Parker or Cross for airline use?

[Carl Levitian]

Flying down to St. Simons island for 5 days, wondering about edc on the plane.

Putting a sak bantam in my checked bags, so I'll at least have a pocket knife to take fishing with me.

I usually put a Cross ballpoint pen in my shirt pocket when I fly, as well as have my trusty blackthorn along. But I was wondering if an all steel parker was a sturdier pen that a Cross. I've had the Cross many years, but I have always felt it was a bit skinny for a good grip.

 

[hso]

See my posts on the Timberline Lightfoot pen I've carried back and forth to Kuwait clipped in the placket of my polo.

 

[p35]

Rotring 600.

 

[rcmodel]

I have carried the same Parker Stainless for about 20 years now, and haven't broke or bent it yet.
I now use nothing but Fisher Space Pin refills in it.

I don't know how good a weapon it would be.

But with the Fisher Space Pin refill, I am very confident
it would leave a mark!

Those suckers will write on anything!

rcmodel

 

[Chrome]

You guys have any issues with pens on airplanes? My dad got his fountain pen and stainless steel mechanical pencil seized by TSA. I've been paranoid of carrying anything other than a BIC since the TSA has come around.

Later,
Chrome...

 

[JTW Jr.]

I traveled for work for 5 years ( stopped about a year ago ) , I carried a Lamy Swift , Rotring 600 and a G10/Titanium stylus ( made by the Jones Brothers ). Never had a problem with any of those as carry on.

 

[hso]

When/why did they take your dad's pen and pencil? I've been flying back and forth with a Timberline Lightfoot Ballpoint clipped to my polo for months without a second look from TSA.

 

[Chrome]

They said it was considered a weapon. It was in his carry-on and they stopped him as it went through x-ray. The fountain pen was in a gift box, the pencil was with a notepad/soduku book/something along those lines. As I understand it, the fountain pen was the main issue with the pencil as a "for good measure" move.

He argued, but it was the TSA, he might as well been talking at the wall.

Later,
Chrome...

 

[CWL]

I've been flying internationally since 9/11 and have never had trouble with TSA or other countries' airport security.

Have carried fountain pens, Rotring rollerball, assorted sharpies, standard pens, a titanium stylus from Jones Bros. and a Hinderer kubaton/pen.

Even carry a Surefire Z2 with the TID points as well as a Executive w/scalloped bezel.

I have never been questioned about any of them.

I think the TSA agent wanted to steal your father's pens.

 

[Boats]

If you're made of money, Benchmade makes a pretty interesting pen.

 

[JTW Jr.]

least it's cheaper than the surefire pen

The Miltac pen is cheaper yet.

But of all 3 , neither feel comfortable when used as a pen.

 

[alwilliam]

"You guys have any issues with pens on airplanes? My dad got his fountain pen and stainless steel mechanical pencil seized by TSA. I've been paranoid of carrying anything other than a BIC since the TSA has come around."

Strange....I do know of a few cases where a few very odd looking pens had weird looks on the xray and were taken "just in case" but most pens are NOT a problem.

What type of fountian pen ?

The timberlines look weird on xray but I have not heard of any problems with them....other than haveing to take them apart here and their to show they are a pen.

 

[Fred Fuller]

Last time I flew (and it probably was the very last time, too) I carried a pair of brand new Bics, purchased for the occasion. No one covets a plastic Bic.

lpl/nc

 

[Brian Williams]

I carry a Koh-I-Nor Drafting pencil with a 2mm pen insert.
solid Aluminum drawing/drafting pencil, they are not made any more and can be found on Ebay for around $15 if you shop.

 

[loandr.]

Im with JTW on the Jones Stylus....