During long flights, I often take a book with me because reading is a good way of distraction, but sometimes I need a change and grab my colored pencils instead. The art of putting color on paper relieves my stress and gives me relaxation during travel.
Before I pack my coloring supplies for a trip, I consider the question, “Can you bring colored pencils on a plane?” When you’re getting through airport security, you should know which things you can pack in your hand baggage.
So, Can I Bring Colored Pencils on a Plane?
In air travel, security is very important, and passengers can take only appropriate items on board. Knowing what is allowed and what is not will save your time and inconvenience during the inspection. So, colored pencils are not on the list of items that are prohibited on a plane. Most people who travel regularly by air confirm they are not forbidden. However, it depends on the country and the airport, so the final decision rests with a Transport Security Administration (TSA) agent. Check the country rules in advance.
Recommendations for Packing Colored Pencils Before Flight
Prior to your trip, determine if you’re going to keep colored pencils in a bag that will be screened by the TSA or pack them in a carry-on bag. If you transport expensive pencils, don’t pack them in your main baggage. Usually, these bags are sent to an automated system of screening devices and scanned for dangerous items and explosives. All suspicious bags are flagged and then hand-searched by an inspector. Also, there is a 0.5% chance that your suitcase will be lost in transit. If you do transport your colored pencils as your main baggage, pack them in a tin or a carrying case to protect them from getting damaged or broken while catching the flight in the cabin or from careless treatment by baggage handlers.
It is a big difference if your precious cargo travels in the belly of the airplane. Again, if you plan to use the coloring instruments during a long flight to pass the time, this is another reason to carry them on board with you. Anyway, the pencils don’t add extra weight to your carry-on. Keep them neatly organized in a pencil case. This helps keep track of the tools without any misplacing.
Keep in mind that wax-based pencils may be damaged because of temperature fluctuations. Consider taking and properly packing a coloring book or paper for drawing on board.
Using Сolored Pencils During the Flight
Before taking colored pencils on an airplane, there are a couple of factors you should consider:
- duration of the flight. If it is a short-distance flight, there is no point in doing any coloring, especially when your flight time is measured in minutes. This hobby is suitable for long flights;
- surface area. This is another issue you may face. As a rule, tray tables are too tiny to work upon and can cause unexpected movements when a passenger in front of you decides to recline. True coloring enthusiasts can take a tabletop easel with them to color with no fear of poking a hole in the paper during work;
- seatmates next to you. Think about how your desire to color can affect other passengers, and if there is enough room around you. Traveling first class, you’ll have more space. You’ll be lucky if you happen to fly with few passengers and have empty seats around so that no one will bump you while you’re coloring;
- turbulence. When the flight goes smoothly, you have control over the situation and can make straight lines. In stormy weather, a bumpy ride will make your pencils fly across the page.
Aside from colored pencils, you can also take a sharpener, a blender pencil, and markers for highlighting to complete your coloring supplies. Watercolors and oils are also allowed on a plane except for liquids over 100 ml (3.4 oz.).
What Is Not Allowed on a Plane?
Of course, pencils cannot be confused with ammunition or weapons, which are not allowed on a plane, though some users recommend bringing woodless pencils on board. Shaped as bricks, they don’t require sharpening, don’t roll off the table, and don’t look like weapons even remotely.
Still, if you take colored pencils, grab a pencil sharpener and check that this stationery comes with a container to collect shavings. Bringing a knife for sharpening pencils is strictly prohibited. Sprays and aerosol paints, as well as metal scissors longer than 4 inches, are also outlawed.
If you prefer blending colors, consider using a blending pencil or water because traditional solvents like rubbing alcohol and mineral spirits are flammable liquids that are restricted on a plane. You cannot bring any liquids like fixatives.
If you plan to use markers, opt for odorless ones because some markers may release unpleasant or harmful fumes into the air. Strong smells can irritate other passengers.
In Closing
By default, people can carry stationery including colored pencils on a plane. If you have any concerns, phone the airline and check the rules to exclude hours of interrogation with a TSA agent who may think they can be used as weapons. In case inspectors ask you to take the pencils out, they’ll let you drop them at the security gate.
Taking pencils with you, provide them with extra protection by holding the tools in a padded case to help cushion them. This prevents the instruments from shattering and breaking.
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References
- Are Pens/Pencils Allowed On Carry Ons? – https://www.airliners.net/
- What Can I Bring? – https://www.tsa.gov/
- Pencils on Flights! – https://www.tripadvisor.com/
- List of Carry-On Items for Air Travel – https://traveltips.usatoday.com/
- Can I Bring It on an Airplane? TSA Rules for Carry-ons, Checked Bags and the TSA Prohibited List [Updated for 2019] – https://tsatraveltips.us/