Question for TSA: Tripods?
#16
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: soaking up the sun
Programs: unemployment
Posts: 687
Originally Posted by FWAAA
I couldn't care less what you think of my posts.
I realize that the TSA checkpoint personnel don't routinely count the number of carryons. But that's not what you posted. You posted that there are no TSA rules regarding the allowable number of carryon bags, and that is just plane FALSE.
Face it, your post was flat out incorrect. A falsehood. Made-up. Inconsistent with reality.
Don't like people pointing out your incorrect assertions of FACTS?
Then stop posting made-up facts. Easy as that.
I realize that the TSA checkpoint personnel don't routinely count the number of carryons. But that's not what you posted. You posted that there are no TSA rules regarding the allowable number of carryon bags, and that is just plane FALSE.
Face it, your post was flat out incorrect. A falsehood. Made-up. Inconsistent with reality.
Don't like people pointing out your incorrect assertions of FACTS?
Then stop posting made-up facts. Easy as that.

#17

Join Date: Oct 2005
Programs: UA 2K GS, SQ PPS, AA Ruby, NW Gold, Hertz Gold, Hyatt Gold, Starwood Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 618
Originally Posted by FWAAA
I couldn't care less what you think of my posts.
I realize that the TSA checkpoint personnel don't routinely count the number of carryons. But that's not what you posted. You posted that there are no TSA rules regarding the allowable number of carryon bags, and that is just plane FALSE.
Face it, your post was flat out incorrect. A falsehood. Made-up. Inconsistent with reality.
Don't like people pointing out your incorrect assertions of FACTS?
Then stop posting made-up facts. Easy as that.
I realize that the TSA checkpoint personnel don't routinely count the number of carryons. But that's not what you posted. You posted that there are no TSA rules regarding the allowable number of carryon bags, and that is just plane FALSE.
Face it, your post was flat out incorrect. A falsehood. Made-up. Inconsistent with reality.
Don't like people pointing out your incorrect assertions of FACTS?
Then stop posting made-up facts. Easy as that.

#19
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Indian Harbour Beach, Fla, USA
Programs: AA Lifetime Plt
Posts: 1,986
I had the chance this morning while waiting for an event to start to ask a CBS News videographer (instead of a raise, they got a fancier title than "cameraman") what his network does with tripods when they fly commercial with them. While their standard gear is a much larger set of "sticks" than the original tripod under discussion, the answer is that usually the tripod goes into a nylon duffel-type bag along with assorted cables and potentially handy items and it all gets checked.
Cameras, however, go in the cabin as carry-on.
Cameras, however, go in the cabin as carry-on.
#20
Original Poster
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Newport Beach, California, USA
Posts: 36,062
Yesterday, I asked a TSA supervisor about tripods. His answer: it's at the discretion of the inspector. He suggested I bring the tripod to the screening point first and ask, so if the answer THAT DAY is, "no," I can still put it in my checked bag.
This is not helpful at all.
This is not helpful at all.
#21
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Location: LAX; AA EXP, MM; HH Gold
Posts: 31,789
Originally Posted by PTravel
Yesterday, I asked a TSA supervisor about tripods. His answer: it's at the discretion of the inspector. He suggested I bring the tripod to the screening point first and ask, so if the answer THAT DAY is, "no," I can still put it in my checked bag.
This is not helpful at all.
This is not helpful at all.
Little wonder so many people have no use for this worthless agency.
#22
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 456
Originally Posted by PTravel
Yesterday, I asked a TSA supervisor about tripods. His answer: it's at the discretion of the inspector. He suggested I bring the tripod to the screening point first and ask, so if the answer THAT DAY is, "no," I can still put it in my checked bag.
This is not helpful at all.
This is not helpful at all.
#23
Join Date: Nov 2005
Programs: AOPA, AAdvantage, jetBlue TrueBlue
Posts: 31
Just remember that the rules say this and the rules say that, but I can guarantee you some rules are stretched a bit based on the category of airport and FSD. For example I know for a fact that at my terminal at JFK; and the many other terminals I worked at, it's the airlines who handles the number of carryon bags. That 1+1 you can get that strictly from an airlines website also. Maybe some airports TSA enforces it, but I know at JFK it tends not to happen. Now if a bag is too big to fit through the x-ray machine, then more than likely it's no carryon bag....now we all now if you travel a lot big bags like that wont fit in the overhead compartment. If it gets through TSA, I can tell that if it's going to be too big then it's going to get gate checked.....how do I know I use to do that stuff when I worked for Swissport. So yes the TSA Website says this, but where I work does it get enforced by TSA, not one bit.
