Tripods and carryons

[Todd_H]

I successfully carried a tripod on a commercial flight back in May, but haven't tried it since then. Has anyone had any more recent experience with the TSA and trying to carry a tripod on board the plane with you? I thought I read recently that they now consider tripods to be weapons and therefore have to be checked.

Thanks.

 

[boBQuincy]

Part of the TSA's strategy, if the TSA is to be believed and *if* the TSA has a strategy at all, is to be inconsistent. This is to keep the evildoers (and passengers I suppose) guessing what TSA is up to. If this is so then we may be allowed through with a tripod today and turned back tomorrow.

The problem occurs when we have to take the tripod back to the ticket counter and try to check it in, while our luggage is already on it's way to the plane. The other problem is if we do not have time for this.

Since the TSA will not come out and say if tripods are allowed as carry on, I do not see much other choice than to put it in my checked luggage. Anyone else have any ideas?

 

[DebºoºS]

In May and in June I carried a tripod on but it was in a bag at the bottom of my carryon. My batteries were wrapped seperately in plastic then in a ziploc bag in the same carryon. I think you only have to cover the terminals. TSA's website wasn't clear on any of this so I also carried with me the phone number for TSA Public Affairs 1 (571) 227-2829 just in case one of the agents went rogue and decided I was a threat and would have to leave my tripod or batteries behind. I planned on discussing it with them directly instead of the agent if need be.

 

[brack]

I always pack mine.

 

[YesDear]

I always pack mine. Are you going to take pictures on the plane? Why not put in checked baggage?

 

[boBQuincy]

I do get a little nervous packing a nice set of carbon fiber legs in checked luggage. The RRS ballhead definitely goes with me in carry on.

FWIW (not much I think) I have read that TSA allows carbon tripods because the x-ray can see inside the legs, but metal legs are not ok. Don't know...

 

[pointandshoot]

I traveled 3 weeks ago with Gitzo carbon fiber tripod with a big ballhead attached. No problems from RDU to MCO or back in carry on. If you are concerned, take a second to chat with TSA BEFORE you check your bag if that is possible. If they have an issue, toss it into the checked back. I doubt you will though. They did not even swab my carry on bag like they always do when I carry pins to Disney for trade.

I chatted with TSA twice prior to this recent trip. Everytime they said a tripod was OK and did not question its composition.

Why be nervious...I guess it is the Southwest Airline policy about a lost bag and not covering my nice tripod and ball head. I would check it only as a last option.

 

[pxlbarrel]

I carried my tripod in carry on a year ago since I didn't have checked luggage. I was going to New YOrk City not Orlando. Nobody said anything about it. I forget what it's made out of...it's not carbon fibre .... something that starts with an "m". LOL

Anyway, I usually check it though....

 

[Groucho]

I haven't tried to carry on a tripod but have been denied when I tried to carry on my monopod. I suspect that either one would get denied sometimes, but the tripod would have a much better chance of success... being carbon fiber with padded legs vs a silver-colored aluminum stick.

 

[drcandon]

I had a run in with Canadian security - they freaked on my monopod..luckily my baggage had not wondered to far and I could still stuff it in there..

Even still upon arriving I had an inspection tag on my luggage and the monopod had an inspection sticker on it...

I asked Canuck security on coming back about it and they claim that they are familair with tripods and the various types, but monopods and mainly what they CAN contain ????? or be used for is cause for inspection IF NOT SEIZURE...

So, I asked them how to guarantee it is okay...so for Canada I can take my monopod to any Canada Customs and Excise center or RCMP office - have it inspected and then tagged ( they record the serial etc etc)... then that is packed WITH the monopod in the same bag or attached to it..I stuff it in a bag and tie wrap it to the thing...that should solve the problem..

Is this a strange world or what???

 

[jfinke]

What about a monopod that comes out of a tripod?