Flying With Fountain Pens (Fountain Pen 101)

[@l10industries]

Personally, as a pilot whom flies with fountain pens regularly, I have never experienced an issue. This includes pens with piston cartridge converters, aerometric cartridge converters, and piston fillers. Thing is, in any modern pen, I don't see an issue. Biggest issue with flying with fountain pens is getting ink bottles through security. If you want to do that without issue, just make sure it is put in the tray when sending your bags through the X-ray.

[@TuesdayShark]

Ink bottles are fine when flying?

[@CarlosERamos-ey1lj]

@@TuesdaySharki’ve traveled with them. as long as they’re small enough they’re fine

[@AndThenSome71]

Wow, excellent series bro. I never thought I would develop an interest in fountain pens but here I am, and your series was just what I needed. After a little research I've decided that the pilot metropolitan would be best starter pen for me. Thanks again and wishing you the very best in everything you do.

[@Gouletpens]

I'm so glad to hear that! The Pilot Metropolitan is a great starter pen. It was my first as well. :) - Colin

[@peterjpuleo4133]

Nemosine makes an excellent low cost fountain pen.

[@GaryKocharian]

My first starter too!

[@jonathanlynch8089]

Yes I agree I found out about fountain Pens last week and I have ordered a metropolitan

[@Gouletpens]

The cabin only pressurizes to the level of about 6,000-8,000ft elevation, so there is a pressure differential while you're climbing from the ground-level pressure to whatever your flight elevation. Keeping a nib up is the way to go, no matter what kind of pen you're using.

[@jonathonshanecrawford1840]

I thought the plane pressurizes before take off!

[@LimAlexis]

Hi Brian, I have did some trials myself with a Lamy AL- Star. First I flew with the pen fully filled. On my return trip the pen was half filled. Orientation was horizontal. Of course as a matter precaution the pen was wrapped inside a plastic bag. The result was that it didn’t leak. Not even a drop or any evidence of ink on the nib. Alexis.

[@Mill_Burray__]

I brought some pens and ink on a flight for the first time yesterday. I conducted a little experiment. I had some pens completely full, 3/4 full, 1/2 full, and 1/4 full. I also had a range of fill types(converter, piston, vac, and eyedropper). I made sure to keep them nib end up. No leaks or burping at all! I did keep them in a ziplock bag with paper towels in case they leaked. I also brought a few 1oz(~30ml) Nalgene bottles filled with ink. Those didn't leak either nor did they pose any proble

[@BC-ky7ps]

I think Ziplock bag did not allow air pressure fluctuations to the pen. So no leak, I suppose.

[@jonathonshanecrawford1840]

_"Ziplock"_ sounds Australian! I agree, I bought ink on like, the bottles come in a Ziplock bag, I remove the ink bottle from the bag, refill my pen, and then put the bottle back in the ziplock bag and close the bag. Just in case the cap isn't closed properly!

[@Gouletpens]

Some pens seal better than others...if the cap does in fact stay airtight, then you shouldn't have any leaking issues.

[@OtherDianne]

Would that apply to a TWSBI Eco, then?

[@MasterDuf]

I just flew with a Platinum Preppy (eye dropper mode) in my pocket and 2 Lamy Safari and 2 bottles of ink in checked bag and had no problems at all.

[@Gouletpens]

Tim Duffy cool : ) I've flown a bunch of times even intentionally trying to get a leak, and haven't gotten anything worth bragging about ;) -Brian Goulet

[@madakinc7242]

I Flew across the country, and these' video's helped. Kept my fountain pens nib up. The advantage of cartridge converter pen, while holding pen nib up and converter knob exposed (over a restroom sink) I was able to ~slowly~ advance the plunder till there no air in the converter just prior to boarding the plane. Worked like a charm.

[@rachelsmith2343]

Just realising that often your videos were and still are long or single takes, fantastic work! Btw I love your videos, old and new. Unfortunately won't be flying for a while again, yay 2020, but this is definitely worth remembering.

[@Gouletpens]

Thank you very much!

[@SilverSeaOT7]

This may be ten years old but it helped me from cleaning out my four piston fillers before air travel. Thanks!

[@Gouletpens]

No, actually the complete opposite! Ink doesn't expand, it's water-based and by itself, isn't affected in flight. It's actually the air inside the pen that is affected during elevation changes that causes ink to come out of a pen. You want as little air as possible inside your ink chamber when you're flying with a fountain pen.

[@mikesomerset6338]

"Fly dry". The best in flight pen is a cheap ballpoint. Travel is when cartridges really come into their own. Boring but practical. Never travel with something you can't afford to "loose" or, say, maybe, have "borrowed" when going through a border.

