• Home
  • Reviews
    • Flight Reviews
    • Hotel Reviews
    • Lounge Reviews
    • Trip Reports
  • About
    • Press
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Award Expert
  • Advertising Disclosure
Live and Let's Fly
  • Home
  • Reviews
    • Flight Reviews
    • Hotel Reviews
    • Lounge Reviews
    • Trip Reports
  • About
    • Press
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Award Expert
  • Advertising Disclosure
Home  >  Biman • Iberia • Photos  >  Denied: Biman and Iberia Prohibit Me from Taking Onboard Pictures
BimanIberiaPhotos

Denied: Biman and Iberia Prohibit Me from Taking Onboard Pictures

Matthew Klint Posted onMay 26, 2017June 22, 2017 18 Comments

This trip has morphed into an unenviable close.

If I cannot take pictures onboard a flight, my review will be incomplete and much less worthy of your time. Thus, my very sustenance depends upon onboard photography. Sadly, I was warned by two flight crews in the last 48 hours to put my camera away.

Instance #1 – Biman Bangladesh Airlines

I flew Biman over Korean Air because I could not find another Biman business class review online. The carrier offers cheap business class fares and therefore I thought it would be more helpful to more readers (though maybe not to my average reader) to review Biman.

But that review depends upon pictures. As usual, I positioned myself to be the fist to board and upon boarding began to snap pictures of the business class cabin (with my iPhone). I had my Canon DSLR with me, but realize that may be alarming and rarely use it when boarding a flight. Sadly, even the iPhone was alarming and a male FA came up to me and told me onboard photography was prohibited.

Without pictures, this would be a worthless review, but I stopped taking pictures of the cabin: I had already taken several.

During the flight I discreetly took pictures of the meal service, but decided to approach the purser (a different man) toward the end of the flight. I try not to pull the blogger card because I want my experience to resemble what you would receive. Instead, I told the purser that I run a travel agency called Award Expert (true statement) and am flying Biman and taking pictures so my clients have an idea what to expect.

His face lit up and he suggested that I take a picture of the crew and “plaster it over every billboard in London.” He ordered the three other crew members working business class to assemble in the galley and all posed for a photograph:

Onboard Photography

He welcomed me to take pictures for the remainder of the flight.

Instance #2 – Iberia

The next day (yesterday) I flew Iberia from Madrid to Los Angeles. Perhaps it was a blessing in disguise, but we used a remote gate to reach our A330-200 and I guessed wrong about which side of the bus would open. Dozens of guests streamed out in front of me and up the air stairs onto the aircraft.

By the time I reached the business class cabin it was already more than half full. I respect the privacy of other passengers and many of my pictures would have captured the faces of others, so I did not take any.

Throughout the flight I took pictures of the meals, menus, IFE, and seat controls. But the cabin is so tight that I did not take a picture of the seat itself until after we landed in Los Angeles.

Upon landing, I waited for the other business class passengers to exit then began taking pictures of the cabin. But moments later, a FA came up to me and told me to stop immediately.

She claimed that I was not allowed to take pictures without written permission from Iberia. She then demanded to know who gave me permission to take pictures. Furthermore, she added–

“It is illegal to take pictures on the ground of an airport in the United States”

Then I knew she was full of it.

I asked if she would like to know why I was taking pictures and she replied, “I really don’t care. You cannot take any.” I told her that there were no crewmembers or passengers in my pictures. She didn’t care.

I approached the purser and she backed up her FA. The previous evening I had flown an Iberia A340 from London to Madrid with the same seats and captured many great shots/angles (without issue). Seeing no point in creating a scene, I left the aircraft. Both (who had been very friendly during the flight) hung their heads down and said nothing to me as I departed.

Maybe the FA was just in a rush to get out. As I waited on the curb for my ride home I noticed she was inhaling cigarettes. 11.5 hours is a long flight…

CONCLUSION

I get that people don’t understand why we (airline bloggers) take pictures on airplanes. I just wish Iberia had handled the situation like Biman did. Unless they are trying to cover up an inferior product, airlines should be very thrilled to get the publicity that comes with a trip report. I’ll soon publish reviews of both the Biman and Iberia experiences and note that I enjoyed both flights. In fact, both flights exceeded expectations. But the Iberia experience is marred now by the petty post-flight photo incident.

