About to board your flight, but wondering whether do pens count as liquids on planes, let us assist you in determining an answer to this query.
We consider many items typical, but it may be surprising to know that they are not allowed on airplanes. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a comprehensively drafted list of items forbidden on a plane that may make little to no sense to travelers.
Likewise, individual airports can also expand the list of items they would not be willing to let their passengers board a plane with, so can you be sure that something as mundane as a pen would be airplane-safe or considered a liquid on a plane?
Despite the TSA list listing pens under permitted items, do pens count as liquid on planes?
Do Pens Count As Liquid On Planes?
Knowing if pens count as a liquid on planes is essential for you to be informed as it alters the way you travel in. This is because while pens are considered a singular item allowed to be boarded without any restrictions, on the other hand, liquids (of any kind) are subjected to several regulations that must be adhered to.
Technically, a pen with an oil or water-based composition tends to contain a liquid inside it. Still, TSA does not necessarily consider or treat it as a liquid product, meaning pens are not obliged to the standard for liquids.
Rules Concerning Liquids On A Plane:
Reiterating, pens are not considered liquid, so they do not have to be placed within a clear bag that ideally has a quart size. But this does not mean there are no rules for liquid ink to be boarded on a plane, or you are free to carry as much liquid gel and ink as you want.
Since ink is a liquid, there are rules concerning it which are summarized under the “three-one-one rule” precisely and strictly applicable.
Per the three-one-one rule, you are only permitted to take a single plastic quart-sized bag that contains ink bottles with a liquid of 100 ml or 3.04 ounces. This liquid limit should not be surpassed, and take the rule of only carrying one bag with ink in your checked luggage very seriously because if not, the ink will be discarded at the security terminal.
The only time you do not have to comply with rules concerning liquids on a plane is when you are only traveling with pens; at other times, when the equation involves ink, you must adhere to the three-one-one rule.
Packing Pens:
Ideally, it is always preferred by the TSA authorities and highly recommended to all travelers traveling with pens to pack their pens, pencils, and similar writing utensils in a carry-on bag.
The primary reason behind this proposition is that it makes the life of TSA agents easier when security checking, as they can conveniently inspect all your pens and other art supplies.
Even though there is no resistance against pens, but if a pen has a highly pointed nip, then it is considered dangerous, or if the agent is not familiar with a kind of pen, then the outcome can be problematic because you would have to justify and explain the pen you are carrying and to which objection has been demonstrated.
Also, inspection of materials like paints and liquids is quicker because after security screening, the only task for the security officer is to inspect the components of the liquids to ensure they comply with the liquid standards, and no paint tube being carried is problematic (flammable).
Carry-on Bags Packing:
To compartmentalize your supplies, we bring forth a plan that includes a brief description of all the pens and other supplies that must be placed in your carry-on bags.
- Keep pens upright and in your carry-on pocket to prevent ink leaking.
- For all the pens you have in your carry-on bag, do not remove the original labels so they can act as proof and certify the pen you are carrying.
- If carrying paint tubes in carry-on bags, ensure all the tubes are sealed and packaged in a zip-lock bag or container to prevent them from leaking under pressure.
Checked-in Luggage Packing
As for luggage that has to be checked in, place the following items in it:
- All liquid containers and bottles of ink, gel substance, paints, etc should be in checked luggage because you cannot risk losing your liquid bottles by carrying them in a carry-on bag and then not finding replacements at your destination.
- Drawing pads, pencils, pens, pastels, crayons, markers, and highlighters not to be utilized or accessed during the flight should be packed in the checked luggage.
- All non-flammable tubes that must not be declared to the airport security or customs, such as water or vegetable-oil-based paints, should be in your checked luggage. This way, you will be playing safe by stowing paints in your main luggage suitcases, avoiding explaining to TSA why you have them and what you will need the paints for.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
What if I have an ink pot of 102 ml?
An ink pot of 102 ml will not be allowed on a flight as it exceeds the clearly set out rules for the liquid an individual can board.
Do pens count as a liquid on flights?
Pens do not count as liquids on flights as whatever amount of liquid is; it is all contained with a pen and not outside of it.
Are lip liner lipsticks a liquid?
No lip liner lipsticks are not a liquid.
Can we carry a pen on an international flight?
Luckily, you can carry all pens, pencils, markers, crayons, and highlighters on an international flight, but you can never take a tactical pen.
