Do you mind if I borrow your pen?
#76
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Prince Edward Island
Programs: Air Canada P25K, Hilton Honors Gold, Marriott Gold, MGM Gold
Posts: 1,582
Why? If it's something you use everyday, that's even more reason to invest in good quality to make your everyday tasks more enjoyable. Once you find one that writes well, without smudging or scratching, you can just stick with it and never have to think about it again. A $100 pen that lasts 25 years really isn't that expensive. Plus, if you ever have to backdate documents, you're much less likely to get caught (I'm kidding...really).
#77
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,359
Why? If it's something you use everyday, that's even more reason to invest in good quality to make your everyday tasks more enjoyable. Once you find one that writes well, without smudging or scratching, you can just stick with it and never have to think about it again. A $100 pen that lasts 25 years really isn't that expensive. Plus, if you ever have to backdate documents, you're much less likely to get caught (I'm kidding...really).
I think you are confusing the ink with the pen. It is the ink that determines qualities like smudging, flow, etc. The pen part to some extent impacts delivery but I always thought the main appeal of the pen was how it felt in your hand (i.e. weight and balance) and whether it's something that's comfortable for your writing habits (i.e. if you're a writer working on dozens of pages of a book). The former tends to be cheaper than the latter (i.e. most ink carts are between $3-$30 depending on brand, qualities, etc.) whereas the barrel or proper part of the pen can cost hundreds of dollars.
-James
#78
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Southern California
Programs: AA EXPlat, 2.4MM; HHonors Diamond
Posts: 580
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...
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...
#79
Sometimes I don't, because the passengers on the last flight took them all.
I'm required to keep one on my person at all times so you're not getting that one, sorry.
Why don't the FAs just hand out pens? Flying into HND from HKG a couple months ago I noticed the FAs had a bundle of pens they carried with landing forms they handed out to passengers. Those pens also had the nice ANA branding on them so I asked for one even though I knew full well I had a working poem in my bag! Seems like a marketing opportunity missed!
Safe Travels,
James
Safe Travels,
James
I know UAL used to have them in the amenity kits for BusinessFirst, and even a mini pen into the first round of "Polaris" kits. I don't think I've seen them in awhile, though.
#81
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Prince Edward Island
Programs: Air Canada P25K, Hilton Honors Gold, Marriott Gold, MGM Gold
Posts: 1,582
I think you are confusing the ink with the pen. It is the ink that determines qualities like smudging, flow, etc. The pen part to some extent impacts delivery but I always thought the main appeal of the pen was how it felt in your hand (i.e. weight and balance) and whether it's something that's comfortable for your writing habits (i.e. if you're a writer working on dozens of pages of a book). The former tends to be cheaper than the latter (i.e. most ink carts are between $3-$30 depending on brand, qualities, etc.) whereas the barrel or proper part of the pen can cost hundreds of dollars.
But, I fear we are getting too far off-topic. The bottom line for me is that I'm not lending anyone my good pens in case they don't get returned or get returned as a germ-covered mess, but if I have some cheapo plastic ones on hand, I will gladly share and would hope that others would do the same if I were ever in need.
#82
Join Date: May 2012
Location: HEL
Programs: AY+ Platinum (OWE), HH Diamond, Marriott Platinum, AX
Posts: 190
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...
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...
That said I cannot remember the last time I needed to borrow a pen myself but based on the comments of the this thread I will make an extra effort to make 100% sure I will always have one on me when flying.
#83
Join Date: Aug 2018
Programs: SkyPesos -> MVP Gold 100K
Posts: 680
Please consider that he may have only been carrying a “nice” and valuable pen. In my pocket I usually have a Mont Blanc pen I have used for 29 years. Once at a trade show I lent it to another agents’ customer, who walked off with it after writing her order. After my associate’s urgent cellphone call I got it back, but I don’t hand it out anymore.
#85
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Sydney Australia
Programs: No programs & No Points!!!
Posts: 14,222
I almost never use anything but a fountain pen and nobody ever borrows any of my fountain pens - even my wife. For the few times that I am forced to use a ballpoint(I hate them) or a roller ball(hate them less but I still hate them), I carry good examples of them with me also. My wife gets to borrow them but nobody else gets to borrow them. I will add with regard to my fountain pens that I own pens that cost my than $1000. My daily use fountain pens cost between $100 and $200.
As an aside, I just don't lend stuff to anyone. If you can't remember to take a pen w them, that is your problem and not mine.
DON
As an aside, I just don't lend stuff to anyone. If you can't remember to take a pen w them, that is your problem and not mine.
DON
#86
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,374
Analogous situation: I am a customer, it is my right to tip / not tip. It is rude for me not to tip, assuming there is a customary tip.
Bottom line: exercising one's "right" may go hand in hand with being rude.
#87
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,359
I suspect that's not the case if your pen cost $1000!
At that point do you have to take out property insurance for it? What would the claim look like for that? Lent pen to seatmate on UA1 and was never returned. Flash to inspector Clouseau tracking down the pen thief!
Safe Travels,
James
At that point do you have to take out property insurance for it? What would the claim look like for that? Lent pen to seatmate on UA1 and was never returned. Flash to inspector Clouseau tracking down the pen thief!
Safe Travels,
James
#88
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: ZOA, SFO, HKG
Programs: UA 1K 0.9MM, Marriott Gold, HHonors Gold, Hertz PC, SBux Gold, TSA Pre✓
Posts: 13,811
I feel for OP. But if I was in a similar situation, I would not lend out my own pen.
That's why the pen I carry during travel has the word "UNITED" on it
In addition to Hawaiian flights, GUM-HNL or vv (non-stop, non-Island Hopper) is another domestic flight that require customs declarations.
That's why the pen I carry during travel has the word "UNITED" on it
In addition to Hawaiian flights, GUM-HNL or vv (non-stop, non-Island Hopper) is another domestic flight that require customs declarations.
#89
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, MM, NR; HH Diamond, Bonvoy LT Gold, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Diamond, others
Posts: 12,159
If you're going to use something every day, isn't it worth getting the best even if it costs a bit? Spending a lot of money on something you use only a couple of times a year seems sillier.
#90
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Virginia City Highlands
Programs: Nothing anymore after 20 years
Posts: 6,900
I almost never use anything but a fountain pen and nobody ever borrows any of my fountain pens - even my wife. For the few times that I am forced to use a ballpoint(I hate them) or a roller ball(hate them less but I still hate them), I carry good examples of them with me also. My wife gets to borrow them but nobody else gets to borrow them. I will add with regard to my fountain pens that I own pens that cost my than $1000. My daily use fountain pens cost between $100 and $200.