British Airways has just added an interesting new restriction on social media use for employees, as flagged by PYOK. Is this logical, or a step too far?
In this post:
British Airways’ strict new employee social media policy
It’s normal for airlines to have restrictions on social media use for employees. However, British Airways has just taken its rules to the next level, with one of the strictest policies we’ve seen in the industry.
Effective immediately, employees (including pilots and flight attendants) are no longer allowed to post photos on social media from their layover hotels. Not only that, but employees have also been told to wipe any existing photos or videos from their social media accounts (even if they’re private) that were taken at these hotels.
What’s the reason for this concern? Well, safety, and the desire “to eliminate all risk.” The concern is that someone with bad intentions could use computer software to analyze a background and identify the location of a hotel. It’s standard procedure for airline crews to not publicly disclose where they stay on layovers, but at the same time, there haven’t been any restrictions on posting from hotels in general.
So these new rules mean that flight attendants and pilots can no longer post group pictures from hotel restaurants or lobbies, pictures from the pool, or “get ready with me” videos in hotel rooms as such. It’s not clear if this decision was prompted by any particular event, though it’s perhaps worth mentioning that several weeks ago, a British Airways flight attendant was found dead at an SFO layover hotel.
Back in early 2023, British Airways last updated its social media guidelines for employees, whereby the airline banned employees from posting social media content of them “professionally engaged” in their jobs.
My take on British Airways’ strict new social media policy
I think it’s fair for airlines to set clear guidelines for what social media use is and isn’t appropriate for employees. That being said, I find this specific restriction to be rather silly.
If someone has bad intentions, it’s really not that hard to figure out where an airline crew stays. It’s not like they arrive at or depart the hotel undercover — instead, they’re in full uniform, so it’s not exactly a well kept secret. You don’t need AI tools to determine where a crew stays.
It’s interesting to note that virtually no airline has a policy this strict when it comes to social media use, even the Gulf carriers, which are known for having very strict policies.
Whether good or bad, social media has definitely become an increasingly important part of peoples’ lives over the years. There’s no denying that for many airline employees, it’s a contributing factor to what they enjoy about their jobs. Of course I’m sure some people will roll their eyes at that, but as long as they do their jobs professionally, it shouldn’t matter.
Bottom line
British Airways has introduced a strict new social media policy for employees, whereby they can no longer post pictures or videos on social media from layover hotels. Yes, this means flight attendants and pilots can’t even post pictures or videos from their rooms, without any obviously identifying characteristics.
The airline is concerned that bad actors will be able to use computer software to figure out where they’re staying, and hopes this will eliminate risk. However, that seems like a bit of an overkill, since it’s not that hard to figure out where airline crews stay.
What do you make of this new British Airways social media policy?
As a British airways cabin crew, I find these new social media policies to be absolutely ridiculous.
I understand the security aspect, of keeping our layover hotels secret, but these are not secret.
Let’s talk about the SFO incident where the crew member died (RIP ️). Our crew hotel name was blasted all over the news. You’d think they would have to change our hotel due to security, but nope. We are still...
As a British airways cabin crew, I find these new social media policies to be absolutely ridiculous.
I understand the security aspect, of keeping our layover hotels secret, but these are not secret.
Let’s talk about the SFO incident where the crew member died (RIP ️). Our crew hotel name was blasted all over the news. You’d think they would have to change our hotel due to security, but nope. We are still staying at that hotel, whose name will forever be associated with BA on multiple news cites due to the death.
Around a year ago, we got updated social media guidelines, which forbade any photo taking when were professionally engaged at work. Ie on the aircraft. But in that social media policy, it was specifically stated that we are fine to post in the hotel, and we’re actually encouraged to post Get Ready With Me’s, and Roster Reveals downroute.
Now they are changing the policy, and enforcing it retroactively. This has caused a lot of anxiety, as how much of a deep dive do we need to do to purge all social media sites of pictures.
I understand to the average person, this may sound dramatic, but this is our lives. Being crew is a lifestyle. I spend more nights in hotels downroute, than I do in my own flat in west London. I have so many instagram posts, stories, from the hotels.
For example, a big thing all crew do every year, is take a crew picture on Christmas, either in hotel lobbies, onboard before boarding, or in the crew report centre at LHR. Well these specific photos have now been banned by BA. Even though they used to love these, as it showed us normalizing being away from our families over the holidays. It promoted BA as a family, which clearly it is not. Maybe a dysfunctional family at best.
I’m just over it.
Low pay, long hours, overbearing management. This is not what we all signed up for.
True or not - I think it’s fine. But then, I think we need much less digital “anything”.
not beyond reason, the BA FA found dead in SF had sent someone pictures.
as far as i see i this is fake news, theres nothing out to the employees.
More click-bate perhaps BAflyer?
It is a good policy to protect airline crews from unwarranted attention or terrorist attacks .
All the comments from people living joyless lives... A lot of folks DO enjoy their work and their colleagues and their travels, and will post photos. Try linked-in if you don't believe me.
