For fountain pen enthusiasts, leaving your favorite writing instrument at home when you travel feels like leaving a part of yourself behind. The good news? Flying with fountain pens is entirely possible, and with a few thoughtful precautions, you can ensure your precious pens arrive ready to write—not covered in ink.
As your plane climbs to cruising altitude, cabin pressure drops, and any trapped air inside your fountain pen wants to equalize through the nib, potentially pushing ink along with it. However, as Cult Pens reassuringly notes, "with the most basic care, problems are quite unlikely."
Practical tips for worry-free flying
The full or empty rule
Keep your pens either completely full or completely empty. The danger zone lies with partially filled pens where air has room to expand. As Pure Pens advises, "make sure the converter is as full as possible, eliminating the air bubbles."
Position matters
Store your pens nib-up during takeoff and landing when pressure changes are most dramatic. Keep them in your seat pocket, not the overhead bin. The Pen Addict emphasizes: "Keeping your inked pens nib up is key to minimizing leakage."
Choose wisely
Pens with shut-off valves (Pilot Custom 823, TWSBI Vac700R) are ideal travel companions. For cartridge pens, simply remove the cartridge before your flight. Kaweco says fountain pens should be fine on short haul flights, however on long-haul flights they advise removing the ink cartridge as pressure and temperature changes can affect the ink.
Pack smart
Use a quality pen case that keeps pens upright. Place it inside a zip-lock bag with paper towel to contain any mess. The Goulet Pen Company emphasizes keeping pens in carry-on luggage, never checked baggage.
Timing matters
Avoid writing during takeoff and landing when pressure changes most. The Gentleman Stationer notes these are the critical windows for pressure changes.
Travel smart
The Pen Addict advises: "You might not want to bring pens that would be difficult to replace." Save rare limited editions for home.
The reality check
Experienced fountain pen travelers regularly fly with dozens of inked pens without incident. With basic precautions—keeping pens full or empty, storing them nib-up, and avoiding writing during pressure changes—problems are quite rare.
At Alcove and Nib, we understand your fountain pens are cherished companions that transform mundane moments into something special. With these simple strategies, you can confidently bring that joy wherever your travels take you. Safe travels, and happy writing.
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