Have the right to refuse passenger photo requests    Flight attendant: “Only agree out of fear of complaints”

▲ To take photos of flight attendants on board, you need to ask for their consent in advance. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ruizhong)

Reporter Chen Ruizhong / Taipei Reporting

Many people taking flights like to take photos with friendly flight attendants and post them online. While some flight attendants are happy to take pictures with passengers, travelers should know: “Flight attendants actually have the right to refuse photo requests.”

Many people think that flight attendants only need to serve meals and sell duty-free items in the air, but in fact, they must constantly monitor flight safety and, especially during takeoff and landing, ensure every passenger’s safety—a huge responsibility. Therefore, many airlines state:From the perspective of both the airline and flight safety, “photos” should primarily depend on current flight safety and work conditions, and more importantly, respect the personal wishes of the flight attendants.

Airlines revealed that some flight attendants feel “being asked for a photo” is a form of recognition, so they are happy to take photos and may even strike relaxed poses in front of the camera. Some airlines also encourage interaction between attendants and passengers through photos. However, other flight attendants, representing the company and fearing passenger complaints, may find it difficult to refuse—even if they’re inwardly worried about not finishing their tasks on time or facing online criticism afterward. One flight attendant privately said:I agreed to the photo because I was afraid the passenger would be disappointed and file a complaint, but I actually don’t want my photo posted online.

▲ Flight attendants have many duties on board, and taking photos may prevent them from completing their tasks on time.

Based on personal data protection regulations,if passengers on board wish to take photos with flight attendants, they must obtain the attendant’s personal consent. Moreover, if the photo session is too long or happens too frequently, it may affect other passengers’ right to receive service.Also, due to differing national contexts, some Japanese airlines that prioritize individual and other passengers’ privacy do not allow photos with working flight attendants unless during special events.

For passengers wishing to take photos, besides asking for the flight attendant’s consent, the “timing” of the photo is also very important. There are four moments when it is inappropriate:
1. During takeoff
2. During landing
3. When flight attendants are serving or collecting meals
4. When encountering turbulence or similar situations
All of the above are unsuitable times for photos. Airlines also stated that if conditions allow and the flight attendant is willing, they are still happy to let passengers take commemorative photos, but they stillhope passengers understand the pressure and hard work flight attendants face in the air, allow them to properly complete their duties and ensure flight safety, and not view a “refusal to take photos” as poor service.