A traveler captures footage of a staff member securing the aircraft’s wing before departure

While the airplane was stationed at the airport, a TikTok user filmed the maintenance work from her window seat. She remarks, “This is exactly why I avoid flying with Spirit. I don’t care if it’s aviation tape.”

“I can’t believe they’re taping the plane while passengers are onboard. The tape will lose its stickiness.” According to Monroe Aerospace, aviation tape is crafted from aluminum and is used for simple and temporary fixes on airplanes, although it’s sometimes mistaken for duct tape.

When properly applied by an aviation safety expert, this material can endure winds up to 965 km/h and drastic weather fluctuations.

Since its posting, the video has garnered millions of views and thousands of comments. While tape repairs are common for airlines, many couldn’t resist poking fun at it.

One person commented, “That’s Gorilla tape! You’re safer now after the repair.” Another user joked, “He taped it, so it’s good.” Someone else stated, “That’s called aviation tape, used for minor repairs on planes. All airlines use it.”

Amidst the laughter, some found it amusing that she claimed never to fly with Spirit again while aboard a Spirit plane.

A commentator quipped, “So, what are you doing on board then?”