Help - Search - Members - Calendar
Full Version: Airborne Vanishing Point
The Fountain Pen Network > Regional Focus > Pens from the Land of the Rising Sun
Opus104
I have found some periodic comments on flying with fountain pens, but I'm still a little nervous. Here are my plans:
  1. Empty my Namiki VP converter
  2. Pack my favorite ink in a 1 oz nalgene from the container store
  3. Put the ink in my baggy with my toiletries
  4. Fill said VP with ink upon landing
  5. Drain and rinse the pen for the return trip

Any flaws?

Gracías

Shelley
sounds perfect, may i add: place bic pen in carry on luggage.
Then you hasve something to write with. Just in case.
HDoug
Ink in baggy is a good idea. Last trip I took, my pens were fine, but my bottle of ink leaked! Luckily I had that in a baggy, else I would have made quite an unintended fashion statement.

Doug
HesNot
Sounds fine I think. Although I have flown with my VP and cartridges (of varying fill levels) with the nib upright and experienced no leak problems, by YMMV.
Barry0987
I carry pens every time I fly (at least once a month or more) with no issues - last trip took a VP and a Sailor 1911M - no baggie, just in my pocket or briefcase. I've had no problems at all.
Escribiente
I don't know about VPs, but if the cartridge is full, there is no chance of leaking--which happens when the air expands due to decreased pressure. I have traveled with fountain pens for years without any trouble. I always make sure that the nibs are upside up when landing and taking off. Afterwards, I even write with my pens in the plane. Two weeks ago, I wrote a page with a Tibaldi Iride.

Taki
Instead of an ink vial, how about a few Namiki/ Pilot cartridges?
strunkl
Second for cartridges. Though I prefer bottled ink, the convenience of cartridges while traveling trumps this preference. I think it is a safer and more efficient way to travel with a handful of colors. For me, the only real alternative would be two or three traveling inkpots, and so far I haven't been able to justify their cost (though they do tickle my "pen gadget" spot).

Plus, it's an excuse to try out new ink colors: "Well, I'm traveling next week, so I'd better find some cartridges. Oh look! Private Reserve Sonic Blue! This is a good chance to try a new color. And as long as I'm making an order, let's see if there's any good deals on interesting pens . . . "

I also agree that flying with a FP in a carry-on shouldn't be a problem--modern pens are purportedly able to handle the comparatively minor pressure changes of a passenger jet. It was older, upressurized aircraft that spelled disaster for older FPs. My real concern is a random trigger-happy TSA agent deciding that my pen looks too imposing and must be seized. I know it's crazy, but it has happened and I'm not willing to risk an expensive FP on my ability to negotiate with federal bureaucracy. So any quality FPs get left at home or, if I can't live without one, in checked bags (where at least I can make an insurance claim if a screener or baggage handler gets sticky fingers). I'll bring a Lamy Vista or Pelikan Future on board if I anticipate writing during the flight.

No relation to the linked site, btw. Just one of several excellent places to buy ink--albeit with the super-ultra-cool ink sample program.
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.
Invision Power Board © 2001-2008 Invision Power Services, Inc.