Can I Take Pictures Of TSA Employees?
Apr 24, 2008, 9:58 pm
#16
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Somewhere between DEN & ...
Programs: UA Global Services; UA/1K (since 1991); Marriott Platinum; Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 174
I took photos, they tried to confiscate my camera phone. I won.
In San Juan, PR, I took photos on both sides of the screening area - of employees goofing off. I only took photos from the PAX side of the screening process (i.e. no photos of the computer screens, etc). After gathering my belongings and snapping one more photo on my camera phone, I was stopped by a screener and asked if I was taking photos. I said yes and the fun began.
First, the supervisor demanded to see the photos, I refused. Second, she demanded I delete them, which I refused. Third, she demanded to have my phone, which I refused. She then said she was calling a LEO and the FSD and I said, fine, keeping my phone securely in my hand. While waiting for the LEO and FSD she demanded my boarding pass. I refused.
FSD shows up. Asks what's going on. I explain I took photos of the screening area and his employees goofing off. He asked if I took photos on the other side of the xray, and I told him no (I couldn't have gotten over there anyway). He gave me his card, I gave him mine. I went to my gate.
End of story. I can only imagine how ticked off that supervisor was - she lost big time.
First, the supervisor demanded to see the photos, I refused. Second, she demanded I delete them, which I refused. Third, she demanded to have my phone, which I refused. She then said she was calling a LEO and the FSD and I said, fine, keeping my phone securely in my hand. While waiting for the LEO and FSD she demanded my boarding pass. I refused.
FSD shows up. Asks what's going on. I explain I took photos of the screening area and his employees goofing off. He asked if I took photos on the other side of the xray, and I told him no (I couldn't have gotten over there anyway). He gave me his card, I gave him mine. I went to my gate.
End of story. I can only imagine how ticked off that supervisor was - she lost big time.
Apr 25, 2008, 11:25 am
#18
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Somewhere between DEN & ...
Programs: UA Global Services; UA/1K (since 1991); Marriott Platinum; Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 174
Apr 25, 2008, 3:44 pm
#20
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,004
Apr 25, 2008, 7:12 pm
#21
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: MSN
Programs: Delta Silver Elite, HiltonHonors Diamond, Priority Club Platinum Royal Ambassador
Posts: 259
At JFK last month, I saw a family getting hassled by a security person for trying to take photos of the plane from which we just disembarked. It was a NW flight from MSP and we pulled into one of the gates that has the glass walkway down to the jetbridge, so it was a good vantage point from which to take photos. I think they got one off before the security person shoo-ed them away saying "no pictures, no pictures". Crazy times. 
D
Apr 26, 2008, 8:16 am
#22
Moderator: Smoking Lounge; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: SFO
Programs: Lifetime (for now) Gold MM, HH Gold, Giving Tootsie Pops to UA employees, & a retired hockey goalie
Posts: 28,878
how about this....
if the tsa posts pictures and videos of their employees on the tsa website (which is a public website), then i should be allowed i take pictures of them myself? n'est pas?
if the tsa posts pictures and videos of their employees on the tsa website (which is a public website), then i should be allowed i take pictures of them myself? n'est pas?
Apr 26, 2008, 9:13 am
#23
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
If you use the images for commercial purposes (ie sell them as stock photos) you most likely need model releases from the pictured parties.
Apr 26, 2008, 9:21 am
#24
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: CLT
Posts: 7,249
My secret to taking pictures of stuff: always travel in a group or with atleast 1 other person. Have the group stand infront of what you want to take a picture of, but not actually in the way. Take picture. Looks much less obvious than just taking the picture.
Apr 8, 2009, 10:35 am
#25
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: USA
Posts: 1,439
cross-reference related post
see also: PV Alert: Can I Take Photos at the Checkpoint and Airport? (in particular, see post #7, my survey of photography and video recording policies at 50 U.S. airports)
Apr 8, 2009, 11:37 am
#26
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Florida
Posts: 3,006
I don't have time to look up the relevant case rulings but the common areas of an airport act as public property even if privately owned. Look for the ruling that allows religious and other organizations the right to be at the airport and approach the passengers.
Because of this ruling you are allowed to take photographs of anything in view from that public space. (First Amendment protection)
Because of this ruling you are allowed to take photographs of anything in view from that public space. (First Amendment protection)
Apr 9, 2009, 10:41 pm
#28
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 47
I recently was 'shooed away' while watching the checked baggage screeners. No pictures attempted.
I was curious about these little red stickers they put on some bags after screening.
I think if a bag doesn't have one on it it means "search it later when the guy's not watching us".
But, anyway, it seems you're not allowed to watch them do their job.
I was curious about these little red stickers they put on some bags after screening.
I think if a bag doesn't have one on it it means "search it later when the guy's not watching us".
But, anyway, it seems you're not allowed to watch them do their job.
Apr 11, 2009, 10:45 am
#29
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,195
Hmmm, I cant tell you how many home / trip photo's I am in. Some folks think its funny when their traveling partner gets pulled for random screening. We usually have a pretty good laugh about it, and to be honest I dont mind the pictures.