Have you ever had to stand behind that woman at secondary inspection and watch as TSA slowly pokes through her bags and annoying takes their time searching through all dozen cosmetics bags?

I know, a real test of patience. That’s why you don’t have to be like her! You see, I’ve invested in clear zippered cosmetic cases just for airport travel. I use them not only for makeup and toiletries, but odds-n-ends office supplies I take on the road as well.  You can too!

Pens, pencils, clips? Clear cosmetic bag.
Phone charger, USB cable? Clear cosmetic bag.

You get the point.

When traveling for business, think: What will make everyone’s lives faster and easier?

Stand out from the crowd and slither through airport security with this hot python Tumi carry-on suitcase! Trust me, no one will ever again accidently mistake this suitcase for their suitcase. Problem solved.

This bag is sexy, sophisticated and ideal for the international business traveler.  Versatile and lightweight, the Avignon Python suitcase offers an expandable main compartment for those extra souvenirs or trade show books. Interior and exterior pockets allow easy access to objects and keeps you organized.

Tumi, Voyageur- Python Avignon International Carry-on $595

Up until yesterday, my main consideration in buying a plane ticket was PRICE. Not anymore. If an airline is selling tickets too cheap, you must ask yourself this: Are they sacrificing our safety for low airfare?

A certain airline has become a popular airline across socio-economic levels in Mexico due to its bargain deals.

Want to fly from Tijuana to Monterrey? US $30

Want to fly from Monterrey to Tijuana? US $10

As I said, this airline is CHEAP, even after taxes. Our recent round trip tickets from Tijuana to Monterrey ($40/person) came out to $280 TOTAL. Not bad considering you’d probably pay double on an airline like AeroMexico.

Because we hadn’t heard anything too terribly bad about the airline (which operates in a SouthWest kind of style, but feels a bit more like Cattle Class), we decided to give it a try.

The flight going to Monterrey was uneventful and on the way home, I settled into my window seat right on the backside of the wing. The plane took off and when we reached a cruising altitude, I looked down at the scenery and suddenly noticed…

Part of the wing held together with duct tape

Hopefully it’s not an important part of the wing! But wait, why would they put something NOT IMPORTANT on the wing? The airline is putting our lives in the hands of…TAPE? If this is VISIBLE, what are the safety hazards we can’t see?

This flight from Monterrey to Tijuana, Mexico on March 31, 2009 was my LAST trip with the airline.

I’d rather pay more money and know I’m safe.

Does anybody know what purpose that part of the wing serves?

UPDATE: Thanks to everyone who has commented on this post! It’s great to get input from people who are knowledgeable in this industry. I’m a seasoned airline passenger who has NEVER seen anything like this before, so it’s nice to get additional information regarding mechanics, safety, tape, etc. People not in the airline industry don’t know anything about speed tape, so it’s unsettling to be a passenger and see something like this directly outside your window. Duct tape or speed tape? Regardless, price does bring up the question of safety. What is sacrificed in the name of low cost fare? Keep this in mind before traveling.

ANOTHER UPDATE FROM AIRLINE: I love Twitter, you get all the answers you need. Here’s what VivaAeroBus has to say: “Hi, thats is speed tape (very thick aluminum foil) and it is very safe and FAA approved.”