Originally Posted by Bart

Yes, you can take it with you through the checkpoint as a carry-on (as long as it is within the dimensions defined by your airline for carry-ons); however, it will have to go through the x-ray at the checkpoint.

The reason for the ambiguous responses is that there may be a supervisor out there who might regard the tripod as a potential weapon. I think that might have been a possibility a few years ago when the organization was still young and trying to figure out how to implement this relatively new policy; however, I very seriously doubt it would be prohibited today. IF a TSO were to contemplate prohibiting your tripod, ask to speak with a supervisor.