#24
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Location: LAX; AA EXP, MM; HH Gold
Posts: 31,789
Originally Posted by StySho168
Just remember that the rules say this and the rules say that, but I can guarantee you some rules are stretched a bit based on the category of airport and FSD. For example I know for a fact that at my terminal at JFK; and the many other terminals I worked at, it's the airlines who handles the number of carryon bags. That 1+1 you can get that strictly from an airlines website also. Maybe some airports TSA enforces it, but I know at JFK it tends not to happen. Now if a bag is too big to fit through the x-ray machine, then more than likely it's no carryon bag....now we all now if you travel a lot big bags like that wont fit in the overhead compartment. If it gets through TSA, I can tell that if it's going to be too big then it's going to get gate checked.....how do I know I use to do that stuff when I worked for Swissport. So yes the TSA Website says this, but where I work does it get enforced by TSA, not one bit.
Airlines would go back to allowing two or three carryons if the federal limitation was repealed.
Prior to the federal carryon bag limitation, AA's rules and ticket jackets invited First class pax to carry on three bags if they desired.
#25
Join Date: Nov 2005
Programs: AOPA, AAdvantage, jetBlue TrueBlue
Posts: 31
FWAAA,
I don't want to come off like I'm attacking you or anything; I'm just requesting knowledge. Do you know where I can find that actual documentation as regards to October 8th, 2001 and the 1+1 carry-on limitation? A lot of us know that a lot of airlines don't enforce that CFR; hell come to my terminal I see it everday. I think the FAA has been working on this limitation since the late 90's as per AC No:121-29A.
I don't want to come off like I'm attacking you or anything; I'm just requesting knowledge. Do you know where I can find that actual documentation as regards to October 8th, 2001 and the 1+1 carry-on limitation? A lot of us know that a lot of airlines don't enforce that CFR; hell come to my terminal I see it everday. I think the FAA has been working on this limitation since the late 90's as per AC No:121-29A.
Last edited by StySho168; Dec 7, 2005 at 4:09 am
#27
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Location: LAX; AA EXP, MM; HH Gold
Posts: 31,789
Originally Posted by StySho168
FWAAA,
I don't want to come off like I'm attacking you or anything; I'm just requesting knowledge. Do you know where I can find that actual documentation as regards to October 8th, 2001 and the 1+1 carry-on limitation? A lot of us know that a lot of airlines don't enforce that CFR; hell come to my terminal I see it everday. I think the FAA has been working on this limitation since the late 90's as per AC No:121-29A.
I don't want to come off like I'm attacking you or anything; I'm just requesting knowledge. Do you know where I can find that actual documentation as regards to October 8th, 2001 and the 1+1 carry-on limitation? A lot of us know that a lot of airlines don't enforce that CFR; hell come to my terminal I see it everday. I think the FAA has been working on this limitation since the late 90's as per AC No:121-29A.
Federal Aviation Administration
Press Release
Contact: Paul Takemoto
Phone: 202-267-3883
APA 65-01
Date Posted: October 8, 2001
FAA Advises Air Travelers on Airport, Airline Security Measures
WASHINGTON - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued the following tips to help air travelers accommodate and assist the heightened security measures implemented since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Travelers should note that they will now be limited to one carry-on bag and one personal item on all flights.
Allow extra time: The heightened measures require more time to properly screen travelers. Travelers should contact their airline to find out how early they should arrive at the airport. Take public transportation to the airport if possible. Parking and curbside access is likely to be controlled and limited. Curbside check-in is available on an airline-by-airline basis. Travelers should contact their airline to see if it is in place at their airport.
Check-in: A government-issued ID (federal, state or local) is required. Travelers may be asked to show this ID at subsequent points, such as at the gate, along with their boarding passes. Automated check-in kiosks are available for airlines that have appropriate security measures in place. Travelers interested in this option should check with their airline. E-ticket travelers should check with their airline to make sure they have proper documentation. Written confirmation, such as a letter from the airline acknowledging the reservation, may be required.
Screener checkpoints: Only ticketed passengers are allowed beyond the screener checkpoints, except for those with specific medical or parental needs. Each traveler will be limited to one carry-on bag and one personal bag (i.e., purse or briefcase). All electronic items, such as laptops and cell phones, may be subjected to additional screening. Be prepared to remove your laptop from its travel case so that both can be X-rayed separately. Limit metal objects worn on person. Travelers should remove all metal objects prior to passing through the metal detectors in order to facilitate the screening process.
