Filming in airports / on planes

[bsuttie]

Hi, having a big family get together in Canada at the end of this month. Would like to document the trip on film including a few short shots on the way to the airport, in the airport, on the plane etc for an opening sequence.

Anyone know what the current do's and dont's of this are?

I do have a reasonably discrete camcorder - Canon HF100 but could really do without the agro of being told "Oi you can't film here"

Any advice appreciated.

regards

Brian

[niall@inkything]

I don't mean to be unhelpful, but what the legal position is is irrelevant. What you experience will be entirely at the discretion of any jobsworth you encounter, who may decide on the day that you are a terrorist or at least a terrorist sympathiser and give you a hard time and/or confiscate your film and/or your equipment. It's what they think the legal position is that counts. You can assert your rights till you are blue in the face but it won't make any difference.

This has been the experience of people using mobile phones to film congestion and cock-ups at railway stations. Station staff told them it was illegal to film anything as it 'might assist terrorists'!

If I were doing it, I'd keep it discreet, and be prepared to be challenged, and stop immediately when challenged. If the first priority is to avoid aggro.

[akkers]

Some numpties get worked up in British airports. They tell you that photography etc is not allowed on their premises (after all they own the place).But if you keep low key and dont get noticed it should be ok anywhere.

[bsuttie]

Thanks both, you've confirmed my own thoughts. Will try to keep it to a minimum, and discreet as suggested.

regards

Brian

[thesilverfox]

While on the aircraft, if you explain and ask politely, you'll rarely encounter a problem in my experience. Many flights with cameras used, but always asked first.

Couldn't comment on the airport - never been anyone around to ask/complain (home and away) and I've taken a fair few shots.

[Matty]

you could always contact the airport and ask them what the situation is and see if they will give you permission \ advise you which areas might be off limits? They must issue press passes etc so I would have thought it wouldn't be a great stretch to issue you a temporary pass as well...?

[rune]

I dont see the problem.. I have on several trips picked up the camcorder (and camera) to record my kids on both the airport and in the airplane, never ever had any issues with it.. And certainly never though I was doing something wrong. Come on, if terrorists wanted video from the airports/etc all they have to do it watch the various programs airing on TV where you get to see both public areas and lots of back stage areas.

Enjoy your trip, film your family and dont worry. Like somebody else said above, if they come to tell you off stop filming.

[Bluemanband]

Originally Posted by Matty

you could always contact the airport and ask them what the situation is and see if they will give you permission \ advise you which areas might be off limits? They must issue press passes etc so I would have thought it wouldn't be a great stretch to issue you a temporary pass as well...?

doing this there is an easy answer for the airport - NO !

I'd film and just keep it discreet - look around you before filiming and don't film anything bl**dy obviously dodgy like customs offices, security desks etc. . . . - stick to planes and family around the coffee shop etc - that way even if challenged they can see you haven't filmed anything sensitive.

[Tenex]

Originally Posted by bsuttie

Hi, having a big family get together in Canada at the end of this month. Would like to document the trip on film including a few short shots on the way to the airport, in the airport, on the plane etc for an opening sequence.

Legally its very simple, when on private property you need permission from the owner/representative to film. "Property" would include an aircraft etc.

Its almost pointless seeking permission in advance for eg. an airport as you won't get it (they'd want to insert all sorts of caveats if they could be bothered to reply) so if you are discreet I doubt most would notice or object. If you are told not film then put it away and don't antagonise. Don't film Police or security and don't pull it out going through Customs etc. In the lounges I'd doubt anyone would be bothered.

[razor38]

I've filmed in gatwick and on the play on the way to the alps for one of my snowboard trips. No problems