Camera Monopod: OK in Carry-On?
 

From looking at the TSA lists of prohibited items, I would say "yes." Canes are allowed, and monopods are basically just collapsible canes when it comes down to it.

I've brought tripods quite often, but no one would ever think of them as being usable as a weapon. A monopod might be a "weapon" in the same sense as a golf club, baseball bat, etc. I'm sure there are a few screeners out there who will think of it the same way (one of whom works at IAD).

However, I don't like to check baggage unless absolutely necessary.

Experiences? Opinions?

I've brought tripods plenty of times and they have a lot more mass than a monopod. I would say if you have a camera bag, you'd most likely be fine. They would realize it is for photography. If you don't have a camera bag with you, it might make more explanation.

Take it. They are not prohibited items.

the key is whether it has a pointy end....

Do NOT check it... I've checked either a monopod or a tripod at either IAD and SJU, and out of those airports, my bags end up getting searched every single time. At least nothings been damaged out of IAD.

Bring it on. I travel with a collapsible hiking stick (monopod) which has a camera screw on it. I have never even gotten a second glance. Nowadays, carrying a projector in my laptop bag always seems to get me a trip to the ETD table. I keep my head down and don't speak to the screener, in hopes that they will just swab my stuff and let me split. One of the zealots just about caused me to miss a flight, when they took everything out, and then insisted I couldn't touch my own property to put it back in the bag.

Bas#$%$#rds.