If you love colouring, chances are you’ve wondered whether you can take alcohol markers on a plane. It’s a question that appears constantly in Facebook groups, especially for people heading off on holiday and wanting to pack their Ohuhus, Decotime markers or other favourite sets. The good news is that you absolutely can fly with them, but there are a few rules and practical tips that make the experience much smoother.
This guide walks you through what’s allowed, how to pack your markers safely, and what to expect when going through airport security.
Are Alcohol Markers Allowed on Planes?
Yes, alcohol markers are allowed on planes. The ink is flammable, but the amount inside each marker is so small that it doesn’t fall under the strict restrictions used for liquids or aerosols. Airport security staff are familiar with markers, and they’re treated the same way as pens, pencils and other stationery.
You can bring alcohol markers in both your carry-on and checked baggage. Most colouring fans prefer carrying them in their hand luggage so the markers stay upright and protected from changes in temperature or pressure.
Are Alcohol Markers Considered Liquids?
This is where people get confused. Although the ink is liquid, the rules apply to liquids in open containers, gels and creams. Alcohol markers are sealed items, so they don’t need to go in a liquids bag. You don’t need to worry about the 100ml rule either.
You can take a full marker set through security without putting anything in a clear plastic bag.
Will Alcohol Markers Leak on a Plane?
Leaking is rare, but it can happen. Cabin pressure on a plane is lower than on the ground, and the change can cause markers to become a little juicier for the first few minutes of use. This doesn’t mean they’ll explode or cause problems, but it’s worth taking a couple of precautions:
• Store your markers horizontally during the flight
• Avoid using them immediately after take-off
• Give them a gentle shake later if any seem dry
• Keep them capped tightly so pressure changes don’t push ink out
Most coloring enthusiasts report zero issues, especially with brands like Ohuhu, Decotime, and Art Studio markers.
Should You Put Alcohol Markers in Your Carry-On or Checked Bag?
You can choose either, but hand luggage is usually the safer option. Checked luggage can experience more temperature changes, rough handling and long periods of cold, all of which can affect the ink flow.
Carry-on bags let you keep your markers upright, protected and at a normal temperature. Plus, if you plan to color during your flight or layover, they’ll be ready to use.
How Many Alcohol Markers Can You Bring?
There’s no limit on the number of markers you can bring, and you won’t get stopped for carrying a full case. As long as your items fit within your airline’s hand luggage size and weight allowance, you’re free to bring as many markers as you’d like.
Some colorists take their full 320 Ohuhu set, while others pack a small travel selection.
Should You Take Your Entire Marker Collection?
Just because you can take hundreds of markers doesn't necessarily mean you should.
I've seen people travel with full 320-marker cases, but personally I'd much rather keep things light and enjoy colouring without carrying several kilograms of pens around airports.
A smaller marker set is usually more than enough for a holiday, especially if you're taking one or two colouring books rather than your entire collection.
Before travelling, I like to choose a handful of pages I want to colour and then build a colour palette specifically for those illustrations. It keeps my luggage lighter and makes colouring much more relaxing because I'm not constantly deciding between hundreds of colours.
My Favourite Ohuhu Sets for Travelling
If you're looking for a dedicated travel set, these are the ones I'd recommend.
Ohuhu 48-Colour Set
If you're packing light or only colouring occasionally while you're away, the 48-colour set is a fantastic option.
It fits easily into hand luggage, still gives you a lovely range of colours and is much easier to carry than one of the larger cases.
Shop the Ohuhu 48 Set → https://emmashobbycorner.com/ohuhu48
Ohuhu 72-Colour Set
For me, this is probably the sweet spot.
You get plenty of colour choice without the case becoming too bulky, making it ideal for week-long holidays or longer trips where you know you'll be spending plenty of evenings colouring.
Shop the Ohuhu 72 Set → https://emmashobbycorner.com/ohuhu72
Ohuhu 104-Colour Set
If you enjoy having lots of options but don't want to travel with one of the huge collections, the 104-colour set is a brilliant compromise.
