Is air travel with tripod carry-on ok?

[halfmoonray]

Well, I am leaving on a jet plane and traveling within the states and I do not want to check any bags. I am not familiar with all of the travel restrictions and I always checked my tripod in the past but don't want to this time because I am paranoid about not having it at the destination in case something happened.

I am taking two carry-ons-->one with camera gear and one with clothes.

I have a new Gitzo G1158T that I am traveling with for the first time and will need it at the destination. It is 17 inches long.

Do I have to check it under or can I take it on-board?

Also, if take it on-board, do I have to conceal it in one of my bags or can I attach it to the outside of my backpack?

Thanks y'all for your help.

[rustylewis]

I have a Gitzo 1258LVL. I fly Southwest 2-3 times each week. I carry my tripod on most every flight.

I have a Lowepro Compurover which has an external attachment for the tripod.

At security, I take the tripod out and run it through by itself on the belt.

On the plane, I take the tripod out and put it on the floor under the seat.

No one has ever questioned me.

[halfmoonray]

Thanks Rusty...the information helps ....I like Southwest more after hearing this and I find myself liking them more and more.

[rustylewis]

I fly Southwest quite a bit. Over 100 flights last year. No one has ever questioned my camera equipment when I fly.

So far ...

[Wilt]

It is quite strange that the TSA guidelines prohibit a pool cue (or baseball bat or hockey stick, etc.) but it does not put the tripod on the same list. One would think the tripod has far greater potential to cause physical harm than a pool cue, so if they allow the tripod, why not the pool cue? :confused:

[StealthLude]

Or a monopod...?

[Jon]

Tripods are pretty much at the discretion of the security officials and the airline crew. If you're checking anything, check it. If you're not planning to check anything be prepared to gate check it either because they decide it's a hazard or that you've got too many/too big luggage.

[halfmoonray]

I made it past security on my first leg of the trip. I took rustys advice and removed it and put it in a separate bin for securrity to loopk at it no problems here at sfo will let you know elsewhere how it goes. Thanks everyone no bags checked

[Tony-S]

It is quite strange that the TSA guidelines prohibit a pool cue (or baseball bat or hockey stick, etc.) but it does not put the tripod on the same list. One would think the tripod has far greater potential to cause physical harm than a pool cue, so if they allow the tripod, why not the pool cue? :confused:

That's because everyone knows photographers are civilized people, while pool, baseball and hockey players are not.

[halfmoonray]

That's because everyone knows photographers are civilized people, while pool, baseball and hockey players are not.

LOL

[sugarzebra]

I had to check a monopod last fall (security claimed it could be used as a weapon), but am glad to hear that tripods are OK :D

[Wilt]

I had to check a monopod last fall (security claimed it could be used as a weapon), but am glad to hear that tripods are OK :D

Pool cues and monopods can poke an eye out and injure someone for life, at major lifetime cost if you do not have accidental dismemberment insurance. A tripod merely can bash in the skull and the burial is relative cheaper and the life is covered by life insurance! :rolleyes:

[cosworth]

I've travelled internationally and within the USA with a manfrotto and a ball head. Zero issues on Delta, American, Air Canada, West Jet, Alaskan, Horizon, Sky King.

You will be fine.