Duct Tape?
 

Am I the only one noticing alot of duct tape being used to fix things in the cabins these days. I noticed beige duct tape covering several cracks in the plastic side-wall on a recent flight from EWR-ORD (733.) I've also seen duct tape emplyed to hold tops to the seat arms. I know their trying to cut costs but this is starting to remind me of Eastern towards the end!

Duct tape is a wonderful thing. If they were really trying to cut costs, however, they would use scotch tape http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

No, if they were really trying to save money they would use chewed gum http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

On one particular flight, it was discovered that the exit row lighting was inop in one row. The psgrs were already boarded and the 3 seated in that row offered to hold flashlights handy and wear reflectors to avoid a delay. (I believe they were at least 50% serious, too.)Total delay time for that flight: 5.5 hrs to restore the exit row emergency lighting.
If duct tape can avoid a lengthy delay when something is discovered just prior to dept., I agree with it's use. However, following through on repairs afterward to avoid the tacky display of duct tape would be a wise decision.

Well, we all know if they really want to save money they wouldn't fix it at all.

I hope they don't use duct tape to fix the landing gear http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/eek.gif

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"I just wanna wish you good luck, we're all counting on you"
-Dr. Rumack

Don't quote me on this, but I believe UA policy allows duct tape to be used as a temporary fix for upto 36 hours on a MEL item and indefinitely on a non-MEL item. (MEL = Minimum Equipment List)

That's what happen when MacGyver goes on holiday http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

I thought duct tape wasn't allowed, "due to security concerns" http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/eek.gif

Please note that this is not just ordinary duct tape! It is FAA-approved and FAR-regulated duct tape. Count on it to be several magnitudes higher in price than the same stuff from the hardware store...

Cool! Where can I get some? I need to make some repairs around the house...

I've also seen it used on the outside of some planes. I airline circles often called "600 mile an hour tape"

I believe the technical term is "speed tape". No exxaggeration.
(And- it is better than regular duct tape.)

Here's a link for speed tape, but this stuff's only rated 200 MPH http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

See....United's "600 mile an hour tape" is much better than plain 'ole "200 mph speed tape. Thank you for the post on Duct Tape, it's good to add some levity to this board sometimes, when alot of the threads are just "doom and gloom" for UAL.;-)