Walking through Terminal 2 between flights, I paused along the walkway between F Gates and G gates (where the lotto stand is for those of you familiar with ORD layout) and decided this was a fine time to take an iPhone picture of all the aircraft parked in the Foxtrot Alleyway on F & G Gates. No sooner had I taken the iPhone picture and begun to walk away, a security woman approached me from behind. "Excuse me!!!!" Never paying them any attention while I'm between flights, I ignored this random shout. But then again closer and in my direction, "Excuse me Sir!!" I turned around and here was a woman in the rent-a-cop uniform. "You of all people should know that isn't allowed!" .. I was baffled! Actually!? An iPhone picture of the airplanes on the ramp? "What do you mean, Mam?" ... "You can't be taking pictures of the airfield." I was stupefied. "I'm pretty sure no rule exists. You might want to check with your supervisor before you go around telling people they can't take pictures with their phones." I glanced around while she spouted off at me including the threat to have the photo deleted, I was looking to see that no police/TSA (Official folk) were watching this encounter. (They will almost always side with security until the facts are straight.) I was thinking I could request to see the local ordinance, code section, Airport Authority Directive, "rule" that said the general public at O'Hare were prohibited from making recordings of airfield/aircraft/gate area. But, seeing as my flight was leaving in the next 10 minutes I decided to drop it. I was disgusted with the encounter and told her I had to go fly a plane and to check with her supervisor before presuming to tell the traveling public what they can and cannot do. I turned my back on her and walked away with my dignity.
Halfway to my gate, I got the urge to return and get her name and badge # so I could contact O'Hare security to report her & to inquire if her "rule" was in fact bonafide. (And being almost certain she was simply looking for a reason to pull rank on the public) I decided "F*ck it.." and went on to my gate. Not worth the time to show up a security guard.
I just did a quick look through of the O'Hare website I see nothing about the CDA prohibiting photography. Maybe some of you have more information that will correct me? Either way I will continue to stand my ground & not cower under the harassement from authorities.
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