Any tips for taking a tripod as a carry-on?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: YEG
Programs: Aeroplan / Airmiles
Posts: 106
Any tips for taking a tripod as a carry-on?
I did a search and nothing came up.
I have a small tripod in a bag and I'm hoping to take it with me as a carry-on.
Have any of you photographers had any problems with a tripod? Are they allowed as carry-ons?
I have a small tripod in a bag and I'm hoping to take it with me as a carry-on.
Have any of you photographers had any problems with a tripod? Are they allowed as carry-ons?
#2
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, AA, DL
Posts: 7,389
I carried my mini-tripod (an older version of this: http://www.slik.com/CMS-COMPACT_II.html) on this past weekend to/from Europe. No issue.
#3
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,326
probably depends on the size of tripod, and TSA agent's mood (if you're in the states)
on the USA side, tripods aren't explicitly excluded as a carryon item, but some TSA agents might claim it can be used as a weapon and not allow you to bring it as a carryon.
YMMV
https://travelersunited.org/columns/...lines-updated/
i've brought my mini magnetic gorillapod in my bag, no issues
it's tiny though, only for my P&S: http://joby.com/gorillapod/gorillapod-magnetic
on the USA side, tripods aren't explicitly excluded as a carryon item, but some TSA agents might claim it can be used as a weapon and not allow you to bring it as a carryon.
YMMV
https://travelersunited.org/columns/...lines-updated/
i've brought my mini magnetic gorillapod in my bag, no issues
it's tiny though, only for my P&S: http://joby.com/gorillapod/gorillapod-magnetic
#4
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Central California
Programs: Former UA Premex, now dirt
Posts: 6,531
Mine folds up small enough to fit in the rollaboard so it rides there. Cameras and lenses go in a small backpack that fits under the seat in front of me. I have had security ask me to open my bag so they can see what the tripod is but never been refused passage. I suspect the folded tripod looks like something else on an x-ray.
#5
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: London
Posts: 172
I carry three tripods with me in my carry-on bag and a handheld gimbal usually.
I even mount the larger of the tripods externally on my bag (using my backpack's molle and some bungee cord)
Never ever had an issue or even questioned about it.
I even mount the larger of the tripods externally on my bag (using my backpack's molle and some bungee cord)
Never ever had an issue or even questioned about it.
#6
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Charlotte, NC USA
Programs: Hilton Gold
Posts: 118
I've seen other posts with similar questions and just have to wonder why.
#7
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: London
Posts: 172
Why would you want to take a tripod as a CARRY ON? Cameras, lenses, memory cards, yes, but tripods are pretty tough and not likely to be damaged if packed in with your checked luggage. I have taken a small MeFoto tripod (in the case provided) in my checked luggage a number of times without loss or damage.
I've seen other posts with similar questions and just have to wonder why.
I've seen other posts with similar questions and just have to wonder why.
Also for weekend trips my backpack can be my only bag so I get no choice to check it in even if I wanted.
I usually check the tripod in on my return flight, when trying to offload extra weight from the backpack where I don't care for having it immediately accessible.
#8
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Central California
Programs: Former UA Premex, now dirt
Posts: 6,531
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Pittsburgh
Programs: MR/SPG LT Titanium, AA LT PLT, UA SLV, Avis PreferredPlus
Posts: 30,949
Getting a full-size tripod into checked luggage isn't that easy. Having stooped over for many years, a requirement for my last purchase was putting the viewfinder at eye level for someone who is 6'2" without extending the center column. That puts the fully collapsed length at 24+ inches or so, at best. Add a head to it (I don't want to unlock/remove every trip), and you're at a pretty sizeable piece of hardware. I can fit it in my luggage diagonally, barely, but it takes up a fair bit of packing space.
I only check luggage when traveling with family, so we have 4 carry-on + 4 personal items available, so it's a lot easier just to carry it on.
If you're just carrying a mini/tabletop, it's a very different issue.
I've never had a problem, even with my sizeable one.
I only check luggage when traveling with family, so we have 4 carry-on + 4 personal items available, so it's a lot easier just to carry it on.
If you're just carrying a mini/tabletop, it's a very different issue.
I've never had a problem, even with my sizeable one.
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: YEG
Programs: Aeroplan / Airmiles
Posts: 106
I've booked a trip that will involve five flights. That means every checked bag will cost
$25 per flight. Anyway, I've solved the problem. I bought a Samsonite backpack carry-on bag with wheels, and I bought a Milano travel tripod at London Drug. The tripod is quite nifty. It's a full-size sturdy tripod that folds to about 15 inches for travel., and it has a good quick-release. It easily fits into the carry-on bag.
$25 per flight. Anyway, I've solved the problem. I bought a Samsonite backpack carry-on bag with wheels, and I bought a Milano travel tripod at London Drug. The tripod is quite nifty. It's a full-size sturdy tripod that folds to about 15 inches for travel., and it has a good quick-release. It easily fits into the carry-on bag.
Last edited by 24karat; Aug 11, 2016 at 3:00 pm
#11
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
I've traveled with one as part of my carry-on kit for more than a decade. Only once was I asked to check it rather than being allowed to carry it on. That was ~10 years ago in Turkey, and I had it in my carry-on for the outbound portion of that domestic trip; only on the return did I have to check it.