A lot of travelers often wonder about the query of whether I can bring gel pens on a plane. You never know when a pen could come in handy or when you might need it, especially carrying one along on international flights is a good idea. It may be useful to fill out an immigration form, solve a crossword puzzle, or do Sudoku on a plane.
Transportation Security Administration, otherwise knowns as the TSA, has very tight and strict regulations concerning what may and may not be allowed to be brought along through security checkpoints. However, rules regarding the type of pens allowed to be carried on a plane are somewhat unclear.
Before you board a flight, you must know the type of permissible pen that can be taken along and what to do to avoid the pen from exploding in flight. Therefore, this article is a flying guide for all our traveler readers worrying about whether I can bring gel pens on a plane.
Can I Bring Gel Pens On A Plane?
Coming to the core theme discussion of our flying guide for traveler readers- can I bring gel pens on a plane? Fortunately, you are allowed to take gel pens on the plane with you when traveling.
TSA authorities do not necessarily consider gel pens to be categorized under forbidden items or items that can be utilized for a purpose more than writing; therefore, to them, it is not a harmful writing utensil and, as a result, is permitted to be carried along on a flight. 
Often TSA agents resist certain types of pens as they are unfamiliar with their use, and to them, the pen seems to be only a sharp and odd object. However, no such case has ever been reported with a gel pen whereby any TSA agent would have thought of a gel pen as a potential object causing harm to other onboard flight members.
Liquid Ink Guidelines:
Though carrying a simple gel pen is allowed and not problematic, traveling with a refillable gel pen comes with some guidelines that must be followed. These guidelines do not surround the carrying or the packaging of the gel pen but are precisely released for the liquid ink to be used in the cartridge to refill the pen.
Rules:
Gel substances formulate a significant part of the TSA rules, are in respect to the limitations on the quantity of the gel pen’s liquid ink. Typically, gel pens only contain one or two ml of gel and are not refillable, so you are fine to go ahead with them as it is.
Whereas ones that are refillable and require the cartridge to be renewed; then, in that case, you can only carry a liquid gel container that has no more liquid than 100ml. Likewise, in ounces, the liquid of the gel substance should be at most 3.4 ounces.
Additionally, all containers containing gel substance ink must be packed in zip, quart-sized, or plastic bags with a clear and transparent lining in your carry-on bags so that the components of the ink can be inspected at the security checking interval.
Any liquid gel substance ink you plan to carry along and for your gel pen must be declared at the security checkpoint to the TSA authorities or to the customs so that they are aware and that you stay clear of any trouble that could otherwise come your way.
Traveling With Gel Pen- International And Domestic Flights:
More than often, the guidelines for international and domestic flights tend to differ in various aspects, but is that also applicable to whether I can bring gel pens on a plane?
There is no such guideline for an international or a domestic flight, claiming you to be forbidden to carry a gel pen when traveling. The type of flight you take makes no difference, as all airlines, whether a regional air carrier or a major and renowned globally known airline, follow TSA regulations.
As per TSA regulations, you can bring gel pens with you on a plane regardless of the kind of flight and trip you are taking.
Gel Pens In Luggage:
A question frequently brought up by travelers traveling with a gel pen is where it is ideal and the most suitable for them to pack their gel pens in their luggage.
Since the TSA does not classify a gel pen as a restricted item, you have the liberty and the discretion to choose where you will place your gel pen in the luggage.
Carry-on Bags:
When placing the gel pen in a carry-on bag, follow the guidelines for carrying the liquid gel substance ink and only carry the amount permitted.
Checked Bags:
On the contrary, for checked luggage, you are free to pack your gel pens here as well. However, to avoid any leaks or spills of the gel ink during transit, it is essential for you to pack the gel pens carefully and also to notify TSA authorities about the gel pens, declaring the product.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I take gel pens on the plane?
Yes, you can take gel pens on the plane.
Which pen is not allowed in flight?
The only type of pen not allowed to be carried on a flight is a tactical pen, which can also serve an alternative purpose to a weapon.
Is it important to notify when carrying gel pen ink?
It is important to notify TSA authorities while carrying gel pen ink and adhere to the quantity limits.
Can I carry a gel pen on a domestic flight?
You can carry a gel pen on any international or domestic flight and it will result in no problematic scenario for you.