Items prohibited from aircraft cabins: The following items must be placed in, or transported as, checked baggage or risk confiscation. Knives of any length, composition or description Cutting instruments of any kind and composition, including carpet knives and box cutters (and spare blades), any device with a folding or retractable blade, ice picks, straight razors, metal scissors and metal nail files Corkscrews Baseball/softball bats Golf clubs Pool cues Ski poles Hockey sticks When in doubt, transport item in checked baggage
Permitted items: Pets (check with airline for procedures) Walking canes and umbrellas (once inspected to ensure prohibited items are not concealed) Nail clippers Safety razors (including disposable razors) Syringes (with medication and professionally printed label identifying medication or manufacturer's name) Tweezers Eye lash curlers
At the gate: Travelers must be prepared to present a valid photo identification card, along with their boarding pass. Travelers and their bags may be subjected to additional screening.
At all times: Control all bags and personal items. Do not bring anything onboard for another person. Report any unattended items in the airport or aircraft to the nearest airport or airline personnel.
Press Release
Contact: Paul Takemoto
Phone: 202-267-3883
APA 65-01
Date Posted: October 8, 2001
FAA Advises Air Travelers on Airport, Airline Security Measures
WASHINGTON - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued the following tips to help air travelers accommodate and assist the heightened security measures implemented since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Travelers should note that they will now be limited to one carry-on bag and one personal item on all flights.
Allow extra time: The heightened measures require more time to properly screen travelers. Travelers should contact their airline to find out how early they should arrive at the airport. Take public transportation to the airport if possible. Parking and curbside access is likely to be controlled and limited. Curbside check-in is available on an airline-by-airline basis. Travelers should contact their airline to see if it is in place at their airport.
Check-in: A government-issued ID (federal, state or local) is required. Travelers may be asked to show this ID at subsequent points, such as at the gate, along with their boarding passes. Automated check-in kiosks are available for airlines that have appropriate security measures in place. Travelers interested in this option should check with their airline. E-ticket travelers should check with their airline to make sure they have proper documentation. Written confirmation, such as a letter from the airline acknowledging the reservation, may be required.
Screener checkpoints: Only ticketed passengers are allowed beyond the screener checkpoints, except for those with specific medical or parental needs. Each traveler will be limited to one carry-on bag and one personal bag (i.e., purse or briefcase). All electronic items, such as laptops and cell phones, may be subjected to additional screening. Be prepared to remove your laptop from its travel case so that both can be X-rayed separately. Limit metal objects worn on person. Travelers should remove all metal objects prior to passing through the metal detectors in order to facilitate the screening process.
Items prohibited from aircraft cabins: The following items must be placed in, or transported as, checked baggage or risk confiscation. Knives of any length, composition or description Cutting instruments of any kind and composition, including carpet knives and box cutters (and spare blades), any device with a folding or retractable blade, ice picks, straight razors, metal scissors and metal nail files Corkscrews Baseball/softball bats Golf clubs Pool cues Ski poles Hockey sticks When in doubt, transport item in checked baggage
Permitted items: Pets (check with airline for procedures) Walking canes and umbrellas (once inspected to ensure prohibited items are not concealed) Nail clippers Safety razors (including disposable razors) Syringes (with medication and professionally printed label identifying medication or manufacturer's name) Tweezers Eye lash curlers
At the gate: Travelers must be prepared to present a valid photo identification card, along with their boarding pass. Travelers and their bags may be subjected to additional screening.
At all times: Control all bags and personal items. Do not bring anything onboard for another person. Report any unattended items in the airport or aircraft to the nearest airport or airline personnel.
This restriction was enacted at the time DCA was reopened and quickly enacted nationwide on all flights.
The TSA website has contained the restriction ever since its creation. The limit is not typically enforced by TSA screeners, but the TSA has reportedly fined AA for noncompliance. Like many government security rules, the TSA requires that airlines enforce the limit.
#30
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Location: LAX; AA EXP, MM; HH Gold
Posts: 31,789
Originally Posted by bambi47
So, this restriction is not a TSA restriction, its an FAA restriction. Just wanted to make sure I'm reading it right.
Here's an example of the TSA's language on the one carryon plus one personal item policy (in an exception to the rule):
You may carry one (1) musical instrument in addition to one (1) carry-on and one (1) personal item through the screening checkpoint. This is a TSA Screening Policy. Air carriers may or may not allow the additional carry-on item on their aircraft. Please check with your air carrier prior to arriving at the airport.
Note the language "This is a TSA Screening Policy."
I'll post more links if it would assist in understanding the policy. But "redundancy" comes to mind.

As I posted before, screeners don't routinely attempt to enforce the policy. But it's a government rule, not one enacted by the airlines of their own volition. AA employees have recently been cracking down on carryons, and employees have said that the airline was recently fined for allowing passengers to violate the one plus one rule.

