Qantas has banned travelers from filming and taking photos on board without permission as part of a new rule to protect the privacy of staff and passengers.
Travelers will need permission to film other passengers or airline staff on board a Qantas aircraft after the airline introduced the change on November 8.
Under section 12 of 'In-Flight Conduct', which is part of the airline's conditions of entry, passengers must now 'ask consent before filming or photographing any Qantas Group staff, contractors or other customers.'
Qantas has banned travelers from filming and taking photos of staff and other passengers on board the aircraft without permission (photo of a person taking a photo on an aircraft)
The measure was taken to prevent staff and other passengers from being exposed to viral videos on social media.
However, travelers are allowed to take photos and videos of the views while on board.
They can take selfies, but need permission if photos and videos show other passengers.
A Qantas spokesperson told Ny Breaking Australia the rule is intended to ensure people take photos and videos responsibly.
“We know that many of our customers want to film and photograph their journey and our policy is to ensure they can do so safely and respectfully,” the spokesperson said.
“It doesn't stop customers from taking photos or videos of themselves, their family and friends or from the window.”
Several travelers praised the move online, saying it was “about time” the airline made the change.
'Finally! What a great move!', one user wrote on the website Australian frequent flyer place.
'It really bothers me how many people are filming everything lately. Mainly the misfortune of others,” said another user.
'I completely agree with this decision, I am always annoyed by other passengers who clearly do not like being filmed.'
However, others were not happy with the move. One traveler said the rule could deter people from taking photos of the view outside.
The airline (photo stock image) said the measure would protect the privacy of staff and other travelers
Passengers are still allowed to take selfies and outside photos from the window (photo of a person taking a photo from a window seat on an airplane)
'As someone who travels with their GoPro, I find this change concerning as I tend to mount the GoPro to the window when flying to capture a nice airplane [views] for my travel reports,” they said.
Previously, airline staff could decide whether travelers were allowed to film on board the plane.
Qantas now has the strictest in-flight filming rules of any major Australian airline, with rival airline Virgin only allowing passengers to use phones and cameras for personal use.
Budget airline Jetstar is not believed to implement the new guidelines.