Typically, we have all heard of some things considered forbidden to carry on a plane, such as explosives, flammable liquids, and poisonous items. But with pens being allowed to be taken along on planes, why are fountain pens not allowed in airplanes? Let’s inquire!
People love writing with a fountain pen, so they probably want to take it along but are not allowed to. Some items sound dangerous even by their name, which makes their prohibition on a plane valid, but what about a pen as simple and mundane as a fountain pen that is not allowed on a plane?
Is a fountain pen classified as a knife? Is the pen dangerous, and can it be utilized as a harmful weapon? You may no longer wonder about this question because we will provide you with an answer!
Why Are Fountain Pens Not Allowed In Airplanes?
A fountain pen not being allowed in airplanes is related to the changes in pressure and height at an aircraft which poses a severe threat of the pen’s ink leaking mid-flight.
Factually, airplanes fly at 40,000 feet and above, where the atmospheric pressure tends to decrease as the altitude increases. Though the pressure and height of the aircraft are subjected to changes, the pressure of the ink in the pen remains at the same high level.
Therefore, due to the difference between the pressure and height of the airplane and the ink, the air column in the fountain pen exerts additional pressure and resultantly leads the ink to be deposited close to the nip of the pen, eventually starting to leak out of it.
Installed cartridge in the fountain pen is problematic as it cannot withstand the pressure. Even when the cartridge is not accurately positioned in the pen, it creates a lot of pressure and bursts open the pen’s inside, again resulting in an ink leak.
Leaking of the fountain pen’s ink is highly likely to occur when the airplane is landing or has just recently taken off because it is in these moments that the atmospheric pressure is the most unstable affecting the two crucial components filling the pen: liquid (ink) and air.
How To Fly With A Fountain Pen:
The only cause constituting a fountain pen being forbidden on the plane is the troublesome scenario that can arise if the ink leaks. But what if we tell you there is a loophole in the situation, and through its employment, you can fly with your fountain pen?
To avoid you running into any formal and serious difficulties with TSA or airline authorities, you can attempt implementing the tips we have for you on how to fly with a fountain pen.
Proper Storing:
Usually, pens by TSA are not categorized as liquids; however, a fountain pen is an exception and is considered a liquid. Hence, when the pen is regarded as a liquid, treating it as a liquid product is the only way to deal with it and its transportation.
You do not have to stick with the “three-one-one” liquid standard, but you can only use key takeaways from the rule, such as storing the fountain pen in a plastic, clear, zip-top (ziplock bag).
Even when bringing multiple fountain pens on board, ensure to place all of them in proper storage through a sealed plastic bag while keeping only one for use during flight.
Store In Carry-On Bag:
Another advice for you, along the lines of storing a fountain pen, is never to store it in checked luggage as it is the worst storage place.
Checked luggage will always bounce around through transit and multiple security checks. With that, your beloved fountain pen will also suffer, which might not be able to cope and explode all over your belongings, leaving a huge mess behind for you to clean. Nevertheless, a ruined pen as well as remains!
Keep Fountain Pen With You:
We all know about “keeping your enemies close,” but in this situation, when traveling with a fountain pen, we say keep your fountain pen closest to you.
Honestly, the best and the most convenient way to travel with fountain pens is to keep them in a place where you have control and an eye to hold over them and how they are stored.
Through this, you can ensure the fountain pen is not jostling around. Keep the pen in front of your seat or your carry-on bag. Worst case scenario- despite your preventive measures, fountain pen leaks, do not fret because you can clean the ink up immediately instead of discovering the mess hours later when unpacking your luggage.
Ink Quantity:
Remember how we stated earlier that the cause of concern for fountain pens is the air expansion in the ink cartridge? To remedy this, the easiest way is to monitor the ink quantity and to always refill the fountain pen with ink before boarding your flight.
As ironic as it may be, the lesser the air in the ink, the better and the least likely the fountain pen will leak. A reduced amount of ink indicates leakage, so either fill the whole cartridge or empty it, do not settle for an ink quantity between the two extremes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS):
Can you bring a fountain pen on an airplane?
Though it is not advisable to carry a fountain pen on an airplane with some precaution or by carrying a modern fountain pen, you are good to go and take it on a plane.
Why are fountain pens likely to leak while traveling in an airplane?
The leak results from the changing air pressure and the atmospheric pressure difference between the ink and the air.
Which pen is not allowed in flight?
Tactical pen is not allowed in flight.
Why is it advised not to carry a fountain pen while traveling in an airplane?
The only reason for this advice is the possibility of the fountain pen leaking in an airplane.
