It can be worthwhile to always have a ballpoint pen, not just if you are traveling on business. Whether you just want to make a quick note for yourself or need to write something down for someone else, I have used it so many times. But what is it actually like when flying? Can you take a pen on a plane in your hand luggage?

In this article, you will find out whether can you take your pen on a place with you on the plane and what special requirements there are for the pen.

In general, can you take pens on a plane

In most airlines, you can take ballpoint pens in your hand luggage without any problems. Even if they are officially considered a liquid because of their ink, a ballpoint pen generally does not need to be transported in a liquid bag. It is advisable to try out the pen before your flight to avoid discontinuing models.

Doesn’t the ballpoint pen’s ink leak on a plane?

Unfortunately, due to the change in pressure, it can happen that a ballpoint pen loses ink on an airplane. This is particularly annoying when it is being transported with important documents, beloved clothes or similarly valuable things.

Therefore, you should make sure that you do not transport your ballpoint pen directly with such things.

But travel documents and electronic items, your book or whatever else you have in your hand luggage should also not come into contact with the ink leaking from your pen.

So how do I avoid the pen leaking on the plane?

• It is best to transport ballpoint pens upright.
• Transport the ballpoint pen in a separate bag.
• Transport ballpoint pens in a plastic wrap or bag.
• Do not choose old or poor quality ballpoint pens for your flight.

Advantages of traveling with a ballpoint pen when traveling by plane

When traveling by plane, important documents can always be filled out. Such documents can be, for example, the so-called arrival cards, which must be filled out when entering many places like USA or Europe.

Although there are some pens that you can theoretically use, they are often used by other guests (there are waiting times), damaged or have been used by many people (hygiene problems). It may also happen that you want to make a quick note of something (e.g. the phone number of the nice person who sat next to you on the plane?).

It is therefore worth always having your own ballpoint pen with you.

Which is better: transporting ballpoint pens in a suitcase or hand luggage?

Regarding luggage regulations, theoretically it makes no difference whether you transport your pen in checked luggage or in hand luggage.

In practice, however, it is more practical to carry your pen with you and not put it in your checked luggage. This can have different causes:

• You have your pen right at hand in your hand luggage if you need to write something down or fill it out, such as an immigration card during the flight.
• If your pen leaks, you will know immediately and can separate it from your other luggage before anything worse happens.
• The suitcases are often thrown when loading and unloading. Upon impact, the chance of your pen leaking is increased.

Accordingly, it is recommended to transport the ballpoint pen in your hand luggage.

Are there exceptions?

As the saying goes, exceptions prove the rule. And here too there is an exception. While, as always, airport security has the final say, there is a certain type of pen that you are not allowed to bring in your carry-on luggage.

Like a tactical pen, this is a pen that is also used for self-defense. Even if tactical pens are not officially considered a weapon in Germany, airport staff will not allow them on the plane for security reasons.

So if you own a tactical pen like this, you should leave it at home or store it safely in your checked suitcase.

So, can you take a pen on a plane

So it can be summarized that you can easily take a ballpoint pen with you on the plane. Ensure the pen does not run out during the trip, and avoid pens that could be used as a weapon.