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Question for TSA: Tripods?
Hopefully, I can get a definitive answer from someone (preferably one of the TSA folks who post here).
Tripods -- yes or no? I've got a carbon fiber (meaning very light) tripod. It doesn't have spiked feet. When collapsed, it's smaller-than-carryon size. The TSA website is completely silent about tripods (I can't believe this doesn't come up more often). This is a $600 piece of equipment, and I'm not about to risk confiscation. Is there a clear rule? Is it "inspector's discretion"? Thanks for any info. |
I'm not TSA but I have carried on my lightweight tripod (also collapses to very compact - to about 14 inches or so) with not so much as a second glance by the TSA. TSA will also allow a third bag with carryon photo equipment:
http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/e...orial_1248.xml But no guarantee your airline will allow the extra bag. |
I'm pretty sure you'll be ok. But, I have seen supervisors ask them to be checked. As long as its lightweight, I think you'll be fine. TSA has no rules as to how many pieces of carry on you can have. If the airline lets you through with 10, as long as there are no prohibited items, you can have 10. the rules for luggage are airline rules. You can always call the airline at your airport, they are usually pretty knowedgeable about what the TSA allows at their particular airport.
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Originally Posted by bambi47
TSA has no rules as to how many pieces of carry on you can have. If the airline lets you through with 10, as long as there are no prohibited items, you can have 10. the rules for luggage are airline rules. You can always call the airline at your airport, they are usually pretty knowedgeable about what the TSA allows at their particular airport.
From the link I posted above - your agency's website: You may carry one (1) bag of photographic equipment in addition to one (1) carry-on and one (1) personal item through the screening checkpoint. The additional bag must conform to your air carrier's carry-on restrictions for size and weight. Please confirm your air carrier's restrictions prior to arriving at the airport. 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. The One carryon plus one "personal item" dates to October 8, 2001, when it was enacted by Norm Mineta in a Security Directive. The TSA has never published a publicly available regulation containing the limitation, but since it's in a Security Directive, it's the rule. From other portions of your agency's website: Carry-on baggage is a small piece of luggage you take onboard the airplane with you. You are allowed one carry-on in addition to one personal item such as a laptop computer, purse, small backpack, briefcase, or camera case. Carry-on baggage is limited to one carry-on bag plus one personal item. Personal items include laptops, purses, small backpacks, briefcases, or camera cases. Remember, 1+1. I don't why you persist in posting incorrect information concerning the allowable number of carryon bags, but each time you do, someone will probably counter with facts. And the fact is that the TSA limits the number of carryons permitted. Airlines are free to further limit it, but the 1+1 rule is federal, not airline. |
Originally Posted by bambi47
I'm pretty sure you'll be ok. But, I have seen supervisors ask them to be checked. As long as its lightweight, I think you'll be fine.
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Originally Posted by PTravel
What's the basis for asking them to be checked? As I said, this is a $600 piece of precision equipment, and I'm not about to just hand it to the airline without it being packed in something. Is this a discretionary thing? Is there any rule I can point to, i.e. "it weighs less than X pounds," or whatever?
A multi-D-cell Maglite (typically used by LA cops to beat suspects) might very well be disallowed while a mini-maglite would pass unquestioned. That said, I have traveled with a lightweight tripod (though not $600 worth) and never been questioned. And despite the misinformation in bambi47's post, you are allowed an extra carryon containing your photographic equipment, provided your airline agrees. I'd call your airline in advance and ask about it. |
I see tripods everyday and they usually dont get a second look. The only ones that do are the ones that are very small and compact because of the heavy density that they have due to their size. Yours should be fine. However you might want to read the limits of liability on your ticket sleeve. The airlines wont pay for anything that is damaged especially in carry on.