Previous Article Review: Qantas A380 First Class Sydney to Dubai
Next Article Why is Aeroplan Website Blocking Non-US/Canada Awards? My Theory

About Author

Matthew Klint

Matthew is an avid traveler who calls Los Angeles home. Each year he travels more than 200,000 miles by air and has visited more than 135 countries. Working both in the aviation industry and as a travel consultant, Matthew has been featured in major media outlets around the world and uses his Live and Let's Fly blog to share the latest news in the airline industry, commentary on frequent flyer programs, and detailed reports of his worldwide travel.

Related Posts

  • Kyiv Ukraine 2023 Photo Essay

    Photo Essay: Ukraine At War

    March 4, 2023
  • Petra Photo Essay

    Photo Essay: The Ancient City Of Petra, Jordan

    February 7, 2023
  • A350 Overhead Bins

    Why Flight Attendants Hate Airbus A350 Overhead Bins

    December 21, 2022

18 Comments

  1. Geoff Reply
    May 26, 2017 at 3:40 pm

    So an FA for an airline based in Spain was reciting US law? Awesome.

  2. George Reply
    May 26, 2017 at 3:53 pm

    Iberia has the worse crew in Europe, imo. They are borderline rude but does not suffer from the powertrips that some american FAs possess.
    And ironically speaking I just came back from a international flight with AA and the crew could not have been friendlier and nicer.

  3. Santastico Reply
    May 26, 2017 at 3:58 pm

    That is the biggest problem with airline personnel today: they make their own rules!!! And if you don’t comply with whatever nonsense they just invented you are considered a threat to the National security and you will end up beaten like Mr. Dao. You were lucky she did not demand you to erase the pictures or call the police.

  4. Gene Reply
    May 26, 2017 at 8:28 pm

    @ Matthew — You’ve become a worldwide trouble-maker! 🙂

  5. Sc Reply
    May 26, 2017 at 8:56 pm

    Ha, that Purser on the Biman flight was the same purser I had on a flight from Dubai to Sylhet in Biz class. He became mad when he saw what he thought to be alcohol bottle but in reality was just tonic water. Then he slept the rest of the way on a biz class seat. Interesting encounter!

  6. AndyTLe Reply
    May 27, 2017 at 12:28 am

    Recently flew Wow, AirEuropa and Iberia. By far the worst crews were Iberia. Inattentive, uncaring and downright rude. They left a lot to be desired.

  7. Rick Banzhoff Reply
    May 27, 2017 at 10:55 am

    Sadly, your experience with both Biman and Iberia match mine: officious cabin crews ruined what would have been delightful flights (other than the 15 hour delay on Biman). I wish you well on your future flights.

    I was a flight attendant for 37 years (Braniff International, Eastern and USAir/USAirways) and, frankly, I was thrilled to have my photo taken. My, how the world has changed.

    BTW … the lady on the left looks vaguely familiar to me .

  8. MeanMeosh Reply
    May 27, 2017 at 10:56 am

    Sounds like the IB FAs pulled a page from the AA/DL/UA playbook by making up rules to get rid of you, then subtly playing the “national security” card to force you to comply with the made up rules. My guess is they were both in a hurry for their cigarette break as you suggest…

  9. Rob Reply
    May 28, 2017 at 9:58 pm

    I had no problems taking photos on Iberia in March. However, one flight attendant was the rudest flight attendant I’ve ever encountered. When I asked to try a different wine, he ignored me and poured the one that I already had. He also did not provide the nuts and olives that other flight attendants provided for the customers that they were serving. Once another flight attendant (the purser, I believe) realized this, she took care of me for the rest of the flight, and it was great.

  10. Igor Reply
    May 30, 2017 at 4:13 pm

    Matthew, do you think reaching out to the airline in twitter a few days before the flight is a solution? Then printing it out and having it at hand, just in case…
    Your fellow blogger here, who has also encountered this issue (the worst being in TAP biz class).

    • Matthew Reply
      May 30, 2017 at 4:34 pm

      Hi Igor, I do think that would have helped. The FAs asked me if I had “permission” to take pictures. That probably would have done the trick.

