Tripods on a plane.

[dburg30]

I did a quick scan, so I could have missed it, but are normal tripods or monopods allowed in carry one luggage? Or would they consider it a club type item and not allow it?

Walking Canes and Umbrellas are listed as "allowed in carry-on baggage once they have been inspected to ensure that prohibited items are not concealed." (from the tsa site) I wonder if they would look at tripods the same way?

 

[safetymom]

My experience is that they are not allowed. I travel with photographers and they all have stories where they were required to check them. Their home airport may have allowed it but the return wouldn't. I have seen many heated discussions over tripods with the TSA agents.

 

[DueyDooDah]

We just travelled to San Diego Airport and returned via Ontario airport (3 airports in 2 states). My DW and I both carried full-sized tripods in our carry-on luggage (2 different bags). The only question asked was from a new TSA person that could not identify what it was in the scanner. An experienced worker looked at it and identified it as a tripod and passed it thru. The bags were never opened. I'd say go for it.

 

[dburg30]

LOL thank you both for your answers. As with a lot of stuff on travelling it's fun to see polar opposite experiences when dealing with this type of stuff .

I guess I'll just decide that day..

 

[MICKEY88]

I seem to recall this topic being discussed recently, as I recall the general concensus was to check your tripod, because some airports allow them as carry on and some don't so it's easier to just check it..

there was mention of tripods being capable of being used as weapons..


http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18059143#post18059143&highlight=tripod+flying

 

[dburg30]

Yep, and the TSA confirmed the grey area on this one..

I had emailed them asking about tripods, and this is the reply. Do as others have said, maybe, maybe not, so checking it is probably the best idea..

Thank you for your e-mail.



The Transportation Security Administration's current security screening procedures require all carry-on luggage and accessible property be screened before passengers take them onboard an aircraft. Regardless of whether an item is on the prohibited or permitted items list, the Transportation Security Officers (TSO's) have discretion to prohibit an individual from carrying an item through the screening checkpoint or onboard an aircraft if the item poses a security threat.



Therefore, TSA security screening personnel make the final decision on whether to permit items like a into the sterile area of the airport. Should you need additional assistance, feel free to contact us at toll free 866-289-9673.



Please visit our website at www.tsa.gov for additional information about TSA. We continue to add new information and encourage you to check the website frequently for updated information.



We hope this information is helpful.



TSA Contact Center

 

[tiggr33]

Another thing to consider, tripods are just like cameras, there are hundreds of choices out there. I'm sure I couldn't get through a TSA checkpoint with my Bogen tripod. But probably could with a Benro compact model.

Yet another point to consider. If you go to the checkpoint, and they tell you NO you cannot carry it. What do you do? Will you have enough time to go back to a ticketing counter and check it? Will you have access to supplies to pack it? Does the airport have a post office, can you ship it?

I would fist decide by the size of the unit. Then take a look at the airports you will be traveling through. Are they big city airports used to a lot of photographers going through them, or are they small rurual airports. Are they in the USA or other countries. If international, you have even more rules to look at.

Sorry to say, but there is no easy answer to this question. It is very subjective, based on the tripod, the agent, personalities.....

 

[dburg30]

Another thing to consider, tripods are just like cameras, there are hundreds of choices out there. I'm sure I couldn't get through a TSA checkpoint with my Bogen tripod. But probably could with a Benro compact model.

Yet another point to consider. If you go to the checkpoint, and they tell you NO you cannot carry it. What do you do? Will you have enough time to go back to a ticketing counter and check it? Will you have access to supplies to pack it? Does the airport have a post office, can you ship it?

I would fist decide by the size of the unit. Then take a look at the airports you will be traveling through. Are they big city airports used to a lot of photographers going through them, or are they small rurual airports. Are they in the USA or other countries. If international, you have even more rules to look at.

Sorry to say, but there is no easy answer to this question. It is very subjective, based on the tripod, the agent, personalities.....

Yep, which is why it will get checked . Now the thing will be do I want it for my first visit to a park, as if I do, I'll have to get my bags and take them on the DME going against my opinion of doing that