I am not saying you should or should not have taken his picture as that is a matter of opionion in this vastly evolving technological and socially connected world. However, the fact of taking a picture is what I would like to share my opinion on.
Originally Posted by
flyingincognito
He saw me take the photo, and immediately stopped what he was doing, and came over to demand that I delete it. He claimed it was illegal to photograph him without him being aware and giving permission. I disagreed. He persisted, saying that he was not a public figure, so I couldn't take his photo, and if I didn't delete it immediately, he would let the pilot know that I was causing a disturbance and have me banned from the flight. He then said into his radio, "we're gonna need the SFPD here momentarily". (Note: that I hadn't even raised my voice).
His claim that it is wrong is 100% incorrect and hence when you told him it wasn't illegal, he basically resorted to lies and blackmail and misrepresenting his position:
He is not a public figure: GA's are the face of United Airlines so you are a public figure representing a major corporation. If you are not a popular public figure or a celebrity does not mean you are not a public figure (HR 101)
Let the pilot know you are causing a disturbance: He is lying blatantly because you are not causing a disturbance. The fact is he is causing the disturbance. Also, saying I will let the pilot know presumably as a threat so that you do not fly (since a pilot also cannot cause you to delete a pitcure) unless you delete the perfectly legal picture you just took is a form of blackmail.
SFPD also cannot force you to delete a picture that is taken legally.
I told him again that it was perfectly legal. Then, he pointed at the camera on the ceiling and told me that this was being monitored, and he was gonna have this disturbance added to my "record"
Monitors are also looking at him and his conduct, and the incident would also be investigated from his side (if they actually check the monitors for these things).
In the end you did the right thing to alleviate a situation that was 100% caused by him and moving on with your day. It would of been nice to know his name though not for FT, but to tell United directly. The 2 times I made a customer complaint against airline employees (1 against a DL GA and 1 against UA luggage manager) I made sure I got their names so that it was on record and that they knew I was definitely going to make a complaint against them.
Happy travels!