Fountain Pen In Carry-On/Or On Person?

Bill, I've never encountered this situation, as I always use a ball point pen. If you put the pen into the plastic bin with your wallet and other items, I doubt whether the screeners would even notice the difference. AFAIK, pens are allowed and there's no distinction between the types of Pens. If you're taking a small bottle of ink along, that will have to go in your 3-1-1 bag (or does the pen use plastic cartridges?). Just curious, where are you going this year? Happy travels!

Hi Ken Thanks for that quick answer! The pen uses a cartridge, and I will make sure that it's new and full because I read somewhere that the pressure change can make the ink leak if the cartridge is only partially full. So, either no cartridge at all, or a totally full one. This time it's Frankfurt> Bonn>Vienna>Rothenburg>Frankfurt. Spending the last few days in Rothenburg because that is when and where my family can get together. (Some of them live in East Germany.) Thanks, Ken Bill

Bill, I didn't consider the pressure change with the cartridges. It's been a while since I've use a pen of that type, but as I recall the cartridge is "punctured" when it's ed into the pen. I wonder if there's any way to install it without the "puncture" as that would be a bit safer for air travel? You could leave the cartridge in your 3-1-1 bag and perhaps the remainder of the pack in your checked luggage inside a zip-lok bag just for safety. Thanks for the info on your trip; it sounds great. As I recall, this is a much anticipated trip for you, and I hope it all goes well. I haven't checked your Blog lately, but hope that everything is going reasonably well. Cheers!

Well, Ken, the trip has already begun with a "dark cloud": I totalled our car today. Luckily I wasn't hurt, but we're going to be driving a rental to the airport tomorrow and back home in 11 days, whereupon I hope our insurance company will have settled our claim and we can get another one. B~

Bill, sending prayers and good thoughts your way; hey, things can only go UP from here! Take care, and have a wonderful trip!

Bill, Sorry to hear about the "dark cloud", but as you're departing tomorrow, I assume that means you weren't injured (that's the "silver lining"). The car can be replaced, but this trip will provide some wonderful memories that will last a lifetime. I'd like to "second" the sentiments that Eileen mentioned -- I hope you have a fantastic trip, and that it's everything you anticipated. If you have a few spare minutes, stop by the HelpLine and post a report on the progress of your trip. Happy travels!

Thanks, y'all! All your good wishes and thoughts are appreciated for sure. Second best thing to having you along on the trip is interacting with you here. Thanks B~