Passengers flying with British Airways must be aware of newly updated rules designed to protect the privacy of cabin crew on duty. The airline has amended its General Conditions of Carriage, explicitly prohibiting travellers from filming flight attendants without their explicit consent. Violators could face severe repercussions.
New Rule on Filming Crew
Section 11a, which addresses unacceptable behaviour, states: 'If, while you are on board the aircraft, we reasonably believe that you have filmed, live streamed or photographed our crew or other colleagues without their consent.' It further outlines that the airline 'may take any measures we think reasonable to prevent you continuing your behaviour.'
Consequences for Non-Compliance
Any passenger who breaches this regulation could face penalties upon landing. British Airways details that such measures include the possibility to 'make you leave the aircraft' or 'refuse to carry you on the remaining sectors of the journey shown on your ticket.' Additionally, crew members may 'report the incident on board the aircraft to the relevant authorities with a view to them prosecuting you for any criminal offences you might have committed.'
Varying Airline Policies
Guidelines regarding filming on board vary between airlines, and there is no universal rule. For instance, Ryanair's terms of carriage state: 'Recording or photographing our personnel, whether at the airport or onboard the plane, without their consent is strictly prohibited. Only recordings or photographs personal to You may be permitted.' The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) clarifies that filming or photography rules are at the discretion of the captain or cabin crew, provided it 'does not endanger the safety of the cabin in any way,' as reported by The Independent.
Other Recent Airline Changes
Other carriers have also updated their policies recently. Iberia Airlines introduced an additional charge for baggage items that do not meet certain requirements, effective January 28. The airline defines irregularly shaped luggage as 'any item whose shape, material, or dimensions may interfere with the airport's automated systems (for example: soft bags, plastic packages, round or oval bags, or non-rigid packaging).' Iberia recommends passengers use 'rigid, rectangular or proportionately sized suitcases.' Those who wish to carry odd-shaped luggage may incur extra fees at varying rates.
Iberia's Extra Baggage Fees
Passengers on domestic flights across Spain could face an additional £35 per item per journey. Flights in the Canary Islands, Europe, and Africa carry a £55 charge, while connecting flights for those destinations see a £65 fee. Travellers on routes to America and Asia face a hefty £110 fee, with connecting flights costing £125 extra. However, luggage is only accepted if it meets certain conditions. It must be assessed at the special baggage check-in counter, and if accepted, the passenger is charged accordingly. Acceptance is not guaranteed and may be refused 'for operational or security reasons.' In exceptional cases, the luggage might not travel on the same flight and could be sent on a later flight. The additional fee is added to the overall baggage price; if the ticket already includes one suitcase, only the extra amount will be charged.
