Do Ballpoint Pens Leak on Planes?

Traveling is much easier today than years ago, and bringing your stationery along is also much simpler thanks to the wide range of products within reach. However, flying can still be tricky, especially for stationery lovers bringing their pens on board. When bringing fountain pens with you on a flight, you should take some precautions, but does the same apply to ballpoint pens? Here, we’ll cover whether ballpoint pens leak on planes and what you can do to prevent any mishaps.

Can Ballpoint Pens Leak on planes?

So, do ballpoint pens leak on planes? The short answer is not usually, but sometimes.

As altitude rises, air pressure drops. As a result, ballpoint pens may leak.

The problem isn’t so much the container as it is the air inside the ballpoint ink cartridge. When the cabin air pressure is reduced as the plane leaves the ground, the volume trapped in your pen expands. Due to the difference in air pressure, the air in your pen forces ink to come out, causing leaks.

Ballpoint pens generally do not leak as they have open-ended internal refills, and as long as there is no air bubble in the middle, there’s nothing to worry about. Pens do not usually leak on passenger flights because they do not cruise at a very high altitude, especially compared to other aircraft like jet planes.

How To Prevent Pen Leaks On A Flight?

There are some things to remember to prevent pean leaks on a flight.

Positioning

Pens should be kept in the correct position to prevent any unexpected leaks. Keeping a pen tip side down is asking for trouble. Positioning them horizontally in your luggage or in a vertical position with the tip facing up is your best bet.

Storage

It is also important to store your pens correctly while on the plane. Keep your pens capped or retracted, and place them inside secure packaging, such as a Ziploc bag. This will prevent ink from staining your belongings should the pen leak. As much as possible, keep the pen in a cool, dry place while on board.

The bottom line

Ballpoint pens will not always leak while in flight, but it is best to be prepared with all your stationery items. For instance, it is also good to follow the do’s and don’ts of bringing a fountain pen on an airplane to prevent leaks and keep your pens and belongings in good condition. No matter what writing instrument you bring on an aircraft, it is best to take the necessary precautions for a good overall experience.

Written by EndlessPens Blogger Ramona Kabigting