URGENT UPDATE: As holiday travel ramps up, experts are warning that a simple item in your carry-on could save you from significant delays and stress. Travel professionals are emphasizing the importance of carrying a basic blue or black ink pen to navigate potential challenges at airports this season.
During a segment on America’s Newsroom, Brian Kelly, founder of The Points Guy, highlighted the overlooked necessity of a pen. Many international destinations still require travelers to complete paper immigration and customs forms—a process that can become chaotic when pens are in short supply.
Georgia Fowkes, a Pennsylvania-based travel advisor for Altezza Travel, shared her firsthand experience arriving in Tanzania. “I landed in Dar es Salaam after a red-eye, and the immigration hall was packed. By the time I reached the counter, every pen was gone,” Fowkes recounted. “I was holding up the line, waiting to borrow one. Not my finest travel moment.”
Travel experts stress that late-night arrivals can be particularly tricky, with fewer travelers around to lend a pen. Fowkes humorously noted, “Pull a spare pen out of your pocket at 35,000 feet and people look at you like you’ve just invented fire.”
Even as some countries move toward digital solutions, paper forms remain a requirement for many travelers. Eric Rosen, a director of content at The Points Guy, advises packing multiple pens. “You might need to fill out a form before landing, and having a pen can save you time and stress,” he stated.
Experts recommend choosing non-metal ballpoint or gel pens, as fountain pens can leak due to cabin pressure. Using the wrong ink color could lead to complications at customs, where officials may ask you to redo forms.
Beyond immigration hurdles, a pen can be invaluable in situations where technology fails. Erin Carey, founder of Roam Generation, emphasized the importance of having a pen for jotting down crucial information if your phone battery dies. “What if you need to note an address or communicate with someone in another language?” Carey said.
The low-tech travel tip even has celebrity backing. Kelly Ripa recently revealed on Live with Kelly and Mark that she never travels without her “armada of pens,” often taking them from hotel rooms. “There are 800 people making a mad dash to the three chained pens at customs,” she quipped.
In addition to pens, experts suggest packing other small items such as duct tape and binder clips, which can aid in fixing luggage, preventing leaks, and organizing cords during travel.
As the holiday season approaches, ensure you’re prepared for potential delays by keeping a simple pen handy. This straightforward tip could make a significant difference in your travel experience.
For more travel updates and tips, stay tuned as we monitor this developing story.