As far as FWAAA says and the number of bags: I tried to get to the bottom of this issue over a year ago. I can tell you that it is murky. While the TSA website tells you what the number of bags are that are allowed, the TSA doesnt take enforcement action. As far as checkpoint screeners are concerned, they dont care. At DEN it is up to the private ticket checkers before the checkpoint to inform the pax that they are over the limit on the number or size of carry on. |
Originally Posted by eyecue
As far as FWAAA says and the number of bags: I tried to get to the bottom of this issue over a year ago. I can tell you that it is murky. While the TSA website tells you what the number of bags are that are allowed, the TSA doesnt take enforcement action. As far as checkpoint screeners are concerned, they dont care. At DEN it is up to the private ticket checkers before the checkpoint to inform the pax that they are over the limit on the number or size of carry on. There's some rumors floating around AA employees (I am NOT an employee of AA or any of its affiliates) that AA was recently fined by the FAA/TSA (don't know which and nobody I've talked to seems to know) for allowing pax to ignore the one plus one limit. As a result, AA has begun crackdowns at the entrance to the checkpoint in some cities and crackdowns at the gate in other cities, forcing pax to use the sizer boxes (which weed out a lot of oversized carryons). As with many government mandates, the enforcement is left to the airlines. With the threat of government fines for noncompliance. |
Originally Posted by PTravel
I've got a carbon fiber (meaning very light) tripod. It doesn't have spiked feet. When collapsed, it's smaller-than-carryon size. The TSA website is completely silent about tripods (I can't believe this doesn't come up more often). This is a $600 piece of equipment, and I'm not about to risk confiscation.
I could envision a TSA minion thinking (rightly I might add) that the combo of the heavy head and the strong legs might become in effect quite an effective cudgel to knock people around with. |
Originally Posted by brentley
How heavy of a head do you have on this tripod? My landscape tripod is carbon fiber but with a pretty heavy ball head, I have never even tried to carry it on, I take my pelican case for my cameras and then I check a roller bag with the tripod in it. I figure that a tripod is not the sort of thing a bag thief will be that interested in, my cameras, however would look quite tasty (even though they are film).
I could envision a TSA minion thinking (rightly I might add) that the combo of the heavy head and the strong legs might become in effect quite an effective cudgel to knock people around with. I remain worried, though, that some inspector who is having a bad day will simply arbitrarily decide, "this could be used as a weapon," and refuse to allow it on board. I did read the discussion on flashlights -- as I understood it, conceivably, an inspector could decide that my MINI maglight, which weighs a couple of ounces and is about 5 inches long, could be used as a weapon and seized. I always keep a minimag in my carryon bag (it's smart to have a flashlight on an airplane and in a hotel -- you never know). If that get's excluded, I'm out $10. My tripod, on the other hand, is just too expensive to play inspector roulette with. |
Originally Posted by eyecue
I see tripods everyday and they usually dont get a second look. The only ones that do are the ones that are very small and compact because of the heavy density that they have due to their size. Yours should be fine. However you might want to read the limits of liability on your ticket sleeve. The airlines wont pay for anything that is damaged especially in carry on.
http://www.binoculars.com/products/B...ion_24823.html and this is the video head: http://www.mnwxchaser.com/mount/mount001.jpg I'm well aware of the airlines liability exclusions, which is why I want to carry this on in the first place. |
Originally Posted by brentley
I could envision a TSA minion thinking (rightly I might add) that the combo of the heavy head and the strong legs might become in effect quite an effective cudgel to knock people around with.
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Originally Posted by FWAAA
Incorrect.
From the link I posted above - your agency's website: Your assertions that the TSA has no rules on the number of carryons is simply false. The One carryon plus one "personal item" dates to October 8, 2001, when it was enacted by Norm Mineta in a Security Directive. The TSA has never published a publicly available regulation containing the limitation, but since it's in a Security Directive, it's the rule. From other portions of your agency's website: http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/e...orial_1052.xml I don't why you persist in posting incorrect information concerning the allowable number of carryon bags, but each time you do, someone will probably counter with facts. And the fact is that the TSA limits the number of carryons permitted. Airlines are free to further limit it, but the 1+1 rule is federal, not airline. |
Originally Posted by bambi47
You know, I'm getting tired of you saying that I am posting misinformation. I know what the TSA rules state. But I'm telling you what ACTUALLY happens everyday on the checkpoint. And I'm telling you that if the airlines ticket checker lets you through with 10 bags, the TSA isn't going to say anything unless there is a prohibited item in them. I see it EVERYDAY. NEVER have I seen the TSA mention anything to anyone about the number of bags they have.