[@yawninggreyhound]

I just flew without doing any research and my Nib Creaper was a leaky mess. It leaked on the flight from Denver to Pennsylvania, while we drove around Pennsylvania, and while I walked around. Every day there was more ink in my cap and around the nib, until finally I just took it apart and washed it all out. Maybe the Creaper is a stay-at-home pen.

[@Nitroracer001]

I have taken my Lamy Al-Star on 2 trips, 8 separate planes with a full cartridge installed in the last month with no issues. I don’t know if nib size matters, mine is a fine nib. I keep it in a zip-top bag, and generally, but not always, try to pull it out of my carry on and slip it vertically into the seat back pocket just to be safe. I usually forget to put it upright 50% of the time, but no issues to date.

[@alaabarakat8609]

My pen leaked a lot when I flew two weeks ago. I took my pen out during flight (way after take off) to do homework, and when I opened the cap, the nib was all wet. I was wearing white pants too, so I was extra careful when I recapped the pen and cleaned up. I completely forgot about the pressure difference haha

[@slowhoe]

Thanks for this tip. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area (sea level) and frequently drive to our mountain home in Tahoe, 6500 ft. If I forget to remove the fountain pens from my backpack they are a mess by the time I get to Tahoe. I'll have to try these tips the next time head up, making sure I keep the nib up. I use a Pilot Custom 823 as my main pen now because it seals the ink from the nib. It was a bit of a pain to get used to writing with, but love it now, and I can use it in the Mtns.

[@Gouletpens]

I'm not intimately familiar with either of these pens or the way they work, but apparently they have some kind of unique design that helps them combat changes in atmospheric pressure.

[@christinas8792]

I am new to fountain pens and I travel a lot for work. This was super helpful, thank you!

[@MisterChris1978]

Perfect timing for this popping up on my home page. I was going to search anywhere. I am flying this week.

[@CECS1]

Ive always brought what ink/pen (sample of course with bill of sale) I want on a flight, and filled at 6,000 ish. Then, as we do our finals, the ink itself retreats into the pen and usually (cross fingers) no issues but I always retract the piston 10 min before our finals. Then there is less ink in the nib and the air is at lower pressure and creates for a nicer equalization.

[@andyhaochizhang]

More accurately, when the atmospheric pressure decrease, the air in the pen expand in volume. This might push some of the ink in the feed or even in the pen out a bit. But the pressure change is not that drastic so

[@martinjohnson4405]

The pressurization at 6,000' is interesting and something I don't think about much; where I live the planes are at 5,280' when they take off. Of course coming home I am generally coming from much lower altitude than Denver. Actually, my home is right at 6,000'. Usually I travel with three or four Lamy Safari pens of different colors and use the cartridges. I usually don't write until we are high enough that I can lower the little table and I have yet to have had a leakage problem. [I'm typing this with one hand and knocking on my oak table with the other]. Thank-you for the good advice on traveling and on your other one on accessories for traveling.

[@Gouletpens]

Well, according to TSA it needs to be 100ml or less, otherwise you need to check it.

[@ADHIRAJBANDYOPADHYAY]

Hi, enlighten us more about different types/sizes of cartridge

[@jonathonshanecrawford1840]

I have experienced the same problem with _"Bic"_ pens at sea level and the nib faces down when in you pocket, they tend to leak as well! What's worse the ink is oil based! Oops! Where as you know that fountain pen ink is water based! Also like the Lamy Safari (and others) when the pen in in your pocket is facing up. They say when storing a fountain pen you place flat (horizontal) or nib up (vertical)... Your thoughts?

[@expatriateprepper]

How about drastic temperature differences? Say going from Denver at -20 F and headed to Death Valley at 125 F?

[@dlevi67]

Add the altitude difference, and you are in for a splash.

[@pinkpandamiranda]

I drove over the snoqualmie pass in Washington state from walla walla to bothel with my pilot metropolitan and nemosine fission. My family and I were going to help our friends move to their new house in bothel and I was showing them my pens when all the ink spilled out of the cap and all over my hands and their nice new carpet. I had no idea going over a mountain would do that at the time! Haha.

[@Gouletpens]

Great to hear! The 146 is a pretty decent sized pen too, so it's good that didn't leak :)

[@Gouletpens]

Neat experiment! I'll definitely do something like this next time I fly.

[@Gouletpens]

Pens can be weapons, haven't you seen any Bond movies? ;)

[@markos741]

Great video, great explanation. I flew to Rome some days ago with two of my favourite pens, the MB 146 and the CS Marlborough Vintage, so a piston filler and a lever filler pen. I had them fully inked and when we arrived at Rome, there was just a drop on top of the nib, that I'm not even sure it was because of the flight, or if it was the kind of thing that happens anyway. So, according to your vid, the pens were safe because they were fully inked (very little air inside) and with the nibs up.

