It is a story that is often dismissed as urban myth. Excited about taking a flight, travelers decide to snap a quick picture or selfie from their first class seat. That's right about the point when the flight attendant shows up and asks the shutterbug to deplane from the aircraft, citing a policy about no photography on the aircraft. The result is a missed flight, and even more problems getting to a final destination.


While this sounds like rumor and myth, this actually happened to one travel writer in 2013. Matthew Klint, a writer for travel website Upgrd, was asked to leave his flight after a flight attendant caught him taking pictures of his seat while aboard a United Airlines flight. According to Klint's account, he explained his situation to the flight attendant with a promise he would stop taking pictures. As a result, the flight attendant reported his behavior to the captain, who asked the flier to leave the aircraft.

Can something as simple as a picture get frequent (and not-so frequent) fliers stopped in their travels? The answer is wrapped among a number of guidelines. Here are three situations where photography could, at the very least, see travelers sidelined as they work through the issue.

Photography at TSA checkpoints: a sensitive subject

With the initiation of the Transportation Security Administration in 2002, photography of security checkpoints is a very touchy subject with rules that can vary between locations.

As a general rule, transportation security officers will prohibit photography once a traveler has entered a security checkpoint, including the lines. In addition, some airports have signage in front of the checkpoint that expressly outlaws the practice of taking photos  What about photography from outside the security checkpoint, or from either side of the checkpoint?

The photography policy, as stated on the TSA website, is very clear. According to their published statement, the TSA will allow members of the public to take photos under three conditions: photographers are not impeding the screening process, they are not slowing down the flow of passengers, and not taking photos of monitors.

This policy does not allow travelers a complete pass to take all the photos they want of their screening procedure. The TSA also notes that while the TSA policy applies to their checkpoints, state and local laws may prevent photography of checkpoints. Furthermore, airport rules or policies may additionally prohibit photography.

Those who are planning to take pictures at the TSA checkpoint may be advised to call ahead and ask about the local airport policy for checkpoint photography. Without knowing what will and won't be tolerated, travelers may wind up in trouble by accident.

Photography at the front of the aircraft: judgment call by airlines

Ever since the September 11th tragedy, airlines have been much more apprehensive of who is taking pictures while on board. For obvious reasons, the most sensitive part of the airplane is the cockpit, and potentially the galley at the front of the aircraft. Yet, every once in a while, someone sneaks a picture from up front. Is this truly allowed?

While airline policies vary by carrier, one overarching rule is no photography in the front of the aircraft. United Airlines' policy is clear about taking photographs or videos of personnel, equipment, or airline procedures are all disallowed by the airline. Therefore, while taking a picture from the front of the aircraft may make for a great scrapbook moment, airlines are very clear that taking the photo could cost travelers their seat. 

Photography in the cabin: policies vary by airline

After the boarding process, travelers often tuck in with their tray tables up and seatbacks in the upright and locked position for some time in the air. Once the smartphone goes on airplane mode, it's time to sit back, relax, and take that selfie from the first class cabin thanks to the upgrade. Taking pictures is a common practice aboard airplanes, but is it entirely allowed?

While policies still vary between carriers, most airlines allow travelers to take pictures of personal moments while aboard an aircraft. This can include pictures of the terrain from high above the earth, and even a "selfie" from inside the cabin. However, there are still a number of rules in place that govern midair photography. Photos cannot be taken of other passengers without their permission, must not be disruptive to others, and are allowed at the discretion of the airline staff.

In short: it's okay to take that self-photo in first, or a picture of what the world looks like from 30,000 feet above. However, it isn't okay if you're in someone else's space, or if you're using a photo to do some "passenger shaming" later on.

Photography is still acceptable during the travel process, if you know how to manage the situation. Through understanding the rules and a little wisdom, would-be shutterbugs can capture the most out of their traveling experience.