      • Igor Reply
        May 30, 2017 at 5:07 pm

        Well, since i have a IB flight tomorrow, i might as well use your correspondence with IB, haha. In my experience, this solely depends on the particular FA, not the airline.

  11. Kevin El Paso Reply
    May 30, 2017 at 4:21 pm

    Last year I flew from BOS to MAD with IB in J, I had no issue taking pictures with my camera and the crew was really good, a really nice flight overall. Was I just lucky ?

    • Matthew Reply
      May 30, 2017 at 4:33 pm

      Not sure if you got lucky, but Seth (Wandering Aramean blog) was also denied this week–

      https://twitter.com/WandrMe/status/869231742368010240

  12. Andy Reply
    June 21, 2017 at 6:10 pm

    I’m an airline pilot. Ex Virgin Atlantic 747-400 Captain. I was pulled up by airport police at LAX for taking photos of our own aircraft during the pre flight inspection. It’s illegal apparently. I put my camera away and said ok, thanks. Because… well you know, who cares either way?

    You’re a blogger. I know you think you’re extremely important in the sphere of travel, some may not agree. Get over yourself perhaps? You’re making a huge deal over nothing. I believe you were deplaned on United over the same thing, right? Now, that’s ridiculous I would agree (even though you mentioned the word terrorist on an airplane)

    • Matthew Reply
      June 21, 2017 at 6:13 pm

      Hi Andy,

      Thanks for writing. One important point I would make. You state, “It’s illegal apparently” in terms of taking picture of aircraft at LAX.

      It is not. So often, police officers, airport staff, and FAs make up rules/laws out of fear or because they cannot understand why one would want to take pictures.

      You asked, “Who cares either way?” I do. This is how I make my living.

  13. Fabio Reply
    June 22, 2017 at 9:21 am

    Where can I buy “Cannon” cameras?

  14. Billy Reply
    August 2, 2022 at 5:05 am

    This happened to a few YouTube bloggers recently on tiny Eastern Airways who launched a 3o minute flight from Aberdeen to Wick John O’ Groats. No people in the pics,

Leave a Reply

Cancel reply

Search

Recent Posts

  • Vueling Fine flight attendants
    Airline Faces Government Fine For Telling Female Flight Attendants To Wear Makeup March 25, 2023
  • United Airlines MileagePlus CEO
    United Airlines Names New MileagePlus CEO March 25, 2023
  • Spirit Airlines Gate Agent Threatens To Sue Passenger For Filming Him March 25, 2023
  • Lufthansa A320neo Business Class Review
    Review: Lufthansa A320neo Business Class March 25, 2023

Categories

Popular Posts

  • American Airlines unaccompanied Minor Predator
    American Airlines Flight Attendant Freaks Out After Man Offers His First Class Seat To Child February 25, 2023
  • Kayleigh Scott United Airlines
    The Tragic Death Of A United Airlines Flight Attendant March 21, 2023
  • United Airlines Domestic First Class Menu
    United Airlines Refreshes Domestic First Class Menu February 28, 2023
  • Southwest Airlines Wife Slap
    Enraged Husband Attacks Man On Southwest Airlines Flight After He Bumps Wife March 8, 2023

Archives

March 2023
M T W T F S S
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  
« Feb    

As seen on:

live_and_lets_fly

The new United Polaris Lounge at Washington Dulles The new United Polaris Lounge at Washington Dulles is the most beautiful of all Polaris Lounges. Stay tuned for a detailed look and many more photos on the blog tomorrow. Well done @united.
@malaysiaairlines just announced it would retire i @malaysiaairlines just announced it would retire its A380 fleet. While not surprising, it is sad to see the growing list of carriers retiring this superjumbo jet. On Malaysia Airlines, I flew the #A380 once from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to London (LHR) and had the entire first class cabin to myself (full review on the blog). It was a beautiful flight that I will always remember.
Welcome to @fly_bur @aveloair! I am so excited tha Welcome to @fly_bur @aveloair! I am so excited that a new carrier, Avelo, has launched, especially from an airport just 12 minutes from my home!
I greatly miss the @lufthansa #747-8 at @flylaxair I greatly miss the @lufthansa #747-8 at @flylaxairport. Hopefully this summer it will return.

