Last week I wrote about two Iberia flight attendants who demanded that I refrain from taking pictures onboard my Madrid to Los Angeles flight. I reached out to Iberia on Twitter for clarification on the carrier’s photo policy and found the answer to be revealing.
Unfortunately, Iberia does not address its onboard photo policy online. Perhaps on its Spanish website, but I found nothing on its English site. As I stepped off my flight I sent the following to Iberia:
You can read the exchange. I was impressed that Iberia responded within minutes and was rightfully puzzled that a problem arose. The “we don’t understand your doubt, why you couldn’t” seems like exactly the right the answer. Of course photoogprahy is permitted onboard.
We moved over to DM. Here is what I wrote–
Thank you for replying. I was on IB6171 in business class from MAD-LAX today. Just landed. This was my first longhaul flight on Iberia. I wanted pictures of the business class seat to show to clients because many clients will not book if they are unfamiliar with product. The flight was actually very pleasant. I was going to very positively refer Iberia to my clients. But after FA actions, I don’t know. I was made to feel like a criminal. Although I offered to explain why I was taking pictures, the FA rudely stopped me and said she didn’t care. I always take pictures when I fly. I just wanted to help promote you. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Iberia replied–
Hi. We apologize for the situation that has arisen. Photographs on board are not prohibited. However, it is not possible to photograph the personnel on board, maybe has it been a misunderstanding on this point, that they believed that you wanted to photograph the staff. If you need photos or media for your agency, you can also ask for that, contacting Iberia Agencias. Do you think it was a misunderstanding? Regards.
My response-
Thanks for your kindness. We will move your comments with our colleagues so they can verify what happened. Can you indicate your Iberia booking code and the route in which this situation has occurred? Regards.
CONCLUSION
This same thing happened to me last year too, MAD – BOS.
Matthew, any idea what happened to BA yesterday? Complete shutdown.
I had exactly the same issue with Iberia some years ago. In this case I was taking pictures of the view from the window…I asked the reason and the FA simply said “you can’t take pictures because it’s forbidden…”.
A social media clerk cannot pretend to know the instructions the crew received during training and briefing before flight. FA have authority to restrict use of electronic devices to prevent perceived disruptions. A frequent occurrence is when a well-known individual is flying and the crew proactively curtails photography to protect privacy.
After everyone has already left and I have the cabin to myself???
What the privacy of the seat?