If you enjoy journaling, sketching, or simply want to pack some pens and pencils for your next trip, you might be asking: Can I bring pens and pencils on a plane?.
The answer is yes, you can bring both pens and pencils in your carry-on and checked baggage without any issues.
Whether you’re a student, an artist, or just someone who likes to write, pens and pencils are common items that travelers bring all the time on flights and they are travel friendly.
Key Takeaways:
- Pencils, including colored, mechanical pencils and markers, are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage.
- Standard pens, including gel pens, fountain pens, and highlighters, are also permitted in both types of luggage.
- Tactical pens are not allowed in carry-on bags. These are designed to function as weapons and will be flagged at the security checkpoint.
TSA Rules for Pens and Pencils
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) oversees airport security in the United States.
They want to make sure that any dangerous items are not sneaked onto planes.
While their website does not specifically mention anything about pencils, they did answer many questions about taking pens and pencils on planes in their X (Twitter) account.
So If you’re hesitant about a particular item, you can just snap a photo of it and tag the @AskTSA on X (Formerly Twitter).
They typically respond quickly with a clear answer.
Let’s take a look at some examples and what the TSA team answers are.
@Jingledoal is an artist and wanted to know if his GraphGear 500 mechanical pencil is allowed.
The TSA confirmed that mechanical pencils are allowed in carry-on baggage without a problem.
The same answer is given to this passenger who wants to bring a mechanical pencil in their carry-on.
Pencil sharpeners are also allowed on a plane in both carry-on and checked baggage.
Even though they have a small blade, the TSA does not consider it a big deal.
Can you bring colored pencils on a plane?
Yes, colored pencils are also allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage.
The TSA has confirmed this in multiple public responses.
This passenger asked the TSA if her Prisma colored pencils are allowed on his flight, and as you can see the TSA answered that there are no restrictions on traveling with colored pencils in carry-on baggage.
Can you bring Apple Pencils on a plane?
Apple Pencils are permitted in both carry-on and checked luggage.
Since they contain small batteries (under 100 watt-hours), they meet TSA guidelines for electronic devices.
Read also : How Often Are Items Stolen From Checked Bags?
Can you bring pens in your hand luggage?
When it comes to pens, the TSA has mentioned them on their website as good to go.
This is a screenshot from their website:
Unless a tactical pen, all types of pens are allowed without exception.
@Malandra wondered if she can bring her highlighter pens and other gel pens in carry-on baggage, and the TSA confirmed that gel pens are allowed in cabin baggage.
How many pens and pencils can you bring on a plane?
There is no official limit for personal use. You can bring as many pens and pencils as you reasonably need for your trip.
If you are traveling internationally with a large quantity, customs may question the purpose and potentially apply duties or restrictions.
Where Should You Pack Pens and Pencils?
Pens and pencils are perfectly fine to pack in your hand luggage. In fact, this is the best place for valuable or frequently used writing tools.
It also gives you access to them during your flight if you want to use them.
You can also pack pens and pencils in checked luggage.
It’s generally safer to avoid placing expensive or sentimental items in checked bags due to the risk of loss or damage.
Items in checked baggage can sometimes shift, break, or in rare cases, go missing.
Final Thoughts: Can You Bring Pens And Pencils On a Plane?
You are allowed to bring pens and pencils on a plane in both carry-on and checked baggage.
Standard writing tools such as ballpoint pens, colored pencils, mechanical pencils, gel pens, and even Apple Pencils are also good to bring without issue.
The only major exception is tactical pens, which you should not bring in hand luggage.
Keep your valuable writing tools with you in your carry-on, and enjoy your trip.
I hope this helps
Happy travels.
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More resources:
- X: @AskTSA
- Facebook Messenger: www.fb.com/AskTSA
- Apple Business Chat: AskTSA
- Text Message: Text “Travel” to AskTSA (275-872)
