Qantas has significantly revised its policies regarding customer filming aboard its planes, marking a noteworthy update. Let's delve into the details.

Section 12.1 of Qantas' updated Conditions of Carriage section on its website now requires passengers to "seek consent before filming or photographing Qantas Group staff, contractors, or other customers."

Previously, customers were free to film staff without any restrictions.

When checking in online, passengers must now agree to this new policy as part of the flight's terms and conditions.

In response to inquiries about the change, a spokesperson for the airline informed the Daily Mail that "We understand many of our customers want to document their journey, and our policy ensures they can do so safely and respectfully."

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"It doesn’t stop customers from taking photos or videos of themselves, their family and friends, or the view from the window."

The Mail also noted that this policy aims to prevent staff and customers from appearing in viral videos.

Interesting, indeed.

Is this practice common elsewhere?

According to the air travel blog site Australian Frequent Flyer, German airline Lufthansa is among the few that prohibit filming staff without their consent.

Closer to home, Virgin's policy is less specific, stating that passengers must "use cameras or photographic devices (including mobile phones) for personal use only. You must comply with the directions of flight crew when using cameras or photographic devices while on board."

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In the age of TikTok and Instagram, such a rule does feel somewhat unusual.

Filming people at work, such as a waiter delivering food or a tour guide leading an excursion, has become a standard aspect of social media documentation, and most people (especially the younger generation) don't find it odd.

Qantas likely considered the PR implications of this decision as well.

There have been numerous instances where people captured airline staff being rude or sluggish, with such clips gaining thousands of views and potentially harming the airline's reputation.

Even when staff are simply performing their duties, videos of passengers complaining don't exactly convey an "enjoyable flight" experience.

The takeaway for today is — if you feel the urge to film a crew member, just ask for permission!

Header photo by James D. Morgan/Getty Images.