Flying with Lamy Safari (Fountain Pen): Is It Safe?

If you’re on this page, you’re probably a fountain pen nerd (like us!) worried about potential leaking while traveling.

So is flying with a Lamy Safari safe?

As long as you take a few easy precautions, you can fly with any fountain pen, including the Lamy Safari! Here are a few flying tips with the Lamy Safari:

  • Store your Safari in a plastic baggie similar to other liquids
  • Don’t store your pens in checked luggage- they might get jostled around and damaged
  • If possible, empty the ink reservoir–OR fill UP the reservoir (to minimize the air inside that can expand and push ink out)
  • Store your fountain pen with the nibs up. This prevents ink from pooling in the nib and potentially leaking out

I’ve made several trips with my Lamy, and all have turned out just fine (I usually just empty and clean mine the day before, although one time I completely filled it up just before I left home).

my Lamy Safari en route to Colorado!

No spills 👍

Can I bring a fountain pen on an airplane?

Yes, almost every airline allows flying with a fountain pen. The only exceptions are those that don’t allow any liquids in carry-on luggage, but those are very rare these days. As long as you take some basic precautions, flying with a fountain pen is no problem.

Will pens explode on airplanes?

Chances are low that a pen will explode during air travel, but it has been known to happen (and some types of pens are more likely to explode than others). The cause of any issues is usually the cabin pressure changing (especially during takeoff or landing) and causing the ink cartridge to burst, etc. Rollerball pens have been known to be particularly susceptible to this. Fountain pens are also known for potential leaks due to cabin pressure, though there are ways to prevent this.

To avoid any issues, it’s best to:

  • store your pens in a plastic baggie similar to other liquids
  • don’t store pens in checked luggage
  • store upright whenever possible (this prevents ink from pooling in the nib and potentially leaking out)

Why is not advisable to use a fountain pen while traveling on an airplane?

In addition to the ink inside your pen’s ink reservoir, there is also air (how much so depends on how full your pen is). During takeoff and landing, the cabin pressure can cause this air to expand and push ink out through the nib of your pen, resulting in a nasty leak (or in very rare occasions, a small pen explosion). It’s best to either empty your pen before flying or completely fill it up–or when in doubt, just bring a pencil.

How can I prevent my fountain pen from leaking during air travel?

There are a few easy things you can do to help prevent your fountain pen from leaking during air travel:

  • store in a plastic baggie similar to other liquids
  • don’t store in checked luggage
  • store upright whenever possible (so the ink is resting AWAY from the nib of the pen, and any expanding air will be pushed out BEFORE the ink)

Conclusion: Is flying with a Lamy Safari safe?

Yes. As long as you take a bit of care and precaution, flying with a Lamy Safari (or any other fountain pen) is no problem. Lamy pens are well-made and perfectly suited for travel. So go forth and conquer the skies–your fountain pen will be just fine.