Travelers should help travelers . Actually people should help other people but especially travelers should help travelers . It's easy to forget something or misplace something and not realize until too late .

Who DOESN'T carry a pen with them these days? I mean come on.

This is exactly why I reply with a blunt 'no' to anyone asking.

You asked a question and got a clear answer, they only person to be criticized is you, stupidity for not having a pen and then for absolute childish rudeness.

Entitled??DUH !

Most likely, you just caught someone having a bad day and in a foul mood. I think it is a bit strange but it is his pen so i am not sure if it is rude. Best course of action is to shrug it off and say "OK no problem".

I must say that I am suprised by the replies here. I would probably never refuse to lend a pen to anyone, as a matter of courtesy.

I find it even less defensible as it was a cheap one and this happened in a confined space.

Sure, you have the right not to lend your pen and the OP's comment that ensued was unnecessary, but refusing to help when it comes at no cost to you is a sad behaviour in my opinion...

Anyone can borrow any of my pens at any time.

Couldn't have put it better myself. For me it's not a matter of someone's rights or obligations but rather being courteous and helpful to a fellow human being which in this case would have cost nothing. The contamination argument is pretty flimsy given that most travellers could potentially pick up germs by touching a seat, seatbelt, overhead locker handle, toilet door etc.

There's a guy at my work who has worn the same pair of shoes for 36 years. A few sole replacements along the way I am sure.

How does one know the guy hasn't had a recent dump without washing his hands? I hate people that ask to borrow a pen.

I have one that I've been using for 26 years. At this point, it's almost part of my hand and it feels odd to use another pen. I've actually purchased a few others in the exact same style (just different finishes).

Just two weeks ago, I was in the same predicament as the OP. I was going from the US to Canada and had a brand new carry on bag with me.
When the flight attendant started passing out entry forms, that's when I realized that I forgot to pack any pens in my new carry on. The flight attendants specifically said that they did not have any pens and to ask your neighbor.
Well, I was in the first class cabin and my neighbor didn't look too friendly so I decided not to ask him.
Upon arrival, my plan was to hope they had tables, forms, and pens before immigration. My hope turned out to be true. I used one of those bank pens on a line connected to the table. It ended up being a 2minute delay but to me was itworth it over facing an awkward situation .

​​​​​​I personally have no problems loaning a pen but just don't want to bother anyone.

Thanks. Misread the original post and have corrected mine.

Yes, it is too bad he doesn't have OMNI access. He'll find many like-minded posters there.

I never thought of this. Half the people don't wash their hands after using the restroom. That's gross.

That's almost too smart for most people....:D

I have to admit, i am from the hotel pens group - always carry one or even 2 for international flights.

On a related note... I do get momentarily offended when the flight attendant presumes I need to fill out a landing card on flights back home to London where I am born... Grrr....calm down....ok now....

Oh and why do we even need landing cards still? Can this genuinely still not be automated??? ...so I finally get to retain my souvenir hotel pen for myself.