[@sassytbc7923]

I think I will resort to short cartridges whilst traveling.. easiest

[@Gouletpens]

That'll do it...this is pretty much what I did in the video with the Konrad, except I was just expelling all of the air out of the pen.

[@codybaumeister3734]

I am about to go on a flight, and I was wondering if it would be okay to carry with me two bottles of Noodler's 3 oz bottles in my carry on or would it be better to just leave them in my luggage?

[@Gouletpens]

cody baumeister I don't know where you are, but in the US we're not supposed to fly with a container more than 1oz in our carry on, so I'd say you should check them in your luggage that'll go under the plane. When I fly, I carry 30ml Diamine ink bottles, because they're only 1oz and they're plastic so I don't have to worry about breakage. -Brian Goulet

[@Jabib0]

+The Goulet Pen Company Hey Brian, TSA's requirement is currently 3.4oz (100ml) but used to be 3oz. i.ytimg.com/vi/09QberxAwqI/maxresdefault.jpgI'm sure Cody already had his flight, and smaller containers are always easier, but a 3oz container should be fine!

[@MaidMirawyn]

+The Goulet Pen Company The TSA rule is 3-1-1 in the US: 3 oz maximum per container (which is now actually 3.4 oz or 100 ml), in a single 1 quart plastic bag. They say the requirement is going to be lifted sometime this year for people in the frequent flyer, easy check-in program, but I don't think it's been confirmed yet. I use bar soap and solid shampoo and conditioner, plus make my own toothpaste tabs, so I have enough extra room for the ink. I'm traveling this summer, but I'm only going for eight days, so I'm using my Goulet sample vials for the trip!

[@prashant619]

could you tell me if i have to clean my pen before using cartridges of the same colour but different company?

[@Gouletpens]

+Prashant Sharma it's highly recommended you clean the pen every time you change inks, even if it's a similar color. -Brian Goulet

[@Gouletpens]

Ah! Well, it's really my fault because I didn't post this video before your trip ;) At least now you know, though!

[@arjuns3659]

All goes well, as long as the pen is kept vertical. Ideal place is the pen holder in the arm sleeve. Easy for pilots, not always possible for passengers. Any ink pen kept flat during flight will leak, whenever the pressure reduces. This is unavoidable when carrying a pen in your bag. As a traveller/passenger, my solution is to carry a fresh cartridge without popping the seal and fix it at destination. On the return, I junk the half used cartridge.

[@Gouletpens]

Seriously? That's pretty ignorant of them...please don't lump all Americans into judgement by the actions of the TSA....

[@MichaelRpdx]

Yes, you did mean ground level. People in Denver are never at sea level. Well unless they are going to Cabo or LA or whereever.

[@suketushah9347]

what about when using cartridges, do they too overflo

[@robertkoopman9267]

Thanks for the info I told my cousin this and I did what you said to do and he didn't and his leaked like ALOT and I didn't spill a drop, except for a little in the cap but that's different, thank you!!

[@haroldpatrick7772]

Many years ago I had some serious problems with my pens when flying. I ruined a few white dress shirts on my way to meetings in other states. The solution I came up with was to cut a piece of PVC pipe large enough to hold the pen and capped and sealed one end and the other end was capped but not glued. It worked beautifully and I still use them to this day. They have served my very well for 25 years and TSA has never had an issue with them. One agent asked what it was and I told him and showed him.... he was cool with that.

[@banks927]

I see a huge potential for someone mistaking this for a bomb.

[@marksmith9497]

That's one skinny little bomb.

[@RemixRampage]

If you have a fountain pen that holds a large amount of ink do you have to place it in a separate bag for the TSA to scan? Or should I be fine just having it in a case?

[@Gouletpens]

Yes, it's definitely a liquid, at least it better be if you want to use it in a pen! Check out the TSA's rules on liquids on their website. You'll be okay as long as your ink is 100ml or less, which most are. They would have a problem with a 4.5 ounce Noodler's bottle, so you'd need to check that. But do you really need that much in a carry-on anyway? ;)

[@user-mh2bw4hu3o]

Im flying to japan this weekend and i wanna bring some of my fountain pens, especially my Sheaffer Award fountain pen.

[@morganblarue]

Yet again another great little video that answers my questions perfectly.

[@darthyiu]

The risk in a flight is probably less severe than in a train going through a tunnel, where sudden and momentary change of air pressure could cause leaking.

