Flying with a FP

[MoonDogJerry]

Has anyone traveled with a fountain pen? I always take my MontBlanc ball-point and pencil. I am thinking of taking a fountain pen with me shortly. I know you are supposed to keep the nib up. Have you had any back experiences?

[Lion]

I haven't flown with a FP but I hear it's not a good idea...something about pressurized cabin tend to make them leak!!!

[R1@160@alltimes]

I'd keep it upright and in a ziplock bag - just in case

[2careless]

My belief is that modern FP's have their feeds designed to withstand the pressure differential better than the old feeds. Read a post elsewhere recently that the recommendation from MB was to fill your pen full, or empty it when flying, and keep the nib side up.

For me I have taken my modern 149 clipped at my shirt pocket on flights. Also taken convertor models e.g. 100th historical on trips. no problems either.

[Rolex Junky]

The only leak proof FP at high altitude is the Waterman Edson. It is the only exception to the rule. Anything else is a gamble.

[Bisquitlips]

I have flown all over the world with my FPs with no issues.

[Shangas]

Originally Posted by MoonDogJerry

Has anyone traveled with a fountain pen? I always take my MontBlanc ball-point and pencil. I am thinking of taking a fountain pen with me shortly. I know you are supposed to keep the nib up. Have you had any back experiences?

I haven't touched a ballpoint pen in at least five years and I travel by airplane fairly frequently (at least once every 1-2 years to see relatives etc).

It's PERFECTLY SAFE to fly with a fountain pen and it's PERFECTLY SAFE to use a fountain pen on a plane. But keep this in mind:

When ascending or descending, keep the pen CAPPED and in your pocket, nib-up. This keeps the ink away from the nib and prevents leaks. This will work with any fountain pen, regardless of how full it is. Six months ago I flew from Melbourne, Australia, to Singapore, and back. On both trips I had a pair of antique Wahl art-deco fountain pens in my pocket from 1925, both filled with ink.

Neither of them leaked.

[Lion]

Hey guys, Thanx for the information...why have I always heard that it's not a good idea to take a fountain pen on an airplane???

[JBat]

Originally Posted by Bisquitlips

I have flown all over the world with my FPs with no issues.

I'm not worried about it at all. I think filling the pen is a good idea to minimize the amount of air space, but from what I've read it's the climbing and descending that's the issue (if any). Once you're at altitude, no worries.

[Shangas]

Using a fountain pen at altitude is perfectly safe. But NOT when ascending or descending - at those times, the changing air-pressure in the cabin will cause the pen to leak. Keep it nib up at these times to prevent your suit/shirt/clothing-in-general from looking like abstract art.