A method for joining an initial section (3) of a film tube (2) which is wound up in a band-like manner on a reel (1) with an end section (4) of a second film tube (5) extending over subsequent processing stations, especially a packaging system, in an at least partly band-like manner, in which it is provided that at least one upwardly pivoting tab (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) each is formed by the placement of a cut in the initial and end sections (3, 4) of the two film tubes (2, 5) to be joined, with a tab (4a, 4b) of the end section (4) being placed on a tab (3a, 3b) of the initial section (3) and the superimposed tabs (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) are mutually joined in a tension-proof manner. The production of a tension-proof connection of the initial and end sections (3, 4) of the film tubes (2, 5) occurs here by welding, with welding methods on the basis of ultrasonic sound being preferred.