[@lpanades]

Suck the pen carefully with nib up; do it with fast sucking actions stoped and reiniciated. This brings up the ink and opens space for the air re-equalize the pressure and breakes supperficial tension of the ink, what regularly let ink goes back inside the pen ink reservoir. For ink transportation I use empty vacin or insulin bottles and an insulin seringe for filling up the pen. These bottles are absolutly leak-free.

[@benaronson2187]

What do i do if my pen has a cartridge? Will keeping the pen upright keep it safe?

[@Gouletpens]

+Ben Aronson Yeah, when in doubt, always keep the nib pointed upward. You can also put them in a plastic bag to avoid any serious mess. - Colin

[@FahadMahmood1986]

Great video and thanks for the explanation. Just one question: Visconti claim that some of their pens -I believe those with the double reservoir power fillers are 'safe' fliers. Is that only if you keep the front chamber empty during flying? More mysterious is the claim by Waterman that the Edson is safe for flying...do you know what might be special about it?? F

[@Gouletpens]

Flying with empty pens is definitely the best way to ensure there's no leak.

[@Gouletpens]

Hey, let's be civil here. It is possible to have pens not leak on airplanes, but it's important to always treat them as if they will, just in case.

[@wz4735]

Thanks for the tip. Now I won't have to worry about traveling with my beloved pens abroad :)

[@Mill_Burray__]

...ms with security. I can only assume those bottles are TSA approved since they're sold in most travel sections of stores.

[@ChericeByler]

What fountain pen is that??? I love the look

[@sandynugraha722]

How about cartridges? The air inside the cartridge cannot be pressed out. Your guidance please.

[@Gouletpens]

If you keep the nib pointed up, it should be fine. If you're talking about unused cartridges? The air pressure will tend to push the air to the top of the cartridge meaning the risk of leaking is very low. When in doubt, just put them all in a plastic bag so they don't affect any other parts of your luggage. - Colin

[@sandynugraha722]

Gotta prepare before fly. Thanks!

[@GaryKocharian]

What about ink cartridges? I'm assuming they would be fine considering unused ones are filled to capacity with ink, so no chance of air expansion.

[@Gouletpens]

If they are unused, they should be fine. No way for air to get in and cause an inky disaster. If you're trying to save a few last drops from a punctured cartridge, I think you might have some more issues. - Colin

[@armybros2097]

if you fly with a cartage will it have air in it and push it out if is stored with the nib and feed facing up? If you fly with it in the pressurized cobin will it still push the air out?

[@jennijawsz]

This is so helpful!! Thank you for this video!

[@Geemeel1]

/thanks SO helpful I have heard horror stories about flying with a fountain pen. Well presented and very clear instructions Thanks from Europe 💞

[@Gouletpens]

Will do : )

[@Gouletpens]

Awesome! I'm glad to help : )

[@vics-videos]

Well analyzed and presented. Thanks, Brian! :-)

[@prospereworfelidoh5248]

But from what I read,once the aeroplane's doors and windows are closed the pressure inside become constant throughout the flight

[@matthewmillar3804]

No, there's systems that maintain certain pressure in the cabin, even after the doors are closed. It's less stress on the plane to pressurize it to 6000' than sea level. That why when you're ready to land, your ears pop. They're equalizing the plane pressure to the atmospheric pressure.

[@MisterChris1978]

I think everyone would love to hear any leaking pen horror stores you may have, Brian.

[@EZCarnivore]

I'm curious how the cap might affect this... One would think that the air in the pen wouldn't want to escape through the feed of the pen if it didn't have anywhere to go. Of course, I would think that pen caps aren't the most airtight things in the world, so it probably wouldn't help unless it did seal the air inside. Teflon tape the threads for the cap before flying? I might try that one day! XD Of course, just point the nib upwards when uncapping, and do so slowly.

[@ryannakao2448]

Hi thanks for the video, very informative. I'm wondering, I want to air ship some pens to a friend, and in the past these pens have leaked, do you think by putting these pens a vacuum sealed bag either with some air or no air will prevent any leakage?

[@Gouletpens]

I would think in the vacuum sealed bag with no air should work. The air pressure is probably what's causing the leaks, so that should solve it. Do you have to mail the pens inked up? Might be easier to send a pen with samples instead. - Colin

[@HistoryMike86]

Hey guys. I'm flying from sea level to Jackson Wyoming on Tuesday. I want to bring two pens (a Lamy safari and a Premier brands pen) each with a converter. Is it better to fill them up with my desired ink or to empty them and bring a bottle? I'm worried my 80ml (2.7oz) diamine ink will be confiscated for some dumb reason but I also don't want the pens bust in travel. I watched the video and you seem to thread the needle between the two. Is there an elevation issue I should be worried about or fountain pens on planes? Do you guys have issues during travel frequently? thanks for all your hard work.

