Duct tape plane repairs and bucket lists for dogs
This week a photo of a member of airport ground crew appearing to ‘repair’ a turbine engine of an easyJet plane using duct tape went viral. The original tweet, ‘Always worrying when @easyJet are duct taping the plane together #finaldestination’ was retweeted 1,200 times with numerous news sites running the photo too. Fear not travellers, a spokesperson has explained that the tape is, in fact, ‘high speed metallic tape’ – an aluminised pressure-sensitive tape widely used for minor repairs on aircraft and racing cars which in no way compromises safety – and that this particular repair was a result of required cosmetic work to the paintwork.
In other, more exclusive, airline news, Etihad Airways has launched the world’s first VIP airline Twitter account @EtihadPremium. Access to the locked account is available only to Etihad’s Gold and Platinum frequent flyers and offers a host of exclusive benefits to its members. The account offers priority, 24hr customer service in both Arabic and English, tailored news and special offers.
There can be love without locks. Residents and tourists of Paris have assured us via social media after 45 tonnes of padlocks, each supposedly representing a couple’s ‘amour’ for one another, were removed from the Pont des Arts in the French capital this week. #LoveWithoutLocks has been used on Twitter to show off the new artwork that adorns the Parisian bridge, as well as lament and commemorate the passing of the infamous love locks. Workmen removed the laden bridge panels on Monday, after concerns that the sheer weight of the romantic tokens was putting the 19th-century structure at risk. In June last year, the padlocks caused a section of the footbridge over the Seine to collapse.
And finally, many people dream of taking the ultimate road trip around the US with their best friends. One man from New York City set out with ‘man’s best friend’ on a seven-week long cross country road trip for an adventure of a lifetime. Poh the dog, originally from New York City, was diagnosed with terminal cancer earlier this year. To mark this upsetting moment in their lives, and to give Poh a fitting farewell, his owners set off on a bucket list adventure documenting their inspiring journey on Instagram. The account has amassed nearly 100,000 followers across the world.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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