Flying is nerve-wracking enough for some of us without catching a glimpse of what looks like last-minute repairs on the plane. That’s exactly what happened to a Spirit Airlines passenger whose video of an employee seemingly taping the plane’s wing has gone viral—and the internet has thoughts.
The TikTok user, known as @myhoneysmacks, was sitting on a Spirit Airlines flight parked at Nashville International Airport when she noticed something… unsettling. Out her window, an employee appeared to be applying tape to the wing. Yes, tape.
@myhoneysmacks Im only flying southwest now 😤 #spirit #spiritairlines #plane #planecrash #cockpit #airline #flight #fly #scary #omg #mindboggling ♬ original sound – Myhoneysmacks Collections
She shared her disbelief in a video that quickly took off online: “This is the exact reason why I don’t fly with Spirit,” she said. “I don’t care if it is aviation airplane tape or nothing. The fact that you even have to tape the plane together, and then you’re doing it while people are on the flight like we cannot see you? No, sir!”
She didn’t stop there. “Now Southwest, I can do. But Spirit? Baby, no. That tape is going to lose its stickiness. You’re flying all around the world with tape holding it together? Don’t even worry about it—I won’t be booking with you.”
Naturally, the internet weighed in. Some couldn’t resist turning it into a meme-worthy moment. One commenter joked, “Fly with Spirit and become a spirit.” Another quipped, “That’s gorilla glue tape, girly. You’re safer than ever.” Meanwhile, a third chimed in with a more relatable reaction: “OMG, my anxiety could NOT deal. I’d melt down until they let me off the plane.”
For those of us starting to sweat just reading this, it’s worth noting that this wasn’t ordinary duct tape. According to The Washington Post, the “tape” is actually an aluminum-based material designed for temporary repairs. It can handle speeds up to 600 mph and extreme weather. Impressive, right? Still, it’s hard to shake the image of someone slapping it on right before takeoff.
And in case you’re wondering, it’s assumed the flight landed safely. But if you’re feeling nervous about your next flight, maybe don’t sit by the window.
Would you have stayed on that plane? Let us know—and share this story with a friend who hates flying!