[@Gouletpens]

+Michael Lane it's rarely an issue. If you either fill the pen all the way up or empty it completely, you should be good. It's when a pen is partially filled that there's the most potential for leaking. As for the Diamine, just check the bottle in your luggage and you'll be okay. -Brian

[@HistoryMike86]

Thanks! I appreciate the prompt response! Keep up the great work!

[@HistoryMike86]

Hey guys, My trip to Wyoming was great and your advice played out just right. But, I can now say I will be buying some of your carrying cases. I was very worried the whole time that something would hit my backpack and hurt the pens (one did get a nick in it but nothing too bad). Thanks for all your hard work!

[@abyssalfenge7465]

I wanted to ask something about fountain pens that you dip with. Are you allowed to bring these onto a carry on? They do look pretty sharp and dangerous.

[@teaartist6455]

Those are dip pens, not fountain pens. The whole point of a fountain pen is not dipping them into ink all the time.

[@volcanowb]

As long as they don't interfere with my cape, I'm good! I 😁

[@rivercarson5763]

as far as I know the ink will also have less pressure on it and want to expand so wont it be better to have some air so that the ink has something to fill as it expands?

[@ChristopherLScott]

Thank you.

[@budgetsurvival1981]

Can i take cartriges on the plane ?

[@Gouletpens]

Yeah, absolutely! As long as they aren't punctured, they should be good. - Colin

[@budgetsurvival1981]

The Goulet Pen Company thank you for replying

[@amandabates9034]

So my husband and I are taking a trip to Europe next year. I had seen a comment about traveling on a train...if we take the train from London to Paris, should I store my fountain pens the same way I would on a plane as I would the train?!

[@OnatBas]

You won't get such drastic change in pressure while travelling with train, so you are safe :)

[@susanc1217]

Do you know if bottled ink in your carry on is considered a liquid? Want to avoid them taking it from me. Thoughts? me.

[@matthewmillar3804]

What pen is that?

[@Gouletpens]

Haha, yeah I could probably do that :)

[@Gouletpens]

That was back with Sean Connery bond....I doubt we'll see Daniel Craig walking around with a fountain pen....though maybe, who knows?

[@rv_96]

Can you make a video of your present day pen collection. Please?!!!!

[@BicBoiDyl]

Thanks for the video!

[@NagisaShiota11]

Will tsa let you through with a nearly full bottle of Noodlers ink? I know it says three ounces but I want to be sure.

[@Gouletpens]

I think as long as the bottle is labeled three ounces and is in the required clear plastic ziploc bag, you should be fine, Benjamin. -Lydia

[@NagisaShiota11]

+The Goulet Pen Company thanks I'm leaving later today.

[@axyelp]

never flew,.. but t'was nice to know!

[@jonathonshanecrawford1840]

Fountain pens leaking or exploding on modern planes is 100% a myth! On say a 1905 plane _Tiger-moth_ may be, if you can get the plane over 2,500 metres! As most plane fly around 10,000 metres! _"On the ground, the airplane is unpressurised and the outflow valve is wide open. During pre-flight, the pilot sets the cruise altitude on a cabin pressure controller. As soon as the weight is off the main wheels at takeoff, the outflow valve begins to close and the cabin starts to pressurise."_ Thus there is way too many videos claiming that fountain pens leak on planes, what about ballpoint pens at sea level? They leak too! I have experimented that it is the body heat that causes ballpoint pens to leak, Air-Pressure has nothing to with fountain pens leaking on planes. Hence negative pressure is on the outside of the plane during flight!

[@Gouletpens]

Blamo!

[@dwnk4691]

I wonder if you could take such a large glass bottle of ink on an airplane. I would think that TSA would confiscate it....great video, though. Thanks for posting!

[@Remington1875]

Never Say Never Again. A MontBlanc 149 grenade launcher. "Not perfected yet" -Q.

[@RealIndian821]

While traveling, I use ball point pens

[@Remington1875]

The writing's on the wall.

[@JohnNewtoneu]

in short never sign anything until you get over 6000 ft :)

[@Gouletpens]

Basically, yeah! Of course you're supposed to have your tray up while you're ascending anyway... ;) -Brian Goulet

[@latetodagame1892]

Minimize air!

[@homework_ornery]

Can you bring a fountain pen aboard the plane on your carry on baggage?

[@Gouletpens]

Yeah definitely! - Colin

[@ahmadaamer6]

Try using a Ballpoint Pen! Thanks for the video!