As it is, creating rigid policies discourages esprit-de-corps and generally depresses morale. Especially if the policy's utility is easily disproved as Ben mentions, or anybody who's flown evenings has seen (why yes, those are uniformed crew going to a hotel, one of...
All the comments from people living joyless lives... A lot of folks DO enjoy their work and their colleagues and their travels, and will post photos. Try linked-in if you don't believe me.
As it is, creating rigid policies discourages esprit-de-corps and generally depresses morale. Especially if the policy's utility is easily disproved as Ben mentions, or anybody who's flown evenings has seen (why yes, those are uniformed crew going to a hotel, one of a few choices near the airport- wonder if that's a layover hotel?!)
Policies that are easily picked apart weaken ALL related policies (if this one was under false pretenses or a knee-jerk reaction, what else also is) which is why good management avoids them, even if old people in the comments section don't understand the majority of the (western, adult) population that does use social media.
Omar, from reading your post it would appear that you have little or no knowledge of the UK Health and Safety Regulations. Even those of us who are “Living joyless lives”, know that it is better to engage a brain cell before our typing fingers.
You may believe that “Creating rigid policies discourages esprit-de-corps”, however, the BA risk assessments clearly demonstrate that the lives of their employees is more important, yes?
Rigid policies don’t discourage esprit-de-corps, nor do they depress morale.
My team always had great times on their off hours wether they were home or on assignment. One doesn’t have to “post” to have a good relationship with co-workers.
But ,can the post pictures of Naked BA FAs running down the Aisle?
Only if they are female please
LOL.... I"m sure these BA crew 'escapades' are the only real rea$on behind this !
I hope such inflight 'service' won't be 'compromised' due this draconian measure !
BA has a long climb to regain any of its past admiration...
Honestly, what is the purpose of showing photos from places you work? It's not you're on vacation or anything your alarm clock is still going to ring in the morning just like everyone else.
p2 is a DL FA - They have a similar rule. Can't post the name of the hotel etc for security reasons. They're not as strict but photo recognition software can indeed tell exactly which hotel it is.
It is really no secret. I have seen Delta FAs at hotels in multiple cities, including Atlanta.
We often hear and read more about BA FAs getting in troubles and becoming victims of violent crimes on layovers in Africa and South America than other foreign carriers' FAs. When they live on their employer's dimes, such as layover hotels, they are on the employer's clock. They can post anything on their social media accounts without revealing their employer's ID, such as uniforms, aircraft's livery, business name. The Gulf and East Asian carriers' FAs...
We often hear and read more about BA FAs getting in troubles and becoming victims of violent crimes on layovers in Africa and South America than other foreign carriers' FAs. When they live on their employer's dimes, such as layover hotels, they are on the employer's clock. They can post anything on their social media accounts without revealing their employer's ID, such as uniforms, aircraft's livery, business name. The Gulf and East Asian carriers' FAs do not have strict social media policies simply because their FAs have superior nurture and more disciplined corporate work environments and cultures. These two critical deciding factors explain why US FAs provide lackluster services and display attitude from hell. Fortunately I do not travel domestically in the meantime but I have sympathy for the US flying public. When you are more discreet about your private and work lives, you will avoid preventable mishaps and unwanted attention more than when you flaunt it.
I'm comforted by your empathetic words of support regarding the crappy state of US commercial airline service, although I don't think British/European carriers are that much better as evidenced by the most recent BA ( 'Bare Assed' ! ) incident ! In fact I'm almost sure 'BA leads the way" in crew layover conduct, sadly even including it's pilots... !
BA must be seeing a lot higher employee insurance costs without these restrictions.
Not sure what's the issue. They usually go to an airport hotel sheraton/westin
American Airline company Air Crews abroad are always asked where they stay and always stay mum for security concerns. I think BA was perfectly in the right to put the quash on this.
If we protect the cockpits during flight - why not protect the security of the crew on the ground during layovers.
Aside from some of the more well known BA crew social media accounts (who don’t post photos from hotels anyway), how would any nefarious actors know who the crew even are to look for anything? Not being able to share photos with friends and family from private accounts is a bit daft though. It’s not like they’re on the clock at that point too.
KC, if you care to read my post below it might aid your understanding.
There’s a lady with the handle ‚milehighsharon‘ on IG - she seems to be a DL FA who really requires an enhanced social media policy…
WTF is wrong with humans that every aspect of their lives must be lived and detailed on SM for the voyeuristic consumption of and validation from total strangers? It is so stupid.
This also poses a safety issue for BA's employees. It's amazing that the idiots that do this don't recognize this.
BA is fully within its right. It is not an overstep whatsoever.
The answer to the question in the first paragraph is: money. Folks get paid for views and likes once they reach a certain threshold.
While I agree it seems a bit over the top, it sounds similar to what you do for your own safety: not posting dates of your review trips/delaying posts as to not draw attention to your current location
Something to consider about BA or any European airline, is that they operate under slightly different Health and Safety Regulations than other world airlines.