It gives you enough colours to tackle almost any colouring page while still being much easier to transport than the larger 216 or 320 sets.
Shop the Ohuhu 104 Set → https://emmashobbycorner.com/ohuhu104
The Ohuhu x Coco Wyo Travel Bundle
If you're buying specifically for travelling, this is honestly one of my favourite options.
The Ohuhu x Coco Wyo collaboration includes:
- Ohuhu alcohol markers
- A Coco Wyo colouring book
- A page protector to prevent bleed-through
Everything you need for a relaxing colouring session is included in one bundle, which makes it ideal for flights, hotels and evenings away from home.
Shop the Ohuhu x Coco Wyo Bundle → https://emmashobbycorner.com/ohuhucocowyo
Tips for Traveling with Alcohol Markers
If you want the smoothest experience possible, these simple tips help a lot:
• Use a sturdy case to prevent nib damage
• Keep markers horizontal during the flight
• Bring a small swatch sheet for easy color choices
• Pack a few favorite coloring pages rather than full books
• Avoid storing markers near cold cabin windows
• Use scrap paper to test ink flow before colouring
My Holiday Colouring Kit
Whenever I travel, I try to keep things as simple as possible.
Rather than packing every colouring supply I own, I usually take:
- A smaller marker set
- One colouring book
- A few printed colouring pages
- A sheet of card to prevent bleed-through
- My swatch cards
- A pencil case for pens and accessories
I've found that having a smaller, carefully chosen kit actually makes colouring more enjoyable. Instead of being overwhelmed by hundreds of colours, I can simply relax and enjoy the page.
Does Brand Matter When Flying?
All alcohol marker brands are treated the same at airport security. Whether you're flying with Ohuhu, Decotime, Art Studio dual-tip markers, or Home Bargains dual-tip pens, they’re all allowed in both cabin and checked bags.
Can You Color on the Plane?
Yes, you can. Many people enjoy coloring during flights because it’s relaxing and helps pass the time. Just keep a couple of things in mind:
• Alcohol markers have a slight smell, so be considerate of seatmates
• Turbulence can make coloring fiddly
• Bleed-through might be tricky on thin tray tables
If you don’t want to use alcohol markers mid-flight, you can switch to gel pens or fineliners and save your markers for when you arrive.
Is It Better to Colour During the Flight or at Your Destination?
Although you can absolutely colour on the plane, I often find I do more colouring once I've arrived.
Flights can be a little cramped, tray tables aren't always very sturdy and turbulence can make detailed colouring more difficult.
For shorter flights, I usually save my colouring for the hotel, holiday apartment or cruise cabin, where I can spread everything out properly and really enjoy the experience.
That said, if you're facing a long-haul flight, colouring is one of my favourite ways to pass the time. It's relaxing, screen-free and the hours seem to disappear surprisingly quickly.
Packing Coloring Books for Travel
Coloring books are fine in both carry-on and checked bags. If you want to keep your kit light, printed pages or smaller books can be easier to travel with.
Flying with alcohol markers is completely allowed, and with a little planning, it’s hassle-free. Pack them securely, keep them horizontal, and give them a moment to settle after the flight.
FAQ
Can airport security confiscate alcohol markers?
No. Alcohol markers are considered normal stationery items and are routinely carried through airport security.
Will cabin pressure damage my markers?
In almost every case, no. They may feel slightly wetter or drier immediately after the flight, but they'll usually return to normal very quickly.
Can I pack alcohol markers in checked luggage?
Yes, but I personally prefer carrying them in my hand luggage where they're better protected from knocks and temperature changes.
What's the best Ohuhu set for travelling?
If you're travelling light, I'd recommend the 48-colour set. If you want a bit more flexibility, the 72-colour set is an excellent balance between portability and colour choice. For longer trips, the 104-colour set gives you plenty of options without the bulk of the larger collections.
Should I take my full marker collection on holiday?
You certainly can, but unless you're going away specifically to colour, I'd recommend taking a smaller curated set instead. It's lighter, easier to organise and you'll probably find you don't miss the extra colours.
