Just because you are away from home does not mean you cannot still enjoy your favourite pens. With a few simple precautions, travelling with fountain pens -- including flying -- is straightforward and largely worry-free.
Flying with Fountain Pens
Air pressure changes during a flight cause any air bubbles in the ink to expand, which can push ink down through the feed and cause leaks. The good news is that this is easy to prevent.
- Always carry your pens in your hand luggage -- never in checked baggage, which gets thrown around and is subject to greater pressure changes.
- Keep pens nib-up throughout the flight, especially during take-off and landing when pressure changes are greatest.
- Fill your converter or cartridge as full as possible before flying. A full reservoir leaves no air bubble to expand.
- Make sure cartridges are properly seated and secure.
- A pen case will help keep pens upright and protect them from knocks.
- Wrapping pens in tissue adds extra protection and will absorb any minor leaks.
- You may be asked to place inked pens in a clear plastic bag at security -- a good idea regardless, as it contains any accidental leaks.
- Avoid using your pens during take-off and landing. Once at cruising altitude, you are fine to write as normal.
If you would rather not risk any leaks at all, empty your pen before flying and carry a small ink vial to refill on arrival. The Visconti Travelling Inkwell is also a handy option for filling on the go.
Bottled ink can be taken in hand luggage as long as it complies with current liquid restrictions. Tape the cap securely and wrap the bottle in tissue to protect it and catch any spills.
Travelling by Train, Bus, or Car
Air pressure is not a concern with ground travel, but it is still worth keeping pens nib-up where possible. Storing them in a pen case or wrapped in tissue inside a small plastic bag will protect both the pens and the rest of your bag from any accidental leaks.
Many people travel with fountain pens regularly and never experience a leak. Most modern fountain pens are well built for travel -- so pack them with confidence.