Magic Markers and flying?

[Minong1]

I am traveling with my almost 3 year old son in a few weeks to Disney World and I would like to take some markers along for him to use while on the plane. My concern is that a few years ago the TSA took markers away from my nieces at the airport security check point.
Has anyone traveled recently with markers? Do they need to be put in the ziplock bag? I spent a long time reviewing the TSA website and found nothing about markers. Thanks for your help!

 

[canwegosoon]

minong1-Welcome to the Dis- I am not 100% sure(I wonder why the markers were taken before)...in your case I would call your local airport and ask them. I fly with pens and pencils...and cannot imagine markers are that different. I guess if you were really worried -then get colored pencils-that would be a good subistute.

 

[bumbershoot]

Oh gracious. No way I would travel with something like that and a 3 year old! Especially since I have my guy in a carseat which means he's next to the window and the highly drawable windowshade...crayon marks at least can be rubbed off. Just go with crayons.

 

[pilk706]

I agree with bumbershoot. Crayons are the way to go. They are smaller and ink free!

 

[bavaria]

Excluding the child factor, there is absolutely nothing wrong with travelling with Sharpie type markers. In fact, I have several colours and sizes in my laptop case at any given time, and have travelled all around the world with them with no issues at all.

While a liquid filled pen may be more liable to inspection, even my liquid filled highlighters have never been questioned.

But I agree that you may want to find an alternate amusement - ducklite suggests old fashioned pipe cleaners, and I think that is a wonderful idea.

 

[debster812]

But I agree that you may want to find an alternate amusement - ducklite suggests old fashioned pipe cleaners, and I think that is a wonderful idea.

Pipe cleaners are great.

A roll of masking tape seriously, DS loved this and made all sorts of 'stuff', taped his seat, his tray table, etc. Right before we landed, we just pulled it all off, balled it up, and tossed it.

Window clings if your child will be by the window

If you're going to go with markers anyway, may I suggest Color Wonder? These are special markers that only work on their own paper. No danger of drawing on the airline seat, tray table, etc. We used this for DS's first several flights.

A small bag of LEGOs is good for a while too.

 

[Minong1]

Thanks for the good advice. We are going to bring Color Wonder markers, so messes shouldn't be a problem. I think we will go ahead and bring them, but also have a few other things in the fun bag.