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. :) |
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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. :) |
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. :) |
So far as I'm aware the rules regarding carry on items is actually an FAA regulation that is enforced by TSA ASIs...
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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. |
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. |
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. Little wonder so many people have no use for this worthless agency. :( |
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. |
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.
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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. |
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. |
Sorry, but what are approximately dimensions to fit through the x-ray machine. For UA, 45 linear inches are OK as carry-on. Will a bag, sizes 17x18x10 inches (totaly 45 inches) fit the x-ray machine?
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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. 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. 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. |
So, this restriction is not a TSA restriction, its an FAA restriction. Just wanted to make sure I'm reading it right.
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Thanks for the info FWAAA.
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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. |
I have taken a tripod through at SFO and will try to find the TSA rule that permits them. (I asked the same Q on FT and somebody posted a link... maybe try using search?) Personally I thought it was idiotic that I couldn't bring my nail clippers but I could bring a heavy tripod. :rolleyes:
Also at SFO, I once tried to take my boyfriend's rolly bag to the AC (he had a last minute meeting at work, so he dropped me off with both bags, so he could take BART from work). The gate checker told me that I couldn't take an extra bag and swore that it was AA's policy. I went to the AA counter and they swore it was the TSA's policy. I asked both people to stand next to each other and help me figure out the situation -- they argued with each other and I finally resolved it by stuffing my shoulder bag into one of the rollybags. |
The rules I read said that the TSA will allow you to carry one musical instrument in addition to 1 carry on and 1 personal item. But, the airline may not allow the additional carry on. It means, if the airline will allow the extra bag, its ok with us too. If the airline says no on the instrument, the TSA goes along with them. Sounds like an airline rule to me.
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Originally Posted by bambi47
The rules I read said that the TSA will allow you to carry one musical instrument in addition to 1 carry on and 1 personal item. But, the airline may not allow the additional carry on. It means, if the airline will allow the extra bag, its ok with us too. If the airline says no on the instrument, the TSA goes along with them. Sounds like an airline rule to me.
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Originally Posted by FWAAA
I called the President and he confirms for me that the carryon limit of one carryon plus one personal item, the law of the land since October 8, 2001, is indeed a federal rule (of the TSA). Call him if you disagree with me.
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Originally Posted by FWAAA
No problemo. AFAIK, there is no CFR containing the "one plus one" carryon limit.
On October 8, 2001, as was stated previously, the FAA made the requirement that air carriers limit carry-ons to one bag plus one personal item. It appears that most of Title 14 of the CFR stayed with the FAA and was not transferred to the TSA (at least as near as I can tell). The TSA administers rules found in Title 49 of the CFR. Therefore, it is not an airline policy nor a TSA rule. It's an FAA rule. |
Originally Posted by Deeg
I can't believe there's still an argument over who determines the number of carry-ons allowed. A quick Google search turned up 14 CFR 121.589, which states that an airline may not allow carry-on luggage unless they have an approved "carry-on baggage program".
On October 8, 2001, as was stated previously, the FAA made the requirement that air carriers limit carry-ons to one bag plus one personal item. It appears that most of Title 14 of the CFR stayed with the FAA and was not transferred to the TSA (at least as near as I can tell). The TSA administers rules found in Title 49 of the CFR. Therefore, it is not an airline policy nor a TSA rule. It's an FAA rule. |
Originally Posted by bambi47
Thanks for finding that. I knew it wasn't our policy, but people love to tell me I'm wrong. :)
In post #3, you posted the following:
Originally Posted by bambi47
<snip>
TSA has no rules as to how many pieces of carry on you can have. If the airline lets you through with 10, as long as there are no prohibited items, you can have 10. the rules for luggage are airline rules.
Originally Posted by bambi47
The president didn't even sign the Aviation and Security Transportation Act until Nov. 19, 2001. There was no TSA on Oct 8, 2001 to have enacted such a law. Get your facts straight. The limitations on the amount of bags allowed and their size is indeed an airline policy. Why would the TSA limit the number of bags you have or their size, your not getting on our airplane. We could care less if you have a hundred bags, the amount is not our concern. We are only concerned with the contents.
"Get my facts straight"?? Guess the hue and cry for courtesy and civility only run one direction. Have a nice day, officer. |
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