.
.
.
.
#Lufthansa #FirstClass #747 #747-8 #StarAlliance #Miles #Points
I recently spent a weekend at the @ventanabigsur. I recently spent a weekend at the @ventanabigsur. This is not only a lovely, all-inclusive resort, but one of the best properties to use your @hyatt World of Hyatt points.
.
.
.
.
#Hyatt #BigSur #California #WorldofHyatt #CA-1 #Points #Hotels
In terms of a spacious first class product, the @E In terms of a spacious first class product, the @Emirates suite on a 777-300ER is hard to beat. My preference is Suite 2K.

.
.
.
.
#Emirates #777 #firstclass
Nearly five years ago, I took a “break” from I Nearly five years ago, I took a “break” from Instagram ahead of the birth of my first child. Goodness, how time flies. While I’ve enjoyed catching up on others over the years, now it is time for me to return to Instagram. In this first post, I highlight two joys in my life, my two children, whom I trust will grow up to be prolific travelers that circumnavigate the globe as ambassadors of love and respect.

.
.
.
.
.

#travel #airplanes #airlines #miles #points #familytravel #human #integrity #honor
United Airlines' new Polaris seat is a huge improv United Airlines' new Polaris seat is a huge improvement over UA's current business class seat. Check out my blog at liveandletsfly.com for 70+ photos of how @united is transforming its entire business class experience starting this December!
The perfect @flysas name tag for #Longyearben! The perfect @flysas name tag for #Longyearben!
Spotted four #polarbear outside of #longyearbyen - Spotted four #polarbear outside of #longyearbyen -- oh, and I love 40°F summer weather!
One of the best crews I have ever had the pleasure One of the best crews I have ever had the pleasure of flying with in all my years of flying. Thank you @flysas SK940 on 11 Aug 2016
Next stop ARN! But dear @flysas , next time if I a Next stop ARN! But dear @flysas , next time if I assign a window seat months in advance, don't move me to a center seat "for my convenience" with no way to get my original seat back... 😞
Ready for #PIA from #MAN to #JFK -- we will be rac Ready for #PIA from #MAN to #JFK -- we will be racing the #Delta flight to JFK at the gate next to us, which also departs at 12:45p. With @onemileatatime
Another room with a beautiful view... #hyattregenc Another room with a beautiful view... #hyattregencycasablanca #cassablanca #hyatt
Enjoying #shanghai with @onemileatatime from the i Enjoying #shanghai with @onemileatatime from the inside of the @grandhyatt_shanghai ... It is 40°C outside! 😓
From my front gate to my boarding gate in 15 minut From my front gate to my boarding gate in 15 minutes flat. I ❤️ #bur #burbankairport
@malaysiaairlines #747 out of retirement and in se @malaysiaairlines #747 out of retirement and in service at #kul -- beautiful livery!
View from my 61st floor room at the beautiful bran View from my 61st floor room at the beautiful brand new @parkhyattguangzhou -- look for a full review coming soon on the blog #hyatt #parkhyatt #guangzhou #parkhyattguangzhou
Will miss the @united #globalfirstlounge at #ord, Will miss the @united #globalfirstlounge at #ord, which closes tomorrow and the Queen of the Skies #747 which will be retired in 2018.
The colonial #architecture of #mumbai is stunning. The colonial #architecture of #mumbai is stunning. If you're ever here, get up at 5am and have a walk around the city before it gets busy. You can hear the birds instead of honking horns.
Load More... Follow on Instagram
facebook twitter instagram rss

This site is for entertainment purposes only. The owner of this site is not an investment advisor, financial planner, nor legal or tax professional and articles here are of an opinion and general nature and should not be relied upon for individual circumstances.

 

Advertiser Disclosure: Some links to credit cards and other products on this website will earn an affiliate commission. Outside of banner ads published through the Boarding Area network, this compensation does not impact how and where products appear on this site. While we do try to list all the best miles and points deals, the site does not include all card companies or credit card offers available in the marketplace. Please view our advertising policy page for additional details about our partners.

 

Editorial Disclosure: The editorial content on this page is not provided by any entity mentioned herein. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.