Fountain Pen on an Airplane?

[ada8356]

If I take a fountain pen on an airplane will I potentially suffer leaking issues?

I really wouldn't have thought about it except for watching Mad Men a few weeks ago and Salvatore ended up with a ruined shirt because he FP leaked while flying.

tia

[The Nid Hog]

I don't know if it still happens or not, but I usually take the cartridge out of mine (an everyday use Waterman) when I travel.

[jazzman]

I haven't tested the theory, but I think I would have to call it an aeroplane if were to do so.:wink:

[Bayamontate]

Can potentially become a problem if the cartridge is completely filled. I take it out if it is or leave it in if its partially filled.

[KarthVader]

I take my FP with my Moleskine journal in the cabin without a problem. However, my pen is never full cause it's always in use, so that might be a factor.

At the airport, however, it's a different story: I once got a FP confiscated in Frankfurt, Germany because the security personnel at the international terminal felt that my pen could be used as a weapon.

Apparently, the pen is mightier than the sword.

[Obelit]

Gentlemen,

I have used fountain pens since childhood. As a rule, I choose not to take a full fountain pen on board a plane for fear of leaking.

See, I keep telling myself man was not meant to fly.

Regards,

Obelit

[RichGem]

You should be OK providing a few things:



Fly with a full or nearly full >3/4 full cartridge (or ink bladder as the case may be). Or with an empty pen that has been thoroughly flushed with plain water.
Keep the pen upright at all times, esp. during take off and landing (ie: point up either in the seat back pocket or your shirt pocket)
Loosen the cap just a bit (either unscrew slightly or push it up a bit so that it's not sealed if it's friction fit)
Be prepared with a tissue, just in case.
When you reach your destination, just close the pen up completely (you may wish to check for, and deal with, any leaks first) and be on your way. You might get a minor leakage when you use the pen next, so be prepared.

It's all about air pressure differential (outside the pen vs. inside the pen) when it comes to leakage when flying. These steps will minimize the effects thereof, but are not perfect for every pen. Some pens will leak no matter what.

[superbleu]

I was going to comment, but RichGem did all the grunt work.

His advice is good.

[RazorDingo]

I really wouldn't have thought about it except for watching Mad Men a few weeks ago and Salvatore ended up with a ruined shirt because he FP leaked while flying.

I loved that scene.

But I think that the fountain pen was a metaphor for something else that was leaking under the circumstances.

[KenS]

When flying I usually use a Parker 61, so it's not an issue. On my last trip I took a Lamy Safari. I put the pen in a ziploc plastic bag with the nib up, in my shirt pocket. I had no leakage. I guess that in the future I'll just keep the nib up, and the pen in a plastic bag for insurance.
Ken.

[ada8356]

Since I've plenty other pens it sounds like I should err on the side of caution and leave the FP behind. It would be nice to have with me, but a leak could prove disastrous!

[Doc4]

At the airport, however, it's a different story: I once got a FP confiscated in Frankfurt, Germany because the security personnel at the international terminal felt that my pen could be used as a weapon.

Apparently, the pen is mightier than the sword.

Need we mention that fountaim pen ink is a "liquid" ... sooooo ... better have that pen inside that silly plastic baggie for security. :001_rolle

[jrhudgins]

RichGem gave a good synopsis of the standard recommendations about flying with a FP. I have traveled often with my pens, both upright in my pocket (full of ink) and packed in my both carry-on and checked bags. Never had a leak.
I do pack those in the checked bags, along with my bottles of ink, in a plastic bag.

JR

P.S. Enjoying the Pelikan. Thanks.

[pal]

RichGem gave a good synopsis of the standard recommendations about flying with a FP. I have traveled often with my pens, both upright in my pocket (full of ink) and packed in my both carry-on and checked bags. Never had a leak.
I do pack those in the checked bags, along with my bottles of ink, in a plastic bag.

JR

P.S. Enjoying the Pelikan. Thanks.

+1 I travel with fountain pens all the time and you know, the thought that my pen my leak never crossed my mind. I usually carry a FP in my pocket and put it through security checks with my shoes and keys ect. I guess it is true what they say, "Ignorance is Bliss".

[StylinLA]

I went in a local pen store and became smitten with a Pilot retractable fountain pen. Though they are full of assurances it won't leak, I have a guess at some point there may be an incident. It's my current favorite as it is compact and easy to use.

Haven't tried it on plane yet, but it's kind of cool. I think they are the only ones who make a retractable fountain pen it. Not super pricey either. Pilot is a branch of Namiki.

[Brodirt]

I flew a few thousand miles last week and took along my new Vanishing Point, with converter, and my trusty Aurora Ipsilon, with cartridge, and had no problems with either. Well, none other than the fact that I cant get the VP converter to fill, but that started with the pen before I flew.