYSIA and INDONESIA are perfectly fine... I think you might mean places in the Middle East. And some other airports which share army facilities. Like Taipei, and Seoul.

worldtraveler, great tip on the LHR Renaissance Hotel. Also, what is the hotel at LAX with the best runway view? (I think it's been through several rebrandings.)

As for airport photo prohibitions, it's supposed not to be allowed in Kenya or Tanzania, but I got away with brazen outdoor airfield pictures at Kilimanjaro and Pemba (North Zanzibar) airports. At Nairobi, I made the possible mistake of asking and was told "no".

Regarding taking pictures in the customs and immigration areas, this is prohibited in just about every country I've been to. Even in the US, which prior to 9/11 tended not to have a lot of police-state-mentality rules about photography "near airports" or "near military facilites," photography in the customs and immigration areas was prohibited. Also, using a mobile phone is prohibited in the US within the customs/immigration areas. There are no payphones in this area, unlike many airports in other countries, and someone will often approach you if you're using your own mobile phone and tell you to stop.

Gentlemen, love it! I would love to hear more comments about this info, if you don't mind. I love Airports. In fact, is there an airport section on here? I would probably live there http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif.

Ok, as for Malaysia and Indonesia, been to both. Granted, they are not as bad as the Middle East, but I'd still be careful. Lot's of security at Jakarta, but it was fair.
KL, will give you, and took lot's of pics at Langkawi as they use a stair gate, rare these days. However, I wouldn't push it in these places. Singapore, I felt free to take as I please and HK I think is fair, too, as far as the Far East goes. I have heard for the Middle East and more so Saudi Arabia, no pics, no exceptions. It sounds the same for Israel, as Ben Gurion is probably one of the most secure airports in the world and they are not in the mood to play around.

"worldtraveler, great tip on the LHR Renaissance Hotel. Also, what is the hotel at LAX with the best runway view? (I think it's been through several rebrandings.) "

Hmmmmmm I have stayed at a few and visited some. I love the Shearaton LAX, even though the views suck! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif. The Embassy Suites-South LAX (vs. North, which has no views at all) has a good view of the runway and airport, stayed there long ago and have visited recently, but you'd have to have the top floor. While I have not been up to the rooms, the Westin at LAX would have a good view of the South runway and the newly remodeled Radisson(careful, there are 2, one is further away in Westchester), which is at the entrance of the airport, would also have a good view, just be careful to pick the right one. Hope this helps.

If you are at Paris CDG, the Hilton(which is so darn expensive, I think I have given up on it http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif ) has a nice view. Nothing beats the Sheraton at the Toronto Airport(Canada), the hotel is very nice and you have a perfect view of everything at Terminal 3, the runway(one of them anyway), and some of Terminal 1.

I want to hear more about photo restrictions, please... I will owe you one
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif. Take care, Michael

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MD
AA PLT,1 MLN Miles+
Hilton Gold
Sheraton Gold

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">In fact, is there an airport section on here?</font>

Hi, Worldtraveler36. A belated welcome to FlyerTalk! There is an airports board here at FT:

http://www.flyertalk.com/airportsfr_bc.shtml

I'm not a frequent visitor there, so I can't comment much on the content.

I think you've already checked out tfung's excellent site (http://www.fung.net/Flights/Flights.htm) for his trip reports? His trip reports are the ones that got me really hooked!

[Edit] (for tfung's site) login: ft password: flyertalk

[This message has been edited by blairvanhorn (edited 01-09-2002).]

Blairvanhorn, thank you!

Much appreciated. I have never seen the airports site. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif There goes any remaining free time I have as I will be living there
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif. Oh, to be a computer geek LOL

Thanks for the link and also thanks for the welcome, you are the first to welcome me here. Take care, Michael

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MD
AA PLT,1 MLN Miles+
Hilton Gold
Sheraton Gold

That's one of the few perks to staying the LHR Renaissance, being able to watch the aircraft. They also put the arrival/departure info on the TV in the room. Our companies office is across the street and I generally don't notice the aircraft taking off, except for the Concorde!

About taking pictures in the cabin. If you are going to do it, respect the other passengers and do it soon after takeoff and get it over with. I was on an ATL-LGW flight in the back of a 777 last year with some young (college-age) travelers near the middle of the cabin. They spent the whole darned flight snapping pix with two different digital cameras. The flash about drove me crazy. You ever been asleep on an airplane and woken up by what you thought was lightning flashes? And they turn out to be camera flashes? It's both unnerving and obnoxious, especially when it continues for most of the flight.

On my BA flight from ORD-LHR on Saturday the Purser made a made who was video taping the cabin, stop and erase his recording.

"On my BA flight from ORD-LHR on Saturday the Purser made a made who was video taping the cabin, stop and erase his recording. "

OUCH!!! care to expand !? please... Are we turning into Aeroflot???


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MD
AA PLT,1 MLN Miles+
Hilton Gold
Sheraton Gold

This may be a reflection of post-9/11 trauma. The British, efficient as ever, are out in front with a no-nonsense response. Also note the UK Government's requirement that ALL eating implements - not just knives - be plastic.

Or it could be the purser took the law into his/her own hands!

[This message has been edited by Explore (edited 01-16-2002).]

SQ still uses real knives on all flights other than US/UK or Australian runs!

I was a little kid when I went to the Queens Building observation deck at Heathrow about 1960 and I still remember an El Al Bristol Brittania whizzing by us. It was so close I still remember!!A beautiful sight.

If you take a picture of an FA, and they question why, just tell 'em: 'evidence'

Bretteee, thanks for the memory! A great word image.