Tripod in carry on - any problems?
 

I will traveling to Australia and Sicily next fall and will take my camera equipment. Have never traveled with a tripod but since I will be in Sydney and environs for three weeks, and then in Sicily for a conference and vacation, I would really like to take it (rather expensive Gitzo). It will fit in my carry on. Has anyone experienced problems with TSA or the foreign equivalents? The tripod does NOT have spiked feet.

Travel will be on AS (SEA-SFO), QF (SFO-SYD), CX (SYD-HKG-FCO), AZ (FCO-CTA), and AA (FCO-ORD-SEA), all in business class (F on domestic flights).

Thanks

I've never gotten a clear answer from TSA. I once asked a TSA supervisor and he told me, "It's probably okay, but it's up to the discretion of the TSO."

I also have a good tripod (a $600 Manfrotto with a Bogen fluid head), and I decided not to risk it. "Probably okay" doesn't insure my $600 investment. I always pack it in the bottom of my checked bag.

I've had my mini tripod checked out a few times at airport security (not in the US, though I can't recall which countries) but it's only because the screener did not know what the strange object was. There was never any risk of it being confiscated.

Assuming it fits the dimensions etc, I don't think that it'd cause problems for "security".

Was once sent back to check a monopod at CDG, even though it easilly fit in my carry-on trolly. YMMW, of course, but I do not think that restrictions have gotten less strict since (it was in '00...)

I've had no problems carrying on a midsized (60") tripod when it's been collapsed. I usually put it in my rollaboard, or clip it to my camera bag, and I've had 0 problems.

I've had more problems trying to carry on a scuba regulator than my tripod.

It's ultimately up to the TSA's discretion, unfortunately. Some airports will let you carry it on, others won't.

My legs are slightly less expensive (~$200), so I just remove the head and carry that on, and then check the legs. That way, the more expensive part is within my control.

I've always checked my Manfrotto legs/ballhead and monopod. I assumed that if they have issues with lacrosse sticks (which I used to play), they'd be concerned with a tri-/monopod.

What is spectacularly stupid about the whole thing is that my tripod is carbon fiber and ultra-light -- around 4 pounds. The fluid head adds an extra pound. It's not like I could do any damage with it. If I swung it at someone it would probably splinter and the person I hit would just say, "Hey, knock it off!" Still, I feel much more safe and secure knowing it's not possible to shoot stills or video from a stable platform when on a plane -- hand-held will help defeat the terrorists!

Thanks for the responses, which are basically what I expected. It might be ok but it might not. And if it's not, I am stuck since my baggage will be checked.

I have considered buying a smaller "travel" tripod but not sure that would solve the uncertainty problem.

Any way to check with the airports I will be using? SEA, SFO, SYD, FCO and ORD.

SFO is where I asked the supervisor who said, "Probably ok, but at the discretion of the TSO." Honestly, I wouldn't take the risk with a good tripod. All you need is a TSO with an attitude and you'll either miss your flight or lose an expensive piece of gear. If you're checking bags anyway, I'd just pack it.

Never had a problem with mine, or with a monopod. (The tripod I usually travel with is a Feisol carbon fiber model that collapses, with removed head, to about 20" in length). It goes in my rollaboard when I travel and has not ever drawn even a second glance from the TSA.

My monopod these days is also a Feisol carbon fiber one and goes in my rollaboard; I used to travel with a Manfrotto aluminum one that was slightly too large to fit in the bag, and thus either strapped onto the camera bag (if I had an entire bag of gear with me) or was carried separately like a cane.

I have traveled with a monopod to/from: IAD, DCA, MBS, CRW, COS, MYR, MRY, SNA, SAN, DFW, LAX, TPA, MCO, CLE, RDU, and several points in between on connections (ORD, DEN, SFO, CLT, LGA come to mind), and never had a problem at any of them. ID checkers at CLE and RDU and a TSA guy (not at the checkpoint, but at check-in) at MRY did make comments about "too many carryons," but explaining the TSA and FAA rules about camera gear always put an end to that discussion.

Pro Photographers
 

I'm a freelance photojournalist; there are several on FT who travel more than I do on the airlines. Those with a lot of equipment airfrieght their equipment and call it good; other, travelling light, will do carryon.

General speaking, I can't recall anyone ih the professional forums running into a problem with tripods or photo gear in any discussions about this subject. In fact, my rollaway has been a non issue with the airlines; (the only time it was a issue was with a puddle jumper. The GA said the rollaway bag, (which had a monopod attached to it) would have to be checked. I responded "Only if you want to guarantee about $20K worth of equipment. It WILL fit under the seat - that's how it got here in the first place." He dropped the issue.)

If you have a photo rollaway bag it will attach to it. I think photo equipment is a non issue if you don't do anything extreme.

Shoot well.

Michael

Never had a problem with mine either, or any camera equipment. Traveled with it in the USA, Europe incl Poland, Germany, UK, etc. Its going with me to Australia this summer.

I am an amateur, but finally have my first serious DSLR and some gear. Can you tell me more about the TSA/FAA rules, and where to find them?

I travel with a CPAP (for sleep apnea) so the number of carryons is becoming a problem.