Under current H&S legislation, BA has to carry out risk assessments for all aspects of their business operations. Like it or loath it, the risk assessments appertaining to Crew hotel accommodation could well have flagged up safety concerns which necessitated the implementation of this new policy.
Many will fail...
Something to consider about BA or any European airline, is that they operate under slightly different Health and Safety Regulations than other world airlines.
Under current H&S legislation, BA has to carry out risk assessments for all aspects of their business operations. Like it or loath it, the risk assessments appertaining to Crew hotel accommodation could well have flagged up safety concerns which necessitated the implementation of this new policy.
Many will fail to understand these facts and in their ignorance could wrongly choose to berate BA for this policy.
who cares, not so great britain is in deep trouble. they need to focus on their country men and unfettered illegals and others not assimilating to British culture. Not hand me down inherited "passports".
I guarantee if a Middle Eastern airline did this people would be screaming about human rights and slave labour.
I think the other thing to note is that if they were found to have been lax on their assessments or even worse, to have found to ignore risks that did appear, they put themselves at serious risk of legal action if something did happen.
@Rain, that's correct. A verdict that they haven't taken reasonable steps to protect the safety of the workforce could even lead to criminal prosecution. They could frame this as guidance rather than a strict policy, but there might still be a risk of something happening to a crew member as a result of information shared by one of their colleagues.
I believe VS began doing this ahead of BA. Some of my favorite crew insta accounts were wiped and destroyed. Funny they were utterly incapable of taking care of passengers like that last time they were stranded in Turkey, but they want to enforce extra hard on stuff like this.
Prior to social media, airlines did have guidelines about behaviors on layovers. Times change and there have been increasing incidents of unbecoming foolishness recorded. The crew is not on vacation and is still representing their employer. BA may have had enough.
The crew is certainly not on company time either.
One could debate that you have an unfortunate understanding of what is and what is not, as you put it “Company time”, Samo.
Many believe that when a “Company” provides an employee with an easily recognisable uniform, “Company” provided accommodation, etc, etc, then the “Company” can reasonably expect the employees to refrain from acts which might endanger themselves or other “Company” employees. Furthermore, employees should not bringing the “Company” name into dispute, yes Samo?
One could debate that you have an unfortunate understanding of what is and what is not, as you put it “Company time”, Samo.
Many believe that when a “Company” provides an employee with an easily recognisable uniform, “Company” provided accommodation, etc, etc, then the “Company” can reasonably expect the employees to refrain from acts which might endanger themselves or other “Company” employees. Furthermore, employees should not bringing the “Company” name into dispute, yes Samo?
It's definitely not clear cut, I imagine most judges would take a dim view of a contract of employment that impeded an employee's freedom of expression and association during time which is available to them for leisure and relaxation on whatever pretext. The employer would then argue it's done for the employee's own well-being and I suspect the decision might go either way.
Let's just say that the relevant law in the UK is pretty complex and nuanced.
I'm not so sure. It may be semantics and although the crew isn't 'actively' staffing a flight, I believe they're still on duty in the sense that they are continualy collecting a per diem compensation during the entire trip and subject to rerouting by crew scheduling (in compliance with contract/governmental regulation). Also, the fact that BA is providing the layover accommodation further supports this position.
The per diem is to cover expenses, it doesn't form part of the consideration paid in exchange for labour. The bit about rerouting would apply if they're staying a few days extra and receiving a standby allowance in order to provide the airline with additional rostering flexibility, but it wouldn't make any difference if it's just a rest period.
Generally speaking, this arrangement can only be enforced as a health and safety rule, and even...
The per diem is to cover expenses, it doesn't form part of the consideration paid in exchange for labour. The bit about rerouting would apply if they're staying a few days extra and receiving a standby allowance in order to provide the airline with additional rostering flexibility, but it wouldn't make any difference if it's just a rest period.
Generally speaking, this arrangement can only be enforced as a health and safety rule, and even then it's not 100% certain that judges would be happy with it.
Unfortunately for avgeeks, one of the first life lessons one needs to learn besides the (underwear) wedgie you most likely have already experienced if a true geek…
is there are mal-intentioned people in this world and some way more mal-intentioned than others.
BA sounds like it gives a darn about its air crews, much like air crews give a darn you avgeeks aren’t wedgied on their flights.
(:
Lol.... the only 'darn' BA gives a crap about is $$$ & related negative publicity which can be reflected in it' profit$ ...( not to pick on BA, but rather all corporate entities ).. If they truly gave a rat's ass about their staff, they wouldn't have screwed them over big time during Co-vid, for example. It took a legal settlement to settle that.
Let's get real....
Come on. Go to any local avgeek forum and they will tell you crew hotels.
First target are hotel close to airports in cities with crazy traffic. Like in Delhi, most crew are in Aerocity for example.
Presumably they all will need to halt their Youtube channels telling us the "secrets of flying."
A friend of a friend is a FA for one of the major US carriers. He doesn't mention this on social media, and even if you figured out his job, there's no hint of which airline he works for.
Does this include Grindr?
LOL ! ... Good one ... NO ! Grindr is the XXXception !