British Airways Bans Unauthorized Recording with Meta AI Smart Glasses

British Airways, the United Kingdom’s flag carrier, has updated its conditions of carriage to protect passenger privacy and employee confidentiality. The airline has prohibited passengers from using Meta AI smart glasses to take photos, record videos, or livestream staff and other passengers without their consent at boarding gates or onboard aircraft.

British Airways had previously classified recording cabin crew and ground handling staff without their consent as a violation of its rules. With amendments to Sections 7A.10 and 11A of its conditions of carriage, unauthorized recordings made using smart glasses have now been explicitly included in the restrictions. Passengers who violate these rules may be denied boarding, removed from the aircraft, or have future bookings, including return flights, canceled. Where necessary, incidents may also be reported to law enforcement or judicial authorities.

The airline has not completely banned the use of Meta AI smart glasses onboard but prohibits covert recording with these devices. Concerns over unauthorized recording have increased because some users can disable the LED indicator that normally illuminates during recording. Airlines including KLM, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, and Emirates also enforce similar restrictions to protect personal